Online planning drawings service
Offer remote drawing packages for planning applications, using client photos and measurements or a hired surveyor.
- £500-3k
- Side hustle
- Online
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
20,452 UK companies in this field, 15% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 71111 “Architectural activities”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A mostly online service producing existing and proposed plans, elevations and planning application drawings. Clients send photos and measurements, or you use a freelance measured surveyor, and you work through calls and email.
Your first three steps
- Define two or three fixed-price packages and the information clients must supply
- Set up a simple website with example drawings and an enquiry form
- Find a freelance measured surveyor you can call on and test your process on a few friendly projects
Who pays
Homeowners wanting a lower-cost route to planning drawings, and small builders or developers who need drawings quickly.
How it makes money
Set-price packages, for example a planning drawing pack for a single-storey extension, with add-ons for building regulations drawings or revisions.
Skills that help
- CAD software
- Understanding of local planning policy
- Clear written communication
- Managing several projects at once
Watch out for
- Professional indemnity insurance, especially when relying on client-supplied measurements
- Do not call yourself an 'architect' unless registered, check the rules on the protected title
- Make clear in writing what is not included, such as structural calculations or building control approval
- Planning rules vary between councils and between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check local requirements
- Online price competition can be strong, so focus on a clear local niche
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: online planning drawings service
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an online planning drawings service?
Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on your CAD software, computer and insurance, and whether you hire freelance surveyors. These are estimates, so check software and insurance prices before you start.
How much can an online planning drawings business make?
Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on how many projects you handle at once and your pricing. These are estimates, and online price competition can be strong, so a clear local niche may help.
What should I check before offering planning drawings online?
Do not call yourself an 'architect' unless registered, so check the rules on the protected title. Also check planning requirements, which vary between councils and UK nations, and consider professional indemnity insurance, especially with client-supplied measurements.
Other ways to run this business
Similar business services ideas
Paper shredder reseller for small offices
Sell office paper shredders and supplies to small firms, schools and home workers, working from home with supplier stock.
- £300-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Solo shop-letting agent working from home
Match local landlords with empty shops to independent businesses looking for premises, and earn a fee when a lease is agreed.
- £500-3k
- Part-time
- From home
Corporate gift basket supplier
Supply branded hampers to local firms for client thank-yous, staff rewards and festive gifts.
- £500-3k
- Part-time
- From home
Private specialist finder for patients
Help people find and book the right private consultant, for a flat fee paid by the patient.
- £500-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Independent building consultant working from home
Advise homeowners and small developers on costs, plans and building compliance, working from a home office and visiting sites.
- £500-3k
- Side hustle
- From home
Event and venue security team
Supply a few licensed guards for local events, bars, markets and private functions, starting with work you do yourself.
- £600-3k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Photo: mwitt1337 on Pixabay