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 Golders Green?
In Golders Green, a porch typically costs £8,500–£21,000 from a 3 m² porch to a small front extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in London run about 30% above the UK average, and the figures for Golders Green 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 | £8,500–£21,000 |
| Higher specification | £21,000–£26,000 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Moving meters, drains or the doorbell and lighting
- Brick matching
- Front door specification
- Whether building regulations apply
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 Golders Green?
The approval route for Golders Green is set by planning law 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.
Building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control service or a registered building control approver. The work is inspected at key stages, such as foundations, drainage and insulation, and a completion certificate is issued at the end.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
Handled as part of most porches:
- Electrics for lighting
- Roof and guttering
- Design to match the house
- Foundations and brickwork
- Front door and windows
- Plastering and decoration
How long does it take?
Expect 2 to 4 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Golders Green
Many London boroughs have conservation areas and detailed design guides, so early design advice saves time at the planning stage.
If your home is in Golders Green or close by in Hampstead, Finchley and Hendon, a free home visit is the first step.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Drawings and written quote
We prepare the design and give you a written, itemised quote with inclusions and exclusions.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about porches in Golders Green
How much does a porch cost in Golders Green?
In Golders Green, a porch typically costs £8,500–£21,000 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.
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.
How long does a porch take in Golders Green?
Typically 2 to 4 weeks on site. Design and approvals beforehand usually take 6 to 12 weeks.
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.
