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 Kirkwall?
In Kirkwall, a porch typically costs £6,250–£15,500 from a 3 m² porch to a small front extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Island and remote projects usually cost more than this guide because of shipping, travel and accommodation. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| From a 3 m² porch to a small front extension | £6,250–£15,500 |
| Higher specification | £15,500–£19,500 |
What moves the price most:
- Size and roof style
- Moving meters, drains or the doorbell and lighting
- Whether building regulations apply
- Brick matching
A guide range is only a starting point: the guide price tool gives an instant figure for your size, and a free survey turns it into a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a porch in Kirkwall?
Whether you need planning permission depends on your house and its location in 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.
Scotland has no Party Wall Act. Work on shared walls is governed by your title deeds, the Tenements (Scotland) Act 2004 for flats, and common law, so we agree arrangements with neighbours in writing 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:
- Foundations and brickwork
- Electrics for lighting
- Roof and guttering
- Design to match the house
- Front door and windows
- Plastering and decoration
How long does it take?
Allow 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 Kirkwall
Scotland’s housing ranges from sandstone tenements and villas to post-war and modern estates, and the building warrant system shapes how projects are planned.
Projects in Kirkwall are taken on by arrangement. We confirm availability first, and shipping, travel and accommodation costs are shown separately in the quote.
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 Kirkwall
Will it match my house?
We source matching bricks and tiles where possible, or suggest a deliberate contrast.
Do I need planning permission for a porch in Kirkwall?
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.
Who approves a porch in Kirkwall?
Planning matters in Kirkwall go to the council covering your address, and the work needs a building warrant. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How much does a porch cost in Kirkwall?
In Kirkwall, a porch typically costs £6,250–£15,500 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.
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 it take?
Usually 2 to 4 weeks on site.