Home-Based Drafting for Builders and Homeowners

Small builders, renovation contractors, homeowners planning a deck, addition or basement suite, and designers who need drawings produced.

Fixed price per drawing set or an hourly rate, with extra charges for revisions. Repeat work from a few local contractors can keep you steadily busy.

• CAD software such as AutoCAD, Revit or SketchUp
• Reading sketches and building plans
• Attention to detail and accurate measuring
• Clear communication with clients

• Check what your province or municipality requires for permit drawings. Some projects need a stamp from a licensed architect or engineer, or a registered designer (BCIN in Ontario, for example)
• Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, since drawing mistakes can be costly
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence
• Software licences can be a recurring cost, so check pricing before you commit
• Be clear in your contracts about what you are and are not responsible for, including code compliance

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your computer and software. Monthly revenue is estimated at roughly $800 to $4,500, depending on how many builders and homeowners you work for. Software licences can be a recurring cost.

Check what your province or municipality requires for permit drawings, as some projects need a stamp from a licensed architect or engineer, or a registered designer (BCIN in Ontario, for example). Also check professional liability insurance and any home-based business licence.

You need CAD software such as AutoCAD, Revit or SketchUp, the ability to read sketches and plans, accurate measuring and clear client communication. Estimates suggest at least about 8 hours a week. Be clear in contracts about what you are responsible for.