Plan drafting for builders and remodelers

Home builders, remodeling contractors, deck and addition companies, and small developers who lack in-house drafting.

Per-drawing or per-project fee, or an hourly rate. Repeat work from a few regular contractors can keep a steady flow.

• CAD drafting (AutoCAD, Revit or SketchUp)
• Reading sketches and site measurements
• Attention to detail
• Meeting deadlines

• Check whether your state requires drawings for permits to be prepared or stamped by a licensed architect or engineer, and keep your work within what's allowed
• Avoid calling yourself an 'architect' unless licensed in your state
• Professional liability (errors and omissions) insurance, especially if drawings are used for construction
• Software subscriptions add up, so check licensing terms for commercial use
• Dependence on a few contractors can make income uneven

Startup costs are typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the CAD software you choose and your computer setup. Software subscriptions add up, so check licensing terms for commercial use before you buy.

Check whether your state requires permit drawings to be prepared or stamped by a licensed architect or engineer, and keep your work within what's allowed. Avoid calling yourself an architect unless you're licensed in your state. Also ask about professional liability insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically around $800 to $4,000, depending on how many builders you work for and how many hours you put in. Estimates start at about 8 hours a week. Relying on a few contractors can make income uneven.