One of the most common questions I get is, “How much do you charge to design a home?”
For new construction, my rates typically range between $0.90–$1.00 per square foot. For smaller projects like an ADU, garage, or addition, pricing starts at a $500 minimum, with the final cost depending on the size and complexity of the design.
That being said, there are many factors that influence the final cost of a home design project. Every home, site, and client is different, so I don’t post a flat rate on my website. If I did, it would either scare some people away or mislead others. Instead, I take the time to learn about your specific project so I can give you a fair and accurate quote. Let me walk you through why pricing varies so much and what goes into determining the cost for your home.
Why there’s no one-size-fits-all price
Every home design project is unique. Some might be a simple single-story house, while others are multi-level with a walk-out basement and challenging grading. I’ve worked on remodels that required measuring existing spaces, additions that needed to blend seamlessly with the original home, and brand-new builds on tricky lots.
All of these variables affect how much time I’ll need to put into your design and time equals money.
Factors that influence the cost
Complexity of the design
A straightforward single-level home will always take less time to design than a complex, multi-level project with special features. Custom elevations, unusual layouts, intricate rooflines, and unique architectural details require more design hours to get everything just right, and that affects the overall cost.
Location and municipality requirements
Where your home will be built also plays a big role. Some cities or counties have minimal requirements, while others require detailed engineering, energy efficiency documentation, or specific formatting for plan submittal. Meeting those higher standards takes additional time and coordination. This is where my Energy Efficient Design Service comes in, it ensures your plans meet those requirements without sacrificing your vision.
Information you provide
The more information you can give me up front, the faster, smoother, and often more affordable the design process will be. If you already have a floor plan, elevation ideas, a plot plan with property lines, or a site plan with topographic details, we can hit the ground running. Having a recent survey is especially valuable because it gives us accurate measurements and site data, which help prevent costly surprises later. If you don’t have one, working with a reputable surveying company can be a smart move. Companies like R&A Civil offer professional survey and mapping services that provide exactly the information we need to design efficiently.
When clients are still figuring out what they want, there’s naturally more back-and-forth, which adds time to the process and, in turn, increases the cost. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about building, you’re not alone. As Architectural Digest notes, knowing your priorities, doing solid research, and having a complete plan in place before construction starts are key to avoiding costly surprises and keeping your project on track. You can also read more about these pricing considerations in this detailed breakdown.
Why investing in good design saves money in the long run
A good set of plans is one of the best investments you can make in your home build. Cutting corners at the design stage often leads to bigger, more expensive problems during construction. According to a study in the Journal of Engineering Science and Technology, design-phase deficiencies like incomplete drawings or frequent design changes are major causes of cost overruns. The research stresses that investing time and rigor in the design stage, along with effective coordination, helps prevent expensive issues once construction is underway.
I’ve had clients come to me after working with someone who gave them incomplete or incorrect plans. They couldn’t get city or county approval, ran into construction issues, and had to hire me to redraw everything from scratch. By that point, the cost was much higher than it would have been if we’d done it right from the start.
Whether it’s through my Custom Home Design Service for local projects or my Remote Design Service for clients nationwide, my goal is to create clear, buildable plans that keep your project moving smoothly from start to finish.
How to get your custom quote
Since no two projects are the same, the best way to find out how much your home design will cost is to set up a quick consultation. We’ll talk about your vision, the property, and any special features you have in mind. From there, I can give you a realistic ballpark range and a detailed proposal—so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Book your free consultation today and let’s start designing your dream home.
