When you start thinking about building a house, renovating or extending your home, one of the first doubts that arise is very clear: how much does an architect charge for a plan in Spain? And the answer, as it usually happens in architecture, is: it depends.
In this article we explain clearly how much an architectural plan can cost, what factors influence the price and what types of architectural plans exist, so you know exactly what you are paying for.
What exactly is an architectural plan?
An architectural plan is much more than a simple drawing. It is the basis of any project of new constructionrenovation or construction project. It defines spaces, measurements, distribution, uses and technical criteria that will allow the construction of a safe, functional and legal house.
From a simple house plan to a building plan, each document has a different level of complexity and therefore a different cost.
Factors influencing the price of an architectural plan
Not all architectural plans cost the same. Here are the key factors that influence price:
Type of housing
It is not the same to make plans for a 100 m2 one-storey house as it is to make plans for a two-storey house, a three-bedroom house or a country house…
2. Complexity of the design
Architectural plans for one-story houses are usually more economical than those for houses with slopes, basements or complex structural solutions.
3. Use of the plan
- Draw a floor plan of a house for initial layout only.
- Create a floor plan of a house to apply for a building permit.
- Construction plans ready to be executed on site.
Each use requires a different technical level.
4. Type of construction
The construction of a single-family home, a commercial renovation or a historic restoration project may have different costs due to the specific requirements of each type of project.
5. Project Dimensions
The size of your project—the extent and scale of the building or renovation—has a direct impact on the cost of the plans. The larger the project, the greater the amount of design work and documentation required.
6. Location
Rates may vary depending on the region or city you’re in. In metropolitan areas, fees are typically higher due to the cost of living and demand.
7. Architect’s experience
Architects with years of experience and a track record of successful projects tend to charge higher fees. However, this investment may be worth it, as an experienced architect can bring unique insights and solutions to your project.
8. Deadlines and urgency
If you are on a tight deadline or need the project completed on an urgent basis, you may have to pay additional fees for an express service. Architects may increase their rates if expedited work is required.
How much does an architectural plan cost in Spain?
As a guideline, the fees of an architect for a plan in Spain usually move in these ranges:
- Basic house plans: between 600 € and 1.500 €.
- Complete plans for a single-family house: between 1.500 € and 3.500 €.
- Construction drawings and detailed site plan: from €3,000 and upwards
- Drawing of a building or complex project: customized quotation.
These prices may vary according to the experience of the architectural firm, the location, the type of house and the level of detail required.
Most common types of architectural drawings
Within a project, we can find different types of architectural plans, among them:
- Distribution plans.
- Floor plans.
- Elevation and section drawings.
- Construction and execution drawings.
Each fulfills a specific function and can be contracted independently or as part of a complete project.
Is paying for a blueprint the same as paying for a new construction project?
No. An architectural plan can be only a part of a new construction project. new construction project.
A complete project includes:
- Previous study.
- Preliminary project.
- Basic project.
- Execution project.
- Construction management.
Therefore, when we talk about an architect’s fees, it is important to know exactly what the service includes.
Our approach at Fran Cortés Arquitectos
At Fran Cortés Architects we believe that a good floor plan is the basis of a good house. That is why we design architectural plans designed to build efficient and functional houses, adapted to each client, whether they are traditional single-family houses or prefabricated concrete houses.
If you need an architectural plan for your project, we have architects in Madrid, Malaga, Alicante and the Balearic Islands. Contact us at and we will be happy to advise you from the first sketch to the final construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I order only the plan without contracting the whole work?
Yes, you can request only the architectural plan, although we always recommend to evaluate a complete project to avoid future problems.
2. How long does it take an architect to draw a plan?
It depends on the complexity, but usually between 1 and 4 weeks.
Can an architectural plan be used to apply for a building permit?
Only if it meets the technical requirements demanded by the municipality. Not all basic plans are valid as construction plans.
4. Is a one-story house plan cheaper?
Generally yes. One-story house plans are usually simpler than two-story plans.
5. Does the price include modifications?
Normally one or two revisions are included, but it depends on the agreement with the architectural firm.
