A Principal Architectural Designer’s Perspective on Cost

One of the first questions homeowners ask when planning a remodel is:

“How much do permit drawings cost?”

The better question is:

“How much does it cost to plan a project correctly before construction begins?”

Because not all plans are the same—and the difference shows up later in:

• contractor pricing
• construction quality
• and overall project cost

What Permit Drawings Actually Are

Permit drawings are not just paperwork for the city.

They are the documents that define:

• what is being built
• how it is constructed
• how contractors price the project

A complete plan set typically includes:

• layout and wall changes
• electrical and lighting design intent
• plumbing coordination
• structural considerations
• key construction details

These drawings become the foundation of your entire remodel.

Typical Cost of Permit Drawings in Atlanta

For larger remodeling projects:

Permit drawings are typically priced around

$5–$10 per square foot

At Delano Designs:

Plans are generally around ~$7 per square foot, depending on complexity

Why Smaller Projects Are Not Priced the Same Way

For bathrooms and kitchens, pricing is not strictly based on square footage.

That’s because:

the level of coordination required doesn’t scale down proportionally

A 120 sq ft bathroom still requires:

• layout planning
• electrical coordination
• plumbing adjustments
• construction detailing

Typical Pricing for Bathrooms & Kitchens

Bathroom Projects

Design and planning typically starts at:

$3,000+

Permit-ready drawings are developed after the design phase and typically range:

$1,500 – $2,500+

Kitchen Projects

Design and planning typically starts at:

$5,000+

Permit drawings typically range:

$2,500 – $4,500+

Total Planning Investment

For most projects:

• Bathrooms: $4,500 – $6,500+
• Kitchens: $7,500 – $10,000+

What Actually Affects the Cost

1. Project Complexity

• Structural changes
• Layout reconfiguration
• Additions or expansions

2. Level of Detail

There is a major difference between:

• basic permit drawings
• fully coordinated construction plans

More detailed plans result in:

• clearer pricing
• fewer assumptions
• better execution

3. Scope of Work

• Single-room remodel vs full home
• Kitchen vs addition
• Simple updates vs structural changes

Why Cheaper Plans Often Cost More

This is one of the biggest misconceptions in remodeling.

Lower-cost plans usually mean:

• less detail
• less coordination
• more decisions left to the field

This often leads to:

• inconsistent contractor bids
• change orders
• delays
• increased overall cost

What looks like a savings upfront often becomes a much more expensive project.

Design First. Plans Second.

Many homeowners try to skip directly to permit drawings.

The problem is:

without a fully developed design, the plans are incomplete.

This leads to:

• unclear scope
• inaccurate pricing
• changes during construction

A proper process ensures:

the design is resolved before it is translated into construction drawings.

What You Should Expect From a Quality Plan Set

A strong permit-ready plan set should provide:

• clear layout and scope
• coordinated systems (electrical, plumbing)
• structural intent
• elevations and detailing
• contractor-ready documentation

The goal is not just approval—it’s clarity.

The Real Cost Question

The real question isn’t:

“How much do permit drawings cost?”

It’s:

“What will it cost if my project isn’t fully planned?”

Because that’s where most of the expense—and frustration—comes from.

Start With a Plan That Actually Works

At Delano Designs, we create permit-ready construction plans in Atlanta that give homeowners a clear path from concept to construction.

Better planning leads to better outcomes.

Ready to Plan Your Project?

If you're considering a remodel and want to understand your project clearly before building:

Schedule a design consultation to get started