Choosing the Right Professional for Your Home Plans
Many homeowners assume they must hire a licensed architect to design a new house. The truth is far more flexible, and often far more affordable. In most states, a qualified residential designer or drafter can create complete house plans for one- and two-family dwellings without needing an architect’s seal.
So when can a designer replace an architect?
Almost always — as long as the project is residential and not overly complex. Designers handle:
Custom home plans
Additions and remodels
Garages, porches, and accessory buildings
Interior layout redesigns
Kitchen and bath renovations
As-built drawings for existing homes
The building code clearly sets out which projects require an architect’s stamp, and single-family homes rarely fall into that category. A skilled drafter can produce accurate, code-compliant drawings that meet local permit requirements and give your builder everything necessary to start construction.
Architects remain valuable when dealing with large commercial projects, complex structural systems, or modernist architectural styles requiring advanced detailing. But for the majority of homeowners, a residential designer offers a faster turnaround, a more personal design process, and significant cost savings, without sacrificing quality.