How much does a house plan cost - Plan Maison Quebec?
- coraliefortin076
- Aug 1
- 6 min read
When considering building or renovating a house, cottage, or garage, the plan design stage is a must. A good plan is much more than just a drawing. It's an essential tool that helps guide the entire project, ensure safe execution, comply with construction standards, and, above all, avoid costly mistakes along the way.
At Plan Maison Québec, we know how confusing the issue of price can be. This article aims to demystify the costs associated with creating a residential house construction plan in Quebec, taking into account different pricing approaches and the type of project.
The different categories of plans and their prices
The price of a house plan depends primarily on the type of service you choose. If you opt for a so-called "standard" plan, i.e., a pre-designed model that you select from a catalog, the costs are generally more affordable. This type of plan can cost between $1,200 and $2,500, depending on the size, style, and level of detail of the model. Plan Maison Québec also offers a range of house, cottage, and garage plans in this format, designed to meet Quebec market standards.
If you prefer to customize an existing model, for example, to adapt it to the layout of your lot or to incorporate specific modifications, this is referred to as a semi-custom plan. This approach represents a happy medium between a standard model and a custom design. Prices for this type of service generally range from $2,500 to $5,000, depending on the extent of the modifications and the time required.
Finally, for a fully customized plan, designed and crafted from scratch based on your needs, tastes, and the specifics of your land, prices start at around $5,000 and can easily exceed $10,000. This can go even higher for large or complex projects, with specific technical requirements, 3D renderings, or coordination with various stakeholders (engineers, architects, etc.).
Another approach: percentages related to construction cost
In some cases, particularly when working with an architect, the cost of the plan is established as a percentage of the total construction value. This pricing method aligns the design cost with the actual scope of the project. Typically, an architect charges between 7% and 15% of the construction cost. For example, for a house worth $500,000, the plan fees can range between $35,000 and $75,000.
When the client chooses to work with an architectural technologist, the percentages applied are often lower. Rates then range from 2% to 7% of the total construction cost, making it an attractive solution for many individuals. At Plan Maison Québec, this approach allows us to offer customized plans at affordable prices while maintaining a high level of quality.
Square Foot Pricing: A Simple and Straightforward Method
Some professionals, including Plan Maison Québec, also offer pricing based on the project's area, expressed in square feet. This method allows for a quick and transparent estimate of the plan's cost. Typically, rates are around $3 to $4 per square foot for habitable spaces, such as living rooms, kitchens, or bedrooms. For garages, the rate is often slightly lower, around $2 to $3 per square foot.
For example, for a 1,500-square-foot house, the plan could cost between $4,500 and $6,000, depending on the desired level of customization. A 400-square-foot garage could cost between $800 and $1,200. This method is often used for simple or standard projects and allows for cost assessments from the earliest stages.
Hourly rates according to professionals
Aside from flat-rate or per-square-foot methods, some building professionals, such as architects or technologists, may charge by the hour. This often applies to specific projects or short-term assignments, such as consultations or compliance audits. Architects in Quebec charge an average of $32 to $75 per hour, depending on their experience and the complexity of the assignment. An architectural technologist usually charges slightly less, but rates can vary considerably depending on the region and type of project.
At Plan Maison Québec, fees are generally structured in a clear and transparent manner, often in the form of fixed fees tailored to the type of project, to avoid unpleasant surprises for the client.
Estimates based on real projects
The prices mentioned in this article correspond to averages observed in the Quebec market in 2025. For a simple plan based on a pre-existing model, you should budget between $1,000 and $3,000. For a semi-custom plan, prices range between $2,500 and $5,000. When creating a custom plan, based on your specific needs, site constraints, and architectural features, prices can range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more.
In the case of a percentage of the construction cost, the professional—whether an architect or technologist—will adjust their rates between 1% and 15%, depending on their role and level of involvement in the project. This method is often used for large-scale or highly customized projects. For new homes, a good guideline is to budget between $3 and $4 per square foot for complete plans.
Which explains the price differences
Price differences between house plans can be explained by several factors. The first is undoubtedly the complexity of the design. A house with simple lines and a traditional structure will be quicker to design and therefore less expensive than a bold architectural project with irregular volumes, mezzanines, cathedral ceilings, or large glass surfaces.
The desired level of detail also plays a major role. A plan that includes engineering plans, 3D models, cross-sections, and technical details for plumbing or electricity requires more work and coordination, which is reflected in the final price. At Plan Maison Québec, we offer all these services à la carte or as packages.
The type of professional hired also influences the cost. An architect has a comprehensive university education and a license, which justifies higher fees, especially for complex projects. A technologist, while equally qualified for standard or semi-custom residential projects, often offers more affordable rates, without compromising on quality.
Finally, the geographic location of the project is important. In large cities like Quebec City, Montreal, or Sherbrooke, rates tend to be higher than in less urbanized areas. This is due to the cost of living, the firms' operating costs, and local demand.
Why using Plan Maison Québec is a wise choice
Investing in a good house plan isn't a wasteful expense; it's a profitable one. A quality plan prevents construction errors, construction delays, and costly unforeseen events. It allows you to maximize every square foot of your space, optimize light, interior circulation, and energy efficiency, while complying with current standards.
At Plan Maison Québec, we firmly believe that the quality of your plan will determine the success of your project. We work with experienced technologists who understand the Quebec landscape, local regulations, and the realities of residential construction in Canada. Our approach is human, personalized, and professional. Whether you want to build your dream home, a family cottage, or a practical garage, we have the tools, skills, and expertise to support you.
Quebec House Plan Model with Prices to Inspire You
If you are interested in the model presented, click on the image of the model in question. To see even more models, visit the website Plan Maison Québec.
1 ) Construction budget of less than 149 000$
2 ) Construction budget of $250 000 up to 349 000$
3 ) Construction budget of $500,000 up to 749 000$
Conclusion : cost of a house plan from Plan Maison Quebec
The cost of a house plan depends on many factors: the nature of the project, the level of customization, the square footage, the type of professional hired, and the pricing method chosen. By informing yourself now, you're laying the right foundation for a successful project. At Plan Maison Québec, we make every effort to offer you a service tailored to your needs, tastes, and budget.
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