Questions, answered.

Often not, provided the surface is permeable or drains to a lawn or border within your property. If you are covering more than five square metres of a front garden with a surface that sheds water onto the road, you will usually need permission. Listed buildings and conservation areas can have extra rules. We will flag anything we think needs checking with your council.

It depends on size, access and the material. A typical front driveway is usually a matter of days rather than weeks, but excavation, drainage and weather all play a part. We give you a realistic timeframe with your quote and keep you updated if rain or ground conditions change the plan.

Usually not, if it stays within permitted development limits: up to one metre high next to a road or footpath and up to two metres elsewhere. Listed buildings, conservation areas and some estates have tighter rules, so check if either applies to you.

Look for joints that are recessed, crumbling, cracked or have gaps you can push a key into. Damp patches on the inside of house walls can also be a sign. Leaving it too long lets water into the bricks, which can lead to frost damage.

Yes. We talk through what you want, measure up and put together a practical layout covering paving, walls, beds and lawn. It is a builder's design rather than a planting plan, so if you have a garden designer's drawings we are also happy to build from those.

Hard landscaping can be done most of the year, though very wet or frozen ground can cause delays. Turf and planting do best in spring and autumn. Booking in winter often means your garden is ready for the summer.

Generally up to two metres without planning permission, or one metre where it is next to a road or footpath used by vehicles. Rules can differ for listed buildings, conservation areas and some newer estates, so it is worth checking if any of those apply.

Concrete posts do not rot and make replacing panels simple, which is why many people choose them. Timber posts look more natural and suit closeboard fencing, and last well if they are pressure-treated and set properly. We will talk through the trade-offs for your garden.

Not always. Many single-storey rear extensions are allowed under permitted development within size limits, sometimes with a prior approval process. Larger, two-storey or side extensions, and homes in conservation areas, usually need permission. Your council or designer can confirm what applies to your home.

We build from approved drawings. If you do not yet have an architect or designer, we can suggest how to get plans prepared, and we are happy to review drawings for buildability before you finalise them.