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 Sevenoaks?
In Sevenoaks, a porch typically costs £7,250–£18,000 from a 3 m² porch to a small front extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in the South East run about 12% above the UK average, and the figures for Sevenoaks are adjusted to reflect that. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| From a 3 m² porch to a small front extension | £7,250–£18,000 |
| Higher specification | £18,000–£22,500 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Whether building regulations apply
- Moving meters, drains or the doorbell and lighting
- Brick matching
- Front door specification
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 Sevenoaks?
Approvals for a porch in Sevenoaks follow the rules for 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
The work we manage on a porch:
- Roof and guttering
- Electrics for lighting
- Plastering and decoration
- Front door and windows
- Foundations and brickwork
- Design to match the house
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 Sevenoaks
The South East has a broad mix of housing, from Victorian terraces in the towns to post-war semis and newer estates, so extension types vary street by street.
From TN13 outwards, we take on projects throughout Sevenoaks and the surrounding parts of Kent.
How it works
- 01
Free visit
We look at the property, talk through what you want and measure up. There is no charge and no obligation.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Permissions sorted
Applications, building control and neighbour arrangements, all before the start date.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about porches in Sevenoaks
Who approves a porch in Sevenoaks?
Planning matters in Sevenoaks go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
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.
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 much does a porch cost in Sevenoaks?
In Sevenoaks, a porch typically costs £7,250–£18,000 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.