Drafting Services Sydney

What’s included in a drafting package

• Site Plans (Scale 1:200) — property boundaries, building footprints, easements, natural features, infrastructure, tree positions, canopy spreads, driveways, utility connections and stormwater
• Floor Plans (Scale 1:100) — room layouts, dimensions, wall thicknesses, door and window placements, compliance features (smoke detectors, egress paths)
• Elevations & Sections (Scale 1:100) — external facades, heights, material finishes, construction details, floor-to-ceiling heights and spatial relationships
• Notification Plans — for informing neighbouring properties of proposed works
• Shadow Diagrams — required for multi-storey developments, showing overshadowing impacts on the winter solstice
• Landscaping Plans — designed to meet Chapter C6 and Appendix 3 environmental guidelines
• Erosion and Sediment Control Plans — soil and runoff management measures
• Drainage and Stormwater Plans — including OSD designs, pit locations and easement approvals

Optional add-ons: 3D renders, BIM coordination, BASIX certificates and NatHERS assessments. See Information Drawing Sheets for full detail.

Drafting by project type

Drafting costs & timelines

All work is on an hourly rate, paid in advance. We issue a fixed-fee quote after scope confirmation. Items not listed in the original scope are treated as variations and charged separately. Contact us for a tailored quote.

How giantA delivers drafting projects

1. Brief & scope confirmation — we discuss your project type, NCC class, approval pathway (DA / CDC / CC) and any special requirements. A fixed-fee advance invoice is issued.
2. Measured survey (if required) — for renovations, alterations or additions we first establish existing conditions. See measured survey service.
3. Design development — our draftsman prepares preliminary plans for your review, incorporating your feedback and any council pre-lodgement advice.
4. Documentation & compliance — final Site Plans, Floor Plans, Elevations, Sections and Supporting Information Drawing Sheets are prepared to NCC and council standards.
5. Internal QA & coordination — cross-checked against BASIX, NatHERS, structural and services inputs; flagged for Registered Architect review if regulated.
6. Issue & lodgement — PDF + CAD (DWG) delivered, ready for council, certifier or private certifier lodgement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an architectural draftsman do versus an architect?

A draftsman (or draftsperson) prepares technical drawings, plans and documentation based on designs developed by architects or building designers. At giantA, our drafting team works alongside registered architects — so you get design intent translated into precise, council-compliant documentation. For standard residential and commercial projects, our drafting services are often sufficient. For complex, regulated or high-risk buildings, a Registered Architect sign-off or design review may be required under the DBP Act 2020.

How much do drafting services cost in Sydney and how are they charged?

Our drafting services are charged on an hourly rate basis, paid in advance of work commencement. A single-storey residential dwelling typically starts from $2,800–$4,500 for a complete DA or CDC drawing package. Commercial projects range from $5,000–$15,000+ depending on floor area, NCC class and consultant coordination complexity. We issue a fixed-fee quote after confirming scope. Additional items not listed in the original brief — such as extra sections, revised drawings after council comments, or specialist plans (shadow diagrams, landscaping) — are treated as variations and charged separately.

How long does drafting take from brief to council-ready drawings?

Standard residential dwelling house: 2–3 weeks from confirmed brief to issued DA/CDC package. Dual occupancy or manor house: 3–5 weeks. Commercial or industrial projects: 4–8 weeks depending on NCC class and consultant coordination. Timeline accelerates when you have an accurate measured survey or existing conditions plan. We confirm turnaround in the fixed-fee proposal so there are no surprises.

What drawings are included in a standard drafting package?

Every standard package includes: existing conditions / site plan (scale 1:200); floor plans (scale 1:100); elevations and relevant sections (scale 1:100); shadow diagrams where required; and notification plans. Optional add-ons include: landscaping plans, erosion and sediment control, drainage / stormwater plans, 3D renders and BIM coordination. See our Information Drawing Sheets page for a full breakdown.

Do I need a draftsman or an architect for a Development Application?

For most residential DAs (Class 1 dwelling houses, dual occupancies), a draftsman under the supervision of a building designer or architect is sufficient. For Class 2 apartment buildings, Class 9a medical centres, or any regulated building under the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020, a Registered Architect or accredited building designer must prepare or review the design. giantA offers both: our drafting team for standard projects, and our Registered Architect Design Review service for regulated developments requiring statutory declarations.

Can giantA handle Section 4.55 or 4.56 modifications to an existing approval?

Yes. We prepare amended drawings and lodge modification requests (Section 4.55 for minor amendments, Section 4.56 for more substantial changes) to existing DAs and CDCs. Turnaround is typically 1–2 weeks depending on council response times. Hourly rate applies, paid in advance, with fixed-fee quote after scope confirmation.