CHOOSING YOUR DRAWING PACKAGE
Choose the right drawing package for your stage of the journey
Every Houseplansdirect design is available in a few different house plan drawing packages — depending on whether you’re still exploring the idea, getting ready for a planning application, or would like printed copies as well as your digital files. This page will help you match the right package to where you are right now.
See what the house plan drawing packages look like
Not sure what you’d actually receive? Have a look through example packs below before you choose — they give a real sense of the level of detail included in each one.
Most self-builders aren’t sure which of our house plan drawing packages they need at first — and that’s completely normal. The right choice usually comes down to one simple question: how close are you to a planning application? The guide below sets out each option plainly, so you can go back and choose with confidence.
The three package options
All three relate to the specific house design you were looking at — they’re simply different ways of receiving the drawings for it, suited to different stages of a project.
Early-stage option
Pre-Planning Drawings — Download Only
A useful early pack for reviewing, discussing and testing whether a design could suit your plot.
Best for
- Still exploring whether this design might work for you
- Comparing a few different designs side by side
- Talking it through with family, or informally with a builder
- Getting an early feel for a design before committing further
Includes
- Digital drawing files for this design, delivered by download
- Enough detail to review layout, scale and general feasibility
Good to know: this pack is intended for early review and discussion — it isn’t positioned as a full planning application package.
Practical planning option
Planning Application Drawings — Download Only
The practical, efficient choice once you’re ready to move towards a planning application.
Best for
- Ready to prepare for a planning application
- Happy to submit digitally, or print copies yourself if needed
- Working with a planning consultant, architect or designer
Includes
- Full digital planning application drawing set for this design, by download
- Suitable for digital submission or sharing electronically
Good to know: many local authorities accept digital submissions, and this option makes it easy to share drawings electronically with anyone else involved in your project.
Most convenient
Planning Application Drawings — Download + Printed
The most complete option — digital files and professionally printed copies, ready to use.
Best for
- Want everything ready to review, share and use straightaway
- Prefer not to arrange your own printing
- Want physical copies on hand alongside the digital files
Includes
- Full digital planning application drawing set for this design, by download
- Professionally printed copies of the same drawings, posted to you
Good to know: this is simply the download package plus printed copies — the drawing content is the same as the download-only planning option.
At a glance
| Pre-Planning (Download) | Planning Application (Download Only) | Planning Application (Download + Printed) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instant download | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Suitable for early design review | ✓ | – | – |
| Suitable for planning application use | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Professionally printed copies included | – | – | ✓ |
| Useful for sharing with builders/consultants | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Best for customers ready to submit or prepare an application | – | ✓ | ✓ |
| Best for customers still exploring options | ✓ | – | – |
Which one should I choose?
“I’m still exploring whether this design could work“
→ Pre-Planning Drawings
“I’m preparing for a planning application and only need digital files“
→ Planning Application Drawings — Download Only
“I want the planning drawings and printed copies sent to me“
→ Planning Application Drawings — Download + Printed
“I’m not sure where I’m starting from yet“
Common questions
Can I use the pre-planning drawings for a planning application?
They’re designed for early review and discussion rather than submission. Most customers move on to the Planning Application Drawings once they’re ready to apply, as these contain the fuller detail a local authority will expect to see.
What is the difference between pre-planning and planning application drawings?
Pre-planning drawings are a lighter, earlier-stage pack for testing an idea. Planning application drawings contain the fuller level of detail typically needed to prepare and submit an application to your local authority.
Do I need printed copies?
Not always. Many local authorities and consultants are happy to work from digital files, so the download-only option suits plenty of customers. Printed copies are simply there for anyone who’d prefer not to arrange printing themselves.
Can I send the drawings to my planning consultant or builder?
Yes. All house plan drawing packages can be shared electronically with anyone involved in your project, whether that’s a planning consultant, architect, designer or builder.
Will these drawings guarantee planning permission?
No package can guarantee a planning outcome. Planning requirements vary from site to site and between local authorities, and every application is assessed on its own merits.
What should I do if I am unsure which package to choose?
Get in touch — we’re happy to talk through your situation and help you pick the option that fits where you are right now.
Can I upgrade later?
Yes, you can move from an earlier-stage pack to a fuller planning application package later on. Contact us and we’ll advise on the best way to do this for your design, taking into account any feedback you received from your local council, builder or anyone else with an input into the design.
Ready to choose your package?
Return to the house design you were viewing and select the option that best matches your stage.