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 across Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Peterborough.

Question 2

How much does hard landscaping cost in Cambridgeshire?

Accepted Answer

Most hard landscaping projects range from £3,000 for a small patio up to £25,000+ for large driveways or complex outdoor spaces. We provide detailed, itemised quotes with no hidden costs — contact us for a free site visit.

Question 3

How long does a paving or driveway project take?

Accepted Answer

A typical patio installation takes 2–5 days. Larger driveways generally take 1–3 weeks. We provide a written project schedule before work begins.

Question 4

How long does a porcelain patio last?

Accepted Answer

A properly installed porcelain patio lasts 25–30+ years with minimal maintenance. 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. Arcadia installs permeable or properly drained systems as standard, keeping your project compliant.

Question 6

How do I maintain a porcelain patio?

Accepted Answer

An occasional brush and jet wash 1–2 times per year is sufficient. No sealing is 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, resin-bound surfaces, and concrete. We advise on the best material for your property, usage, and budget.

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. A summerhouse is typically an uninsulated timber outbuilding used seasonally. Arcadia builds garden rooms only: fully insulated, with power, heating/cooling, and internet-ready infrastructure.

Question 9

Can I use a garden room as a home office?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Our garden rooms include proper insulation, climate control, natural light, and professional aesthetics. 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 meeting permitted development criteria don't require planning permission. 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 for guest suites, studios, or rental annexes.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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 consultation, planning and building regs approval, 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.

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 can add 2–4 months before groundworks begin.

Question 18

Do you handle planning permission for extensions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with local architects and planning consultants to prepare and submit all applications, and manage the full process with the local authority.

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 a shared wall, you likely need to serve a Party Wall Notice. Arcadia will advise on whether the Act applies and can recommend a surveyor.

Question 20

How much does a house extension cost in Cambridgeshire?

Accepted Answer

A single-storey extension typically costs £1,500–£2,200 per square metre, meaning a 20m² kitchen extension often runs £30,000–£45,000 including VAT. We provide fully itemised fixed-price contracts.

Question 21

What types of fencing do you install?

Accepted Answer

We install premium timber fencing (closeboard, featheredge, picket, horizontal slat), composite fencing, metal and steel railings, and acoustic fencing, using properly treated materials for longevity.

Question 22

Is artificial grass suitable for luxury properties?

Accepted Answer

Modern premium-grade artificial grass is genuinely difficult to distinguish from real lawn. We install trade-grade turf only, with shock-pad underlay and a stone sub-base for proper drainage.

Question 23

Do you offer commercial landscaping services?

Accepted Answer

Yes — we provide commercial landscaping for hotels, offices, retail developments, and estates across Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Peterborough, including installation and maintenance contracts.

Question 24

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 provide a detailed written quotation with itemised costs within a few days.

Question 25

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 before work begins.

Question 26

Do you offer a guarantee on your work?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide a written workmanship guarantee on all projects, with material warranties documented in your project contract. We stand behind our work.

Question 27

What are your payment terms?

Accepted Answer

We work on a staged payment structure: a deposit to confirm your booking, stage payments tied to project milestones, and the final balance on practical completion. We never ask for the majority of payment upfront.

Question 28

Do you use subcontractors?

Accepted Answer

The majority of our work is carried out by our own employed team. Where specialist trades are needed, we use a trusted, vetted network we've worked with for years.

Question 29

Do I need to be home during the work?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 30

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hard Landscaping & Paving

Garden Rooms & Outdoor Structures

Extensions & Renovations

Fencing, Artificial Grass & Commercial

Working With Arcadia