Get Your Project Cost Right Now.
Enter your home's details below and get an instant ballpark estimate. No sign-up required. Final pricing confirmed after a free project review with David.
Configure Your Project
What's included in this estimate
This calculator estimates the cost of the architectural plan set only — the drawings required to obtain a building permit. Additional consultants (structural engineer, solar designer, etc.) are listed separately below your estimate.
- Basic site plan (lot boundaries, setbacks, building footprint)
- Floor plan(s) — all levels
- Exterior elevations (all 4 sides)
- Building sections & details
- Roof plan
- Electrical plan
- Title 24 energy compliance report
- Standard architectural notes & specifications
Enter the total living area of the new home you are building.
Project Complexity
Configure your project and click
Calculate Estimate to see pricing.
Estimates are based on typical Sacramento-area projects and current pricing as of 2026. Final quotes depend on project complexity, number of plan sheets, and jurisdiction requirements. Contact us for an exact quote.
Ready for an Exact Quote?
Our estimates are a starting point. Contact David directly for a precise quote tailored to your project.
916-694-9949[email protected]All Services at a Glance
For remodels, garage conversions, and restoration projects, pricing is based on the total square footage of the existing home — not just the area being worked on. This reflects the full drafting scope required.
| Service | Rate | Priced On | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Custom Home Construction Plans | $1.80/sq ft | Project sq ft | 5–10 business days (arch.) · +15–20 if structural engineer needed · +up to 10 for solar/fire sprinkler |
| ADU Construction Plans | $4.00/sq ft | Project sq ft | Complete plan set ready in ~10 business days |
| Garage Conversion Plans | $1.30/sq ft | Whole home sq ft | 5–10 business days (arch.) · +10–30 total if structural engineer needed |
| Residential Remodel & Upgrade Plans | $1.40/sq ft | Whole home sq ft | 5–10 business days (arch.) · +10–30 total if structural engineer needed |
| Disaster / Fire Restoration Plans | $1.30/sq ft | Whole home sq ft | 5–10 business days (arch.) · +10–30 total if structural engineer needed · +up to 10 for solar/fire sprinkler |
| 24-Hour As-Built Floor Plan | $0.00/sq ft | Project sq ft | 24 hours |
Why Architectural Plans Come First
Many homeowners ask for a total project cost before any drawings exist. The truth is: no one can give you an accurate total until the architectural plans are complete. Here's why — and what each stage costs.
Architectural Plans
Liberty Drafting Studios
See calculator above
Floor plans, elevations, site plan, electrical plan, Title 24 energy report, and all architectural details required for a building permit. This is the foundation — every other consultant works from these drawings.
Structural Engineering
Licensed Structural Engineer
$2,000–$4,000
Required when removing load-bearing walls, building on a hillside, or for any project with complex structural loads. The engineer reviews the architectural plans and adds structural calculations and details. Cannot be quoted until architectural plans are complete.
Solar Panel System Design
Licensed Solar Designer
$800–$2,000
California Title 24 requires solar on most new homes and ADUs. A solar designer sizes the system and produces plans for the building department. Required for new custom homes, ADUs, and most disaster restoration projects.
Fire Sprinkler System Design
Licensed Fire Protection Engineer
$1,500–$3,000
California requires fire sprinklers in all new homes and ADUs. A licensed fire protection engineer designs the sprinkler layout to meet NFPA 13D standards. Required for new custom homes, ADUs, and full reconstruction projects.
Professional Site Survey
Licensed Land Surveyor
$1,500–$4,000
A licensed surveyor maps property boundaries, grades, and existing improvements. Required by some jurisdictions or for hillside, irregular, or disputed-boundary lots. Our basic site plan is sufficient for most standard projects.
Building Permit Fees
Building Department
$400–$2,500+
Paid directly to your local building department. Fees vary by jurisdiction, project type, and valuation. Sacramento City, Sacramento County, Placer County, El Dorado County, and Yolo County all have different fee schedules.
The bottom line
Architectural plans are the necessary first step. Once they're complete, every other consultant — structural engineer, solar designer, fire sprinkler engineer — can give you an accurate quote. Your contractor can also provide a precise construction bid. Without plans, all other numbers are guesses.
See our full project process →Full guide: all project stages →