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 Putney?
In Putney, a porch typically costs £8,500–£21,000 from a 3 m² porch to a small front extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). That range is adjusted for London, where domestic building work typically costs around 30% above the national average. 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:
- Whether building regulations apply
- Moving meters, drains or the doorbell and lighting
- Front door specification
- 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 Putney?
The approval route for Putney 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
From survey to sign-off, the job normally involves:
- Roof and guttering
- Plastering and decoration
- Design to match the house
- Foundations and brickwork
- Electrics for lighting
- Front door and windows
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 Putney
Space is at a premium in London, so homeowners often build out into the side return or up into the roof rather than move.
From SW15 outwards, we take on projects throughout Putney and the surrounding parts of Greater London.
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
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 Putney
Can I have a toilet in my porch?
A downstairs toilet usually needs a larger front extension, a drainage connection and building regulations approval.
How long does it take?
Usually 2 to 4 weeks on site.
Who approves a porch in Putney?
Planning matters in Putney go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
How much does a porch cost in Putney?
In Putney, 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.
