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If you’re planning a home extension, loft conversion, or renovation and want professional drawings delivered quickly and affordably:
👉 Choose MyHomePlans – professional architectural plans, delivered 100% online.
MYHOMEPLANS vs Local Designer
What’s the Difference – and Which Is Right for Your Project?
Choosing the right architectural designer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning a home extension, loft conversion, garage conversion, or new build.
Homeowners are often faced with a key question:
Should I use an online architectural designer or a local, traditional designer?
Both options can work — but they offer very different experiences, costs, and levels of flexibility. This page breaks down the real differences so you can make an informed decision based on value, speed, expertise, and outcome.
What Is an Online Architectural Designer?
An online architectural designer delivers professional architectural services remotely, without site visits or in-person meetings.
At MyHomePlans, everything is done online:
- Measured surveys via guided self-survey or LiDAR scans
- Planning drawings prepared digitally
- Building regulations drawings issued remotely
- Revisions handled via WhatsApp, email, or video calls
- Fixed fees agreed upfront
This model removes unnecessary overheads while maintaining professional standards.
What Is a Local Architectural Designer?
A local designer or traditional architect usually operates within a defined geographic area and typically offers:
- In-person site visits
- Face-to-face meetings
- Paper or email-based revisions
- Hourly or percentage-based fees
Local designers often rely on traditional workflows that can increase both cost and timescales.
When a Local Designer Might Be Useful
A local designer may be suitable if:
- You want frequent in-person meetings
- Your project is extremely bespoke or heritage-led
- You require on-site contract administration
- You prefer a traditional, slower process
For most homeowners, however, these factors are not essential for planning approval or construction.
Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Online Designers
Homeowners today value:
- Transparency
- Speed
- Fixed pricing
- Digital convenience
- Professional results
Online architectural services are now the preferred choice for:
- House extension plans
- Loft conversion drawings
- Planning permission drawings
- Building regulations packages
Why Choose MyHomePlans?
MyHomePlans is a specialist online architectural design service, trusted by homeowners across the UK and internationally.
What We Offer:
- 100% online service
- Fixed fees
- Unlimited amendments
- Planning drawings
- Building regulations drawings
- 3D visuals and floor plans
- Fast turnaround
- Direct designer communication
No site visits.
No hidden fees.
No delays.
Online vs Local Designer – Final Verdict
For the vast majority of home projects:
✅ Online architectural designers offer better value
✅ Faster delivery
✅ Clearer pricing
✅ More flexible communication
That’s why MyHomePlans exists — to deliver professional architectural design without the inefficiencies of traditional practice.
Online vs Local Designer – Side-by-Side Comparison
1. Cost & Fees
Online Designer (MyHomePlans)
- Fixed, transparent pricing
- No hourly rates
- No site visit charges
- Unlimited revisions included
- Significantly lower overall cost
Local Designer
- Hourly rates or percentage fees
- Extra charges for meetings and revisions
- Site visit fees often added
- Final cost can be unpredictable
Winner: ✅ Online designer
2. Speed & Turnaround Time
Online Designer
- Faster start (no site visit delays)
- Streamlined digital workflows
- Drawings issued quicker
- Revisions handled immediately
Local Designer
- Slower scheduling
- Delays waiting for meetings
- Longer revision cycles
Winner: ✅ Online designer
3. Planning & Building Regulations Knowledge
A common myth is that only local designers understand planning rules. In reality:
- UK planning legislation is national
- Permitted Development rules are standardised
- Building Regulations apply nationwide
At MyHomePlans, we design projects across England and Wales every week, including:
- House extensions
- Loft conversions
- Basement conversions
- Garage conversions
- New builds
We work with planning portals, local authorities, and building control bodies daily.
Winner: ✅ Equal – expertise matters more than postcode
4. Communication & Support
Online Designer (MyHomePlans)
- Dedicated WhatsApp group
- Fast responses
- Clear written advice
- Visual explanations
- No need to book meetings
Local Designer
- Email-only communication
- Meetings required for changes
- Slower response times
Winner: ✅ Online designer
5. Flexibility & Convenience
With an online designer, you can:
- Review drawings anytime
- Request changes instantly
- Avoid taking time off work
- Work around your schedule
Local designers often operate 9–5 with limited flexibility.
Winner: ✅ Online designer
6. Accuracy of Surveys
Online services now use advanced tools such as:
- Guided self-survey systems
- LiDAR scanning (via smartphone or tablet)
- Photogrammetry
- Digital verification checks
These methods are highly accurate and widely accepted by planning authorities and building control.
Winner: ✅ Online designer