Entrance porches to add weather protection and kerb appeal
Porches
A porch is a small enclosed structure built over an entrance door to provide weather protection, additional security and storage, ranging from a simple canopy to a fully glazed and insulated room.
Definition
What Porches covers
A porch is a small-scale addition built at a front or side entrance, typically providing a lobby between the outside and the front door. Porches range from open canopies to fully enclosed, glazed structures, and are commonly built as standard-pattern designs that suit a range of house styles rather than fully bespoke schemes.
Suitable for
- Front or side entrances needing weather protection and extra storage
- Households wanting to improve kerb appeal and thermal performance at the entrance
- Standard house types where a package porch design is available
- Period properties where a bespoke porch matched to existing materials is preferred
Not suitable for
- Entrances where the added footprint would breach permitted development limits close to a highway, requiring planning permission first
- Properties where planning conditions or an Article 4 direction restrict permitted development
Process
How the work is carried out
- 01
Survey and design
Measuring the entrance and agreeing a standard package design or bespoke design to match the house.
- 02
Planning check
Confirming whether the porch falls under permitted development or needs a planning application.
- 03
Foundations and structure
Forming the base and building the walls, roof and glazing.
- 04
Fit-out and completion
Flooring, decoration and making good to the existing entrance.
Typical timescale
A standard porch typically takes one to two weeks on site once approvals (if needed) are in place. Bespoke designs matched to a period property can take longer.
Cost guidance
Porches typically cost £3,000–£10,000 per job in our area, with size, roof form and whether the design is a standard package or bespoke driving the range. We provide an itemised quotation after survey, and standard designs can often be booked as a fixed-price package.
Limitations and exclusions
- Porches are usually permitted development if the external ground floor area is no more than 3m², the highest part is no more than 3m (4m for a dual-pitched roof) and no part is within 2m of a boundary adjoining a highway — outside these limits, planning permission is needed
- Porches under 30m² floor area with no habitable use are generally exempt from Building Regulations, though electrics and any structural opening into the house still need to comply
- Existing entrance step, threshold or drainage falls may need adjusting to meet the new structure
Areas we cover
Porches across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and South London
Local property styles, planning authorities and neighbourhood coverage for porches in each town we work in.
Related services
You may also need
FAQs
Porches FAQs
Do I need planning permission for a porch?
Most porches fall under permitted development if the external ground floor area is 3m² or less, the highest point is no more than 3m (or 4m with a dual-pitched roof), and no part comes within 2m of a boundary that fronts a highway. Outside these limits, or on designated land, a planning application is needed.
Does a porch need Building Regulations approval?
A porch under 30m² floor area is generally exempt from Building Regulations provided it has no habitable use, though the new external door, any glazing and electrical work still need to meet relevant standards.
Can I have a standard porch design fitted quickly?
Yes. Standard package porch designs are usually the quickest option, since the design work is already done and the main variable is site preparation. We can confirm turnaround for a standard design at survey.
Discuss your porches project
Tell us about the property and what you have in mind, and we'll arrange a site visit.
Last reviewed 2026-07-28.