House Plans

How Much Does an Architect Cost and How to Get a Custom Plan for Less

When we built our home, we wanted a unique design tailored to our needs. We hired an architect, expecting a one-of-a-kind plan, but the cost was staggering. What made it worse? The architect later used our ideas to create other house plans, and suddenly, our “custom” home didn’t feel so unique anymore.

This experience made us rethink how to approach home design. While a fully custom architectural plan can be expensive, there are ways to get a semi-custom home without the high price tag. In this article, we’ll break down how much does an architect cost and share a smart strategy for getting a personalized home design without overpaying.

How Much Does an Architect Cost?

Architect fees vary depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the design. Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect:

  • Percentage of Construction Cost – Many architects charge 5% to 12% of the total construction cost. For a $500,000 home, that’s $25,000 to $60,000 just for the design.
  • Flat Fee – Some architects offer set pricing, often between $7,000 and $50,000, depending on the size and scope of the project.
  • Hourly Rate – If you need consulting or small modifications, architects typically charge $100 to $300 per hour.
  • Per Square Foot – In some cases, architects charge based on the home’s size, usually between $2 and $10 per square foot.

For a fully custom home, the price can add up quickly—especially when you factor in revisions and additional design elements.

How to Get a Custom Home Plan Without Paying a Premium

After our experience, we realized there’s a more affordable way to get a semi-custom home: purchasing a pre-designed house plan and hiring an architect for modifications.

Here’s how this approach works:

  1. Buy a House Plan from a Boutique Design Firm
    Instead of starting from scratch with an architect, look for a small house plan boutique that offers unique designs. These companies often have well-thought-out plans that feel custom but at a fraction of the cost.
  2. Hire an Architect for Tweaks
    Once you find a plan that fits your needs, hire an architect or home designer to make small modifications. This could include adjusting room sizes, changing exterior features, or tweaking layouts to match your lifestyle. Because the base design is already done, you’ll pay significantly less than a full custom design.
  3. Save Thousands While Still Getting a Personalized Home
    Instead of spending $40,000+ on a fully custom plan, you can buy a pre-designed plan for $1,400 to $3,000 and spend a couple of thousand more on modifications. This approach can save you several of thousands of dollars while still giving you a home that feels personal and unique.

Why This Works So Well

  • It’s Faster – Custom architectural plans can take months to finalize, but modifying an existing plan is much quicker.
  • It’s More Affordable – You get professional design quality without paying full price for a ground-up custom plan.
  • You Maintain Uniqueness – Unlike large plan companies that mass-sell blueprints, smaller boutique firms create distinctive designs that feel special.

After our experience with custom home design, we saw a need for unique yet affordable house plans—so we created our own small boutique of home designs at Plank & Pillow. Our goal is to offer thoughtfully designed plans that feel special without the high cost of a fully custom architect. Whether you’re looking for a timeless cottage, or a functional family home, our collection provides stylish, well-designed options at a fraction of the cost. Plus, you can still work with an architect to tweak them to fit your needs, making them truly your own.

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