A Draftsperson most often produces basic plans based on the design or drawings of others. They usually have a general knowledge of the dwelling code but their ability to be effective in the areas of planning and development, budget, layout, design, detailing and construction may be limited.

An Architect is the most expensive option for home design, usually charging fees of 10-15% of the total construction cost for the project. They work best where there are extreme requirements due to location, use of alternative materials or unconventional construction, or where there are little or no budgetary constraints.

A Professional Building Designer is a Residential Design Specialist, working with single-family or multi-family dwellings. They have an in depth knowledge of the building codes and a clear understanding of site development, building placement, construction and materials, floor-plan layouts, conceptual design and home styles, plan production and project supervision.