Brisbane & SEQ, Costs & Pricing
The drawing fee is one part of the total cost. This guide explains what patio drafting plans cost, what’s included, and what additional fees to budget for alongside the drawings.
Plan Draft charges $2,990 fixed for patio plans in Brisbane and South East Queensland. This covers the full drawing set for standard ground level patios on standard residential lots, whether the patio is roofed or unroofed. The price does not vary based on the size of the patio within the standard scope.
The fixed price includes a suitability review before work begins. If anything about your site or project means it falls outside the standard scope, we tell you before you commit.
The drawing fee is not the only cost involved in getting a patio approved and built. Here are the other fees to plan for:
Structural engineering: Roofed patios generally require a structural engineering certificate confirming the roof structure and footings are designed for the wind loading requirements of the site. Engineering fees vary with complexity and are quoted by the engineer, who you engage directly. Unroofed patios rarely need engineering input.
Private building certifier: The certifier assesses the drawings and issues the building approval. Certifier fees are set and quoted by the certifier. Your builder often has a preferred certifier, and you can also find certifiers through the QBCC register.
Siting variation (if required): If the patio can’t meet the standard setback distances, a siting variation application to your council is required. Council charges an application fee for this, with current fees published on the council website. We flag if a siting variation looks likely during suitability review.
Construction: Building the patio once approval is granted is a separate cost entirely, arranged with your builder.
For approval purposes, a patio is a ground level structure, usually on a slab, and often roofed. An elevated platform on posts with balustrades and stairs is a deck, and it needs a more detailed structural drawing set. Plan Draft documents both: patios at $2,990 fixed under this service, and elevated decks at $2,990 fixed under the deck plans service.
Not sure which category your project falls into? Our article on the difference between patios and decks for planning purposes explains how certifiers draw the line. Either way, the suitability review confirms the right service before any work begins.
Most standard residential patios in Brisbane fall within the fixed price scope. Projects that are outside standard scope include:
Plan Draft charges $2,990 fixed for patio plans in Brisbane and South East Queensland. This covers the full drawing set for standard ground level patios, roofed or unroofed, on standard residential lots.
The $2,990 includes the site plan, patio floor plan, roof plan if covered, all required elevations, basic specification notes, one round of revisions, and the digital PDF. Engineering reports and certifier fees are separate.
Beyond the drawing fee, budget for structural engineering if the patio is roofed, a private building certifier, and potentially a council siting variation fee if the patio can’t meet standard setbacks. Each is quoted and paid directly to the provider or council.
Yes. The $2,990 fixed price covers both roofed and unroofed ground level patios on standard residential lots. A roofed patio involves additional drawings, and that is already accounted for in the fixed price.
Elevated structures are quoted as deck plans rather than patio plans. Heritage listed properties, enclosed room conversions, unusually large spans and commercial properties are typically outside standard fixed price scope. We advise at suitability review if your project falls outside standard scope.
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Brisbane & SEQ
Plan Draft provides fixed price drafting for carports, decks, patios, room extensions and granny flats across Brisbane and South East Queensland.
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$2,990 fixed price. Send us your project details and we’ll confirm suitability within one business day, with no commitment required.