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.
How much does a porch cost in Basingstoke?
In Basingstoke, a porch typically costs £7,250–£18,000 from a 3 m² porch to a small front extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in the South East run about 12% above the UK average, and the figures for Basingstoke are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| From a 3 m² porch to a small front extension | £7,250–£18,000 |
| Higher specification | £18,000–£22,500 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Moving meters, drains or the doorbell and lighting
- Brick matching
- Whether building regulations apply
- Front door specification
Use the guide price tool to see how size and specification change the figure, then ask for a written, itemised quote.
Do you need planning permission for a porch in Basingstoke?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in 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.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
Handled as part of most porches:
- Design to match the house
- Roof and guttering
- Plastering and decoration
- Front door and windows
- Electrics for lighting
- Foundations and brickwork
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 2 to 4 weeks on site. Design and approvals come first and typically take 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the approval route.
Building in Basingstoke
Commuter towns across the South East have many 1930s and post-war semis that suit rear extensions and hip-to-gable loft conversions.
From RG21 outwards, we take on projects throughout Basingstoke and the surrounding parts of Hampshire.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Approvals in place
We handle planning, building control and neighbour notices before work starts.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about porches in Basingstoke
Can I have a toilet in my porch?
A downstairs toilet usually needs a larger front extension, a drainage connection and building regulations approval.
Who approves a porch in Basingstoke?
Planning matters in Basingstoke go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.
How much does a porch cost in Basingstoke?
In Basingstoke, a porch typically costs £7,250–£18,000 from a 3 m² porch to a small front extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
How long does it take?
Usually 2 to 4 weeks on site.
