What is a porch?
A porch is a small extension built around the front door, giving a lobby for coats and shoes and stopping draughts reaching the hall. Most are brick with a pitched tiled roof to match the house, though glazed and timber porches are also common.
Small porches are often permitted development. A porch can also be combined with a front extension or garage conversion to change how the front of the house looks.
What we handle
- Design to match the house
- Foundations and brickwork
- Roof and guttering
- Front door and windows
- Electrics for lighting
- Plastering and decoration
Options to consider
Brick and tile
Matches most houses and needs little maintenance.
Open canopy
A roof over the door without walls, for shelter without enclosing space.
Glazed porch
Lighter and simpler to build.
Porch with WC
A larger front extension can include a downstairs toilet, which usually needs planning permission.
How much does a porch cost?
A porch typically costs £6,500–£16,000 from a 3 m² porch to a small front extension across the UK, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Build time is usually 2 to 4 weeks on site. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Region | Guide range (from a 3 m² porch to a small front extension) |
|---|---|
| London | £8,500–£21,000 |
| South East | £7,250–£18,000 |
| East of England | £7,000–£17,000 |
| South West | £6,750–£16,500 |
| West Midlands | £6,250–£15,500 |
| East Midlands | £6,250–£15,000 |
| North West | £6,000–£15,000 |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £6,000–£15,000 |
| North East | £5,750–£14,500 |
| Wales | £6,000–£14,500 |
| Scotland | £6,250–£15,500 |
| Northern Ireland | £5,500–£14,000 |
What changes the price:
- Size and roof style
- Front door specification
- Brick matching
- Moving meters, drains or the doorbell and lighting
- Whether building regulations apply
Use the guide price tool for a figure based on your measurements, or see all guide prices.
Do I need planning permission?
England
In England a porch is permitted development if its ground floor area is no more than 3 square metres, no part is over 3 metres high and it is at least 2 metres from a boundary next to a road.
Wales
In Wales small porches are generally permitted development within similar limits: about 3 square metres of ground area, no more than 3 metres high and set back from a road boundary.
Scotland
In Scotland a porch is permitted development if its footprint is no more than 3 square metres, it is no more than 3 metres high and more than 2 metres from a boundary with a road, outside conservation areas. A building warrant may be needed depending on the design.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland a porch is permitted development if its ground area is no more than 3 square metres, it is no higher than 3 metres (3.5 metres with a pitched roof) and it is at least 2 metres from a boundary with a road.
Even when planning permission is not needed, building regulations approval (a building warrant in Scotland) usually is. We make the applications and book the inspections.
How long does it take?
Typically 2 to 4 weeks on site. Surveys, design and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks beforehand.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, discuss what you want and measure up.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, calculations and an itemised price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development, building regulations and neighbour matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
Built to a written programme, with a completion certificate at the end.
Porches: questions and answers
Do I need planning permission for a porch?
In England a porch is permitted development if its ground floor area is no more than 3 square metres, no part is higher than 3 metres and it is at least 2 metres from any boundary next to a road. Larger porches need an application.
Does a porch need building regulations?
In England and Wales a ground-level porch under 30 square metres is usually exempt if the front door stays in place and the glazing meets safety standards. In Scotland the exemption is much smaller (around 8 square metres, with no new opening into the house). If the front door is removed, approval is needed. We check this for your design.
How long does it take?
Usually 2 to 4 weeks on site.
Can I have a toilet in my porch?
A downstairs toilet usually needs a larger front extension, a drainage connection and building regulations approval.
Will it match my house?
We source matching bricks and tiles where possible, or suggest a deliberate contrast.
Can you move the gas or electric meter?
Meters belong to the supplier or network operator. We coordinate their move as part of the job, which can add time.