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 Shirley?
In Shirley, a porch typically costs £6,250–£15,500 from a 3 m² porch to a small front extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Building costs in the West Midlands are close to the UK average, so the figures for Shirley are close to our national guide. 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 |
Your quote will depend mainly on:
- Size and roof style
- Brick matching
- Whether building regulations apply
- Moving meters, drains or the doorbell and lighting
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 Shirley?
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.
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.
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:
- Roof and guttering
- Plastering and decoration
- Foundations and brickwork
- Front door and windows
- Electrics for lighting
- Design to match the house
How long does it take?
Build time is typically 2 to 4 weeks on site. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Shirley
Across the West Midlands, inter-war and post-war semis make up much of the housing, giving good scope for two-storey side extensions and hip-to-gable lofts.
We work across Shirley and neighbouring areas such as Solihull, Birmingham and Smethwick. Postcodes we cover in Shirley include B90.
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
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about porches in Shirley
How much does a porch cost in Shirley?
In Shirley, 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.
Who approves a porch in Shirley?
Planning matters in Shirley 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.
How long does it take?
Usually 2 to 4 weeks on site.
Can I have a toilet in my porch?
A downstairs toilet usually needs a larger front extension, a drainage connection and building regulations approval.