Professional · Cost Guide
How Much Does Drafting Cost in Ontario?
Drafting costs in Ontario range from $1,500 – $3,500 per project. Prices vary by scope, city, and site conditions.
$1,500+
Starting price
2-6 weeks
Timeline
5%
Recommended contingency
Drafting Cost Breakdown
| Scope | Low | High | Unit | Labour | Material |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basement renovation drawings | $1,500 | $3,500 | per project | 95% | 5% |
| Addition/extension drawings | $3,000 | $8,000 | per project | 95% | 5% |
| Full house design (architectural) | $8,000 | $20,000 | per project | 95% | 5% |
| As-built drawings | $1,000 | $3,000 | per project | 95% | 5% |
| Structural engineering drawings | $2,000 | $6,000 | per project | 95% | 5% |
Price Ranges at a Glance
Basement renovation drawings
Addition/extension drawings
Full house design (architectural)
As-built drawings
Structural engineering drawings
What's Included vs Not Included
Typically Included
- Site measurement and documentation
- Floor plans and elevations
- Building code review (OBC compliance)
- Municipal submission package
- One round of revisions
Not Included (Extra Cost)
- Structural engineering stamp (P.Eng)
- Interior design and 3D rendering
- Landscape architecture
- Additional revision rounds ($200-$500 each)
- Permit application fees
- Site survey ($1,000-$2,500)
Drafting Cost by City
Prices adjusted for local labour rates and material costs across 15 GTA cities.
| City | Low | High | vs Toronto | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Toronto City of Toronto | $1,500 | $3,500 | 0% | View |
Mississauga Peel Region | $1,399 | $3,264 | -5% | View |
Brampton Peel Region | $1,355 | $3,161 | -8% | View |
Vaughan York Region | $1,442 | $3,365 | -3% | View |
Markham York Region | $1,428 | $3,332 | -3% | View |
Richmond Hill York Region | $1,427 | $3,330 | -4% | View |
Aurora York Region | $1,384 | $3,229 | -6% | View |
Oakville Halton Region | $1,543 | $3,600 | +2% | View |
Burlington Halton Region | $1,427 | $3,329 | -4% | View |
Milton Halton Region | $1,355 | $3,161 | -8% | View |
Ajax Durham Region | $1,325 | $3,092 | -9% | View |
Pickering Durham Region | $1,355 | $3,161 | -8% | View |
Oshawa Durham Region | $1,282 | $2,991 | -12% | View |
Whitby Durham Region | $1,311 | $3,059 | -10% | View |
Hamilton City of Hamilton | $1,310 | $3,057 | -10% | View |
Permit & Engineering Costs
Survey
Ontario Land Surveyor
Required for additions and new builds to confirm property boundaries and setbacks. Most municipalities require current survey (within 10 years). Older surveys may not be accepted.
$500-$2,000
Geotechnical Report
Geotechnical engineer
Required for new foundations, underpinning, or sites with soil concerns. Engineer bores test holes, analyzes soil bearing capacity, recommends foundation design. Structural engineer uses this data for foundation sizing.
$2,000-$5,000
Arborist Report
ISA-certified arborist
Some municipalities require tree protection plans if construction is near mature trees (often 30 cm diameter or larger). Arborist specifies tree protection zones and construction methods to preserve roots.
$500-$1,500
Money-Saving Tips
BCIN designer costs 30-50% less than a full architect for permit drawings — same legal authority for Part 9 buildings.
Get a site survey before starting design — assumptions about lot size create expensive redesigns.
Provide a clear wish list before the first meeting — design changes after drawings start cost $200-$500 per round.
Ask for digital files (DWG/PDF) — you'll need them for contractor bidding and permit applications.
Structural drawings are separate from architectural — budget for both on additions and underpinning.
Related Cost Guides
Drafting Cost FAQs
Do I need an architect or can I use a drafter?
OBC requires an OAA-licensed architect for buildings over 600 square metres or more than three storeys. Most residential renovations and additions are under this threshold — a drafter or architectural technologist is fine. Architects charge more ($150-$250/hr vs. $60-$150/hr) but offer design expertise. For complex projects or if you want design help, hire an architect. For permit drawings only, a technologist or drafter is cheaper.
What's the difference between an architect and a drafter?
Architects hold an OAA license, have university degrees (B.Arch or M.Arch), and can stamp drawings. They provide design services and are legally required for large/complex buildings. Architectural technologists (OAATO members) have college diplomas and prepare permit drawings but can't stamp plans. Drafters have CAD skills but no formal designation — fine for simple projects. Structural engineers (P.Eng) are separate — they calculate loads and size beams regardless of who draws the plans.
How detailed do permit drawings need to be?
Building departments require floor plans (showing all rooms, dimensions, windows, doors), elevations (exterior views), sections (cut-through views showing heights and construction), and site plan (property boundaries, setbacks, existing buildings). Drawings must include dimensions, material callouts, insulation values, and code compliance notes. Toronto requires 1:50 scale plans and SB-10 energy forms. Incomplete drawings get rejected during plan review.
Can I draw my own plans for a building permit?
Legally yes, but most homeowners lack the skills. Permit drawings require accurate dimensions, code knowledge, proper scale, and technical details. DIY drawings usually get rejected — plan examiners want specific information (how is fire separation achieved? what's the insulation value? where do beams bear?). Hiring a professional is faster and less stressful. Save DIY for concept sketches to communicate with your drafter.
What does a structural engineer do?
Structural engineers (P.Eng license) calculate loads and design structural elements: beams, columns, foundations, shoring. If you're removing load-bearing walls, adding a storey, or changing foundations, you need an engineer to size beams, specify connections, and stamp structural drawings. Your drafter coordinates with the engineer, but you pay them separately ($1,500-$5,000 for typical residential work). Engineer's stamp is legally required for permit approval.
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