Remote drafting service for builders and designers

Small builders, renovators, owner-builders, and other designers or architects who need extra drafting capacity.

Fixed price per set of drawings or an hourly rate for drafting, with repeat work from builders who send regular jobs.

• Accurate drafting in CAD or BIM software
• Reading sketches and site measurements
• Understanding of building codes and council requirements
• Reliable communication and meeting deadlines

• Rules on who can lodge or certify plans for approval differ by state, check with your state's building regulator
• Professional indemnity insurance, even for drafting-only work
• Council approval for running a business from home, check with your local council
• Unclear responsibility for design decisions, so agree the scope and sign-off in writing
• Dependence on a few clients, so aim to build several regular sources of work

Startup costs are typically around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on the CAD or BIM software, computer equipment and insurance you choose. These are estimates, and your own costs will vary with what you already have.

Monthly revenue is typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on how many jobs you take on and the hours you work. This is an estimate only, and it will vary with your clients and pricing.

Rules on who can lodge or certify plans for approval differ by state, so check with your state's building regulator. Also check professional indemnity insurance, council approval for a home business, and agree scope and sign-off in writing.