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 Northolt?
In Northolt, a porch typically costs £8,500–£21,000 from a 3 m² porch to a small front extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Prices across London are typically 30% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Northolt. 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 biggest cost drivers are:
- Front door specification
- Size and roof style
- Moving meters, drains or the doorbell and lighting
- Whether building regulations apply
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a porch in Northolt?
Here is how the rules work for a porch 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.
At the survey we check your house’s planning history and any restrictions, and tell you which route applies.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Electrics for lighting
- Plastering and decoration
- Design to match the house
- Front door and windows
- Roof and guttering
- Foundations and brickwork
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 2 to 4 weeks on site. Allow time beforehand for drawings and approvals, usually 6 to 12 weeks.
Building in Northolt
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
We work across Northolt and neighbouring areas such as Greenford, Harrow and Southall. Postcodes we cover in Northolt include UB5.
How it works
- 01
Visit and measured survey
A free visit to understand the project, check access and take measurements.
- 02
Design and pricing
Design options, then a fixed quote based on the chosen drawings and specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about porches in Northolt
Who approves a porch in Northolt?
Planning matters in Northolt go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How long does it take?
Usually 2 to 4 weeks on site.
How much does a porch cost in Northolt?
In Northolt, 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.
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.
Will it match my house?
We source matching bricks and tiles where possible, or suggest a deliberate contrast.
