FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Arden has been designed for typical UK homes that fall within our stated criteria.
Before you buy, our "Which Arden is right for my home?" quiz will help you identify the package that's most likely to suit your property. We also explain which house types each design has been created for.
If you're still unsure, please check the compatibility information carefully before purchasing.
Many Arden extensions have been designed to comply with Permitted Development rights, meaning planning permission may not be required.
However, every property is different.
Your home may be affected by factors such as previous extensions, Article 4 Directions, conservation areas or planning conditions.
We include clear guidance explaining when planning permission may be required, but it's always your responsibility to confirm your own property's status before building.
Yes.
Arden packages have been prepared using the same professional approach as traditional architectural projects.
Each package includes architectural drawings, technical information, construction details and supporting documentation designed to help your builder understand how the extension should be built.
Your builder may still need to obtain project-specific information, such as foundation design or structural calculations for the opening into your existing house.
Almost.
Your Arden package contains the architectural drawings and technical information needed for the extension itself.
However, because every existing house is different, certain items cannot be standardised, including:
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Foundations
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Structural design for removing your existing rear wall
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Drainage design (where required)
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Site-specific information
These items will normally be completed by your structural engineer, builder or Building Control during the project.
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Every Arden package includes:
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Architectural drawings
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Technical construction drawings
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Outline specification
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Cost estimate
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Construction guide
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Permitted Development guidance
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Building Regulations guidance
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Structural coordination information
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Digital download
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Printed drawing pack delivered to your door
The exact contents are shown on each product page.
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Arden is a self-service architectural package.
It does not include:
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Bespoke design changes
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Site visits
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Planning applications
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Building Control applications
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Party Wall services
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Structural calculations for knock-throughs
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Foundation design
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Builder management
This helps us keep the price affordable while still providing a professionally designed extension package.
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No.
Each Arden package is a fixed design.
This allows us to keep the price significantly lower than a traditional architectural service.
If you're looking for a fully bespoke extension, a traditional architectural appointment may be more suitable.
We're happy to answer reasonable clarification questions about the information contained within your Arden package.
This includes helping explain drawings or technical details already included.
We cannot redesign your extension, provide additional drawings or offer project management.
Construction costs vary depending on location, specification, site conditions and your chosen contractor.
Each Arden package includes an estimated construction cost to help you understand the likely budget before requesting quotations.
Your builder will provide the final construction price.
No.
Our estimates are intended as a budgeting guide only.
Actual construction costs will vary depending on your location, chosen materials, contractor pricing and site conditions.
No.
Each purchase provides a licence for one property only.
The drawings cannot be copied, reused or adapted for another project.
Because your digital files become available immediately after purchase, we cannot usually offer refunds once they have been downloaded.
Please read the product information carefully and complete the suitability checks before purchasing.
Your statutory consumer rights are not affected.
Arden has been created by the team behind Benchmark Architects, bringing together architectural design, technical detailing and practical construction knowledge into a simple, fixed-price extension package.
Traditional architectural services are bespoke, requiring meetings, surveys, multiple design revisions and ongoing project involvement.
Arden removes those bespoke elements by offering carefully developed standard designs that can be used on compatible homes.
This allows us to provide professionally designed extension packages at a fraction of the cost.
No.
Arden has been designed for specific house types and extension sizes.
Please use our suitability quiz and read the product information carefully before purchasing to make sure the package is appropriate for your property.
Once you've purchased:
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Your digital files will be available immediately.
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Your printed pack will be dispatched within five working days.
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Read through the Construction Guide and Homeowner Guide.
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Obtain any site-specific structural information if required.
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Obtain quotations from builders.
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Arrange Building Control and begin your project.
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