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 Purley?
In Purley, a porch typically costs £8,500–£21,000 from a 3 m² porch to a small front extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). The guide for Purley reflects typical costs in London, roughly 30% 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 | £8,500–£21,000 |
| Higher specification | £21,000–£26,000 |
The main things that change the cost:
- Size and roof style
- Front door specification
- Moving meters, drains or the doorbell and lighting
- Brick matching
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 Purley?
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.
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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
On a typical porch we handle:
- Roof and guttering
- Front door and windows
- Foundations and brickwork
- Electrics for lighting
- Plastering and decoration
- Design to match the house
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 Purley
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
If your home is in Purley or close by in Coulsdon, Wallington and Carshalton, a free home visit is the first step.
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 handover
Work follows the agreed programme, with inspections along the way and a completion certificate at the end.
Questions about porches in Purley
Can I have a toilet in my porch?
A downstairs toilet usually needs a larger front extension, a drainage connection and building regulations approval.
Will it match my house?
We source matching bricks and tiles where possible, or suggest a deliberate contrast.
Who approves a porch in Purley?
Planning matters in Purley 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 Purley?
In Purley, 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.
