Question 1

What makes porcelain paving better than natural stone for patios?

Accepted Answer

Porcelain paving offers superior durability compared to natural stone. It's non-porous, meaning it resists staining, frost damage, and algae growth - essential for Cambridgeshire's variable weather. Porcelain maintains its colour and finish for decades without sealing. At Arcadia, we specialise in precision-laid porcelain paving that creates stunning, low-maintenance outdoor spaces across Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Peterborough.

Question 2

How much does hard landscaping cost in Cambridgeshire?

Accepted Answer

Most hard landscaping projects with Arcadia range from £3,000 for a small patio installation up to £25,000+ for large-scale driveways or complex outdoor spaces. Key cost factors include area size, material choice, access, base preparation, and drainage requirements. We provide detailed, itemised quotes with no hidden costs. Contact us for a free site visit and quotation.

Question 3

How long does a paving or driveway project take?

Accepted Answer

A typical patio installation takes 2-5 days. Larger driveways or multi-area hard landscaping projects generally take 1-3 weeks. We always provide a written project schedule before work begins. We don't rush - base preparation and proper drainage are what determine whether your paving lasts 5 years or 30.

Question 4

How long does a porcelain patio last?

Accepted Answer

A properly installed porcelain patio lasts 25-30+ years with minimal maintenance. Unlike natural stone, porcelain doesn't degrade from frost, UV exposure, or foot traffic. The critical factors are sub-base depth, drainage, and precision laying - all handled by Arcadia to full BS7533 standard.

Question 5

Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. Permeable driveways are permitted development and don't require planning permission. Arcadia installs permeable or properly drained systems as standard, keeping your project compliant without the planning headache.

Question 6

How do I maintain a porcelain patio?

Accepted Answer

Porcelain is one of the lowest-maintenance patio surfaces available. An occasional brush and jet wash 1-2 times per year is all most patios need. No sealing is ever required. We provide full care instructions with every completed project.

Question 7

Do you install block paving as well as porcelain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We install block paving, porcelain, natural stone (sandstone, slate, granite), resin-bound surfaces, and concrete. We'll advise on the best material for your property, usage, and budget. Block paving is popular for driveways; porcelain tends to be preferred for patios and entertaining areas.

Question 8

What's the difference between a garden room and a summer house?

Accepted Answer

A garden room is a fully insulated, year-round structure with proper electrical installation - built to the same standard as an extension. A summerhouse is typically an uninsulated timber outbuilding used seasonally. Arcadia builds garden rooms only: fully insulated, with power, lighting, heating/cooling, and high-speed internet-ready infrastructure built in.

Question 9

Can I use a garden room as a home office?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely - it's one of the most popular uses. Our garden rooms include proper insulation, climate control, natural light, and professional aesthetics designed for focused work. Full electrical installation with sockets, data points, and broadband-ready cabling is included as standard.

Question 10

Do garden rooms require planning permission?

Accepted Answer

Most garden rooms under 30 cubic metres that meet permitted development criteria don't require planning permission. Key rules: single storey, no more than 4m high (or 2.5m if within 2m of a boundary), not forward of the principal elevation. Listed buildings and conservation areas are subject to different rules. Arcadia will assess your specific plot and advise before any work begins.

Question 11

Can you build a garden room with a bathroom or kitchen?

Accepted Answer

Yes - we design and build garden rooms with integrated bathrooms, kitchenettes, or both, handling plumbing and drainage end-to-end. Ideal as a guest suite, home studio, therapy room, or rental annex. Note that rooms intended as separate living accommodation may require planning permission regardless of size.

Question 12

How much does a garden room cost in Cambridgeshire?

Accepted Answer

Our garden rooms typically range from £15,000 for a standard single-room structure up to £50,000+ for larger builds with bathrooms, kitchens, or high-spec finishes. We provide fully itemised, fixed-price quotations - no surprises mid-build. Contact us for a free design consultation and quote.

Question 13

Can a garden room be used all year round?

Accepted Answer

Yes - every Arcadia garden room is fully insulated with heating and cooling systems included. You'll use it comfortably in January and August. This is what separates a proper garden room from a glorified shed.

Question 14

Will a garden room add value to my house?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes. A high-quality garden room typically adds 5-15% to property value, with garden offices at the higher end due to sustained demand for home working space. The key is build quality and planning compliance - a poorly built or non-compliant structure can complicate a sale.

Question 15

How long does it take to build a garden room?

Accepted Answer

Most garden rooms take 2-4 weeks from groundworks start to handover, depending on size and specification. Structures with plumbing or complex electrical installations take slightly longer. We provide a full written project schedule before work begins.

Question 16

What's involved in a residential extension project?

Accepted Answer

A home extension involves: design and planning consultation, structural drawings, planning or permitted development approval, building regulations sign-off, foundation and groundworks, structural build, roofing, windows and doors, electrics and plumbing, plastering, and final decoration. Arcadia manages the complete process from concept to handover - one point of contact throughout.

Question 17

How long does a house extension take?

Accepted Answer

A typical single-storey extension takes 3-6 months from planning approval to completion. Two-storey extensions generally run 6-12 months. Pre-construction (design, planning, building regs) can add 2-4 months before groundworks begin. We build realistic programme schedules and communicate proactively throughout.

Question 18

Do you handle planning permission for extensions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with experienced local architects and planning consultants to prepare and submit all necessary applications. Many single-storey rear extensions fall under permitted development and don't require formal planning permission - we verify this before committing to a route.

Question 19

Do I need a party wall agreement for my extension?

Accepted Answer

If your extension is within 3-6 metres of a neighbour's property or involves work on a shared wall, you likely need to serve a Party Wall Notice under the Party Wall Act 1996. Arcadia will advise on whether the Act applies to your project and can recommend a surveyor to handle the process.

Question 20

Can you integrate landscaping with my extension?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely - and we'd strongly encourage planning both together. The best extensions include designed landscaping from the start: new patios, drainage, garden features, and outdoor living spaces that complement the new structure. Planning both together also avoids costly remedial work to driveways or drainage after the build.

Question 21

How much does a house extension cost in Cambridgeshire?

Accepted Answer

A single-storey extension in Cambridgeshire typically costs £1,500-£2,200 per square metre, meaning a 20m² kitchen extension often runs £30,000-£45,000 including VAT. Two-storey extensions cost more but offer better cost-per-square-metre value. We provide fully itemised fixed-price contracts - contact us for a free consultation.

Question 22

What types of fencing do you install?

Accepted Answer

We install premium timber fencing (closeboard, featheredge, picket, and contemporary horizontal slatted designs), composite fencing, metal and steel railings, and acoustic fencing. We source properly treated timber and use concrete spurs or Metposts for longevity.

Question 23

Is artificial grass suitable for luxury properties?

Accepted Answer

Modern premium-grade artificial grass is genuinely difficult to distinguish from real lawn - a world away from the nylon carpet of 20 years ago. We install trade-grade turf only, with shock-pad underlay and a stone sub-base for proper drainage. Ideal for shaded areas, high-traffic gardens, or owners wanting a pristine lawn year-round without the upkeep.

Question 24

Do you offer commercial landscaping services?

Accepted Answer

Yes - we provide commercial landscaping for hotels, offices, retail developments, housing developments, and private estates across Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Peterborough. Services include landscape installation, grounds maintenance contracts, seasonal planting programmes, and reactive services.

Question 25

How do I Schedule Consultation from Arcadia?

Accepted Answer

Call us on 01480 589331 or use our contact form to arrange a free site visit. We don't quote from photos or rough dimensions - we visit, assess, and provide a detailed written quotation with itemised costs within a few days.

Question 26

Are you fully insured?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Arcadia Build & Landscape carries full public liability insurance and all relevant trade insurances. We're happy to provide copies of our insurance certificates on request before work begins.

Question 27

Do you offer a guarantee on your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide a 2-year written workmanship guarantee on all projects. Material warranties vary by product and are available on request. If something isn't right, we come back and fix it. It's that simple.

Question 28

What are your payment terms? Do you require a deposit?

Accepted Answer

We work on a staged payment structure: a deposit to confirm your booking and secure materials, then stage payments tied to project milestones, with the final balance on practical completion. We never ask for the majority of payment upfront. Full terms are in your written contract before work begins.

Question 29

Do you use subcontractors, or is it all your own team?

Accepted Answer

The majority of our work is carried out by our own employed team. Where specialist trades are required (electrical, plumbing), we use a trusted, vetted network we've worked with for years. Everyone on your site is either our employee or a known sub we'd stake our reputation on.

Question 30

Do I need to be home during the work?

Accepted Answer

No - most clients go about their normal lives during a project. We agree access arrangements at the start and you have a direct line to your project manager for any questions throughout.

Question 31

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Arcadia is based in Sawtry, Cambridgeshire and serves Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Peterborough, and Bedfordshire. We regularly work across Cambridge, Huntingdon, St Ives, St Neots, Peterborough, Stamford, Oundle, Yaxley, Ramsey, Bedford, and surrounding villages. For larger projects we may travel further - contact us to discuss your location.

Builder & Landscaper
in Cambridgeshire & Bedfordshire

What Our Clients Say

Trusted Craftsmen,
Exceptional Results

Who Are We

Why Choose Us

Our Values

Craftsmanship in Every Detail

House Extensions, Renovations & Refurbs

Premium Hard Landscaping

Bespoke Garden Rooms

Outdoor Living Structures

Security Fencing & Boundaries

Maintenance-Free Lawns

Serving Areas Across the Region

Serving Areas Across the Region

Cambridgeshire

Bedfordshire

Stamford & Surrounds

We let the results speak for themselves.

Kitchen Refurbishment

Luxury Bathroom Renovation

Living Room Transformation

Porcelain Patio Installation

Block Paving Garden Transformation

Porcelain Patio & Oak Gazebo

Words from our clients

Latest From Our Blog

Porcelain Patio Cost Huntingdon: A Real 56m² Godmanchester Job

Outdoor Living Structures in Cambridgeshire: Costs, Ideas & What to Expect in 2026

Why We Started Arcadia. The Honest Version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hard Landscaping & Paving

Garden Rooms & Outdoor Structures

Extensions & Renovations

Fencing, Artificial Grass & Commercial

Working With Arcadia

Let's Create Something
Extraordinary

Builder & Landscaper in Cambridgeshire & Bedfordshire

What Our Clients Say

Trusted Craftsmen, Exceptional Results

Who Are We

Why Choose Us

Our Values

Craftsmanship in Every Detail

House Extensions, Renovations & Refurbs

Premium Hard Landscaping

Bespoke Garden Rooms

Outdoor Living Structures

Security Fencing & Boundaries

Maintenance-Free Lawns

Serving Areas Across the Region

Serving Areas Across the Region

Cambridgeshire

Bedfordshire

Stamford & Surrounds

We let the results speak for themselves.

Kitchen Refurbishment

Luxury Bathroom Renovation

Living Room Transformation

Porcelain Patio Installation

Block Paving Garden Transformation

Porcelain Patio & Oak Gazebo

Words from our clients

Latest From Our Blog

Porcelain Patio Cost Huntingdon: A Real 56m² Godmanchester Job

Outdoor Living Structures in Cambridgeshire: Costs, Ideas & What to Expect in 2026

Why We Started Arcadia. The Honest Version.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hard Landscaping & Paving

What makes porcelain paving better than natural stone for patios?

How much does hard landscaping cost in Cambridgeshire?

How long does a paving or driveway project take?

How long does a porcelain patio last?

Do I need planning permission for a new driveway?

How do I maintain a porcelain patio?

Do you install block paving as well as porcelain?

Garden Rooms & Outdoor Structures

What's the difference between a garden room and a summer house?

Can I use a garden room as a home office?

Do garden rooms require planning permission?

Can you build a garden room with a bathroom or kitchen?

How much does a garden room cost in Cambridgeshire?

Can a garden room be used all year round?

Will a garden room add value to my house?

How long does it take to build a garden room?

Extensions & Renovations

What's involved in a residential extension project?

How long does a house extension take?

Do you handle planning permission for extensions?

Do I need a party wall agreement for my extension?

Can you integrate landscaping with my extension?

How much does a house extension cost in Cambridgeshire?

Fencing, Artificial Grass & Commercial

What types of fencing do you install?

Is artificial grass suitable for luxury properties?

Do you offer commercial landscaping services?

Working With Arcadia

How do I Schedule Consultation from Arcadia?

Are you fully insured?

Do you offer a guarantee on your work?

What are your payment terms? Do you require a deposit?

Do you use subcontractors, or is it all your own team?

Do I need to be home during the work?

What areas do you cover?

Let's Create SomethingExtraordinary

Builder & Landscaper
in Cambridgeshire & Bedfordshire

Trusted Craftsmen,
Exceptional Results

Let's Create Something
Extraordinary