Average cost of a porch

Summary: How much does it cost to build a porch, costs to consider when building a porch and factors to consider when building a porch.

Porches are very useful additions to a property. Fully enclosed, a porch will prevent heat loss as well as providing useful space for outdoor clothing and umbrellas. Porches can vary in size from the very small to those that resemble small conservatories which can be used for plants and even contain seating particularly if the house has a good view or is elevated.

If there are children in the home, a porch can be a very useful place to store the things they need to take to school such as lunch boxes and sports equipment. Any busy parent will appreciate the time saved in not having to search around for these things before setting off in the morning.

Average Cost

Factors to consider

Normally a porch will not need planning permission as long as it is less than two metres from a highway boundary and covers no more than three square metres. Bear in mind that if you live in a conservation area or if the house is listed you will need to consult the planning department at your local council before carrying out any work. Regulations change frequently and you need to be sure of current rules. It is better to be safe than sorry because the local authority is within its rights to make a homeowner take down any structure that does not comply with their regulations.

Recessed front doors were popular in Victorian and Edwardian times and many 1930s houses have this type of entrance too. These recesses can be enclosed with glass or brickwork or both depending what is in keeping with the style of house. You could consider moving the original front door of the house to the outside of the porch, thus harmonising the front and creating an impression of a bigger property.

If your house opens out onto the street, as did terraced houses from the early 1900s, a simple canopy can mean the difference between getting wet while you search for keys and having a degree of shelter from the elements. See what others have done in your area and choose a canopy that blends in. In other types of home you could also consider infilling an existing canopy using glass, bricks and wood. Get the style right and you could add to the value of your home. Search the internet and you will find many examples of styles of porch. If you are short of ideas there are dozens of magazines devoted to home improvements too.

Materials used need to be in keeping with the rest of the house. You might, for example, put a new door opening into the side of the porch rather than at the front. This might be a way of gaining extra space. Try to match up any windows with those which already exist in the house. Your porch needs to complement the rest of the building and look as if it was part of the original structure. If it is to have a slate roof, for example, try to match the slates used on the original house roof. If the house is old, you will probably find slates to match at a reclamation yard or your builder might find some on your behalf. Shiny new tiles on a porch would look out of keeping with an older tiled roof.

If your porch is big enough you could even have a storage cupboard built into it and you will be able to store all those little bits and pieces you never have room for in the house. Do not compromise on size. Bigger really is better when it comes to a porch. It needs to be the appropriate size for your home of course but choose the biggest one you can fit into the space available. Once you have got your porch you will wonder how you ever did without one.

Costs to consider

A porch will be the first thing people see when approaching your home. It needs to be built to a high standard and, unless you are a very competent DIY’er, this is a job best left to a builder. Get quotes from 3 builders and compare them. Do not necessarily choose the cheapest. Ask anyone you know who has had building work done for recommendations.

Do not be afraid to knock on doors and ask someone who their builder was if you see a porch that you particularly admire. Never pay any builder up front. Do not part with any money until work is completed to your satisfaction. There are many TV programmes with horrendous tales of builders who have taken money from customers and never completed the job. No reputable builder will ask for money in advance.