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 Swanley?
In Swanley, a porch typically costs £7,250–£18,000 from a 3 m² porch to a small front extension, including VAT at 20% (standard rate). Prices across the South East are typically 12% above the UK average for this kind of work, which is reflected in the range for Swanley. 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 main things that change the cost:
- Whether building regulations apply
- Brick matching
- Moving meters, drains or the doorbell and lighting
- Size and roof style
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 Swanley?
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.
Our first visit includes a check of your planning history, so you know the route before paying for drawings.
What we handle
What we take care of:
- Front door and windows
- Design to match the house
- Foundations and brickwork
- Plastering and decoration
- Electrics for lighting
- Roof and guttering
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 Swanley
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.
Projects in Swanley (BR8) are surveyed in person before we quote, so the price reflects your actual property.
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
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Build and sign-off
We run the build to a written programme and hand over the completion certificate.
Questions about porches in Swanley
How much does a porch cost in Swanley?
In Swanley, 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.
Do you build porches in Swanley?
Yes. We build porches across Swanley, including postcodes BR8. Every project starts with a free home visit.
Do I need planning permission for a porch?
In England a porch is permitted development if its ground floor area is no more than 3 square metres, no part is higher than 3 metres and it is at least 2 metres from any boundary next to a road. Larger porches need an application.
Will it match my house?
We source matching bricks and tiles where possible, or suggest a deliberate contrast.
How long does it take?
Usually 2 to 4 weeks on site.