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 Hitchin?
In Hitchin, a porch typically costs £7,000–£17,000 from a 3 m² porch to a small front extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). The guide for Hitchin reflects typical costs in the East of England, roughly 6% above the UK-wide figure. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| From a 3 m² porch to a small front extension | £7,000–£17,000 |
| Higher specification | £17,000–£21,000 |
What moves the price most:
- Whether building regulations apply
- Brick matching
- Moving meters, drains or the doorbell and lighting
- Size and roof style
Your exact price depends on the survey and drawings. The guide price tool gives a quick range in the meantime.
Do you need planning permission for a porch in Hitchin?
The approval route for Hitchin 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
On a typical porch we handle:
- Electrics for lighting
- Front door and windows
- Design to match the house
- Roof and guttering
- Foundations and brickwork
- 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 Hitchin
Across the East of England, 1930s and post-war semis, newer estates and rural cottages all feature, each with different extension and loft options.
From SG4 outwards, we take on projects throughout Hitchin and the surrounding parts of Hertfordshire.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about porches in Hitchin
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 Hitchin?
In Hitchin, a porch typically costs £7,000–£17,000 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.
Who approves a porch in Hitchin?
Planning matters in Hitchin go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.