Building a Porch- How much does it cost?
Adding a porch to your home can be a practical and stylish upgrade, providing extra space, enhancing your home's curb appeal, and even increasing its value. Whether you're looking for a simple, functional space for storing shoes and coats, or a grand, welcoming entrance, building a porch is a popular home improvement project across the UK. But how much does it cost to build a porch?
In this guide, we’ll break down the costs, key factors that affect the price, and what you need to consider before starting your project.
1. What Is a Porch?
A porch is a small extension added to the front or back of a house, usually with a roof and often enclosed by walls, doors, and windows. Porches serve various functions, including providing shelter from the weather, extra storage, and improved energy efficiency by preventing drafts.
Porches can range in style from simple open structures to more complex, fully enclosed spaces with glazing, brickwork, and even heating. The cost will depend on the size, materials, and level of finish you choose.
2. Average Cost to Build a Porch in the UK
The cost of building a porch in the UK typically ranges from £2,000 to £5,000. However, prices can go higher depending on the size, materials, and complexity of the design. Below is a general breakdown of the typical costs:
- Basic open porch: £1,500 - £2,500
- Enclosed porch with windows and doors: £3,000 - £5,000
- High-end porch with brick walls, glazing, and heating: £5,000 - £10,000+
These prices are averages, and the final cost can vary based on several factors, including your location and the specific materials you choose.
3. Key Factors Affecting Porch Costs
Several factors will influence the total cost of building a porch, including the size, materials, design complexity, and any additional features you may want. Here’s a closer look at each of these factors:
a) Size of the Porch
The size of your porch is one of the main cost factors. Larger porches require more materials and labour, leading to higher costs. Typical sizes range from 2 to 6 square metres, with smaller porches being more affordable.
- Small porches (2-3m²): £2,000 - £3,000
- Medium porches (4-5m²): £3,500 - £4,500
- Large porches (6m² or more): £5,000 and above
b) Materials Used
The materials you choose will significantly impact the overall cost. Some popular materials for porches include:
- Brick: Commonly used for walls, bricks provide durability and insulation. Brick porches tend to be more expensive but offer a traditional and sturdy finish.
- uPVC: A more affordable option, uPVC is commonly used for windows and doors. It’s low-maintenance and energy-efficient, making it a popular choice for enclosed porches.
- Wood: Often used for the framework of open porches or for decorative elements. Wood offers a classic look but requires regular maintenance.
- Glass: Used for windows, doors, or even roof panels, glass can make your porch feel bright and airy, but it’s one of the pricier options.
c) Type of Porch
There are different types of porches, and the cost can vary depending on whether you opt for an open, enclosed, or fully integrated porch.
- Open porch: Typically less expensive, an open porch has a roof but no walls or glazing. It provides shelter but won’t offer much extra space for storage.
- Enclosed porch: This type of porch is fully enclosed with windows, doors, and walls, offering more functionality and insulation. It’s generally more expensive than an open porch.
- Fully integrated porch: A more complex design that includes heating, lighting, and insulation, making it feel like an extension of your home. These porches are at the higher end of the price range.
d) Roofing
The type of roof you choose for your porch can also affect the cost. Common roofing materials include:
- Tiles: Durable and weather-resistant, but one of the more expensive options.
- Slates: Provide a high-quality finish but are costly.
- Flat roof: Often the cheapest option, but may not be as durable or stylish as a tiled or slate roof.
e) Windows and Doors
For enclosed porches, the type and quality of windows and doors you choose will have a significant impact on the cost. uPVC doors and windows are the most budget-friendly option, while double or triple-glazed glass and wooden frames will increase the price.
f) Additional Features
Other elements, such as flooring, lighting, heating, and insulation, can add to the total cost of your porch. If you plan to use the porch as a functional living space, these additions are essential, but they come at a cost.
- Underfloor heating: £200 - £500
- Lighting installation: £100 - £500
- Insulation: £500 - £1,500 depending on the size and type
4. Do You Need Planning Permission?
In many cases, you won’t need planning permission to build a porch, as long as it meets certain conditions. According to Permitted Development Rights in the UK, your porch is exempt from planning permission if:
- The ground floor area is no larger than 3m².
- It’s no more than 3 metres high.
- It’s at least 2 metres from any boundary or highway.
If your porch design doesn’t meet these criteria, you will need to apply for planning permission, which typically costs between £200 and £500.
It’s also important to check with your local authority to ensure your plans comply with building regulations, which focus on safety standards such as insulation, ventilation, and structural integrity.
5. Labour Costs for Porch Building
Labour costs will vary depending on the complexity of your project and the tradespeople you hire. For a standard porch, you will need builders, joiners, electricians, and potentially plasterers.
- Builders: £150 - £200 per day.
- Joiners: £150 - £250 per day, especially if bespoke woodwork is required.
- Electricians: £150 - £250 per day, if you need wiring for lighting or heating.
- Plasterers: £200 - £400 for finishing the interior walls of the porch.
The labour cost for a basic porch typically adds up to £1,000 - £2,000, but this can increase for more complex designs.
6. Benefits of Building a Porch
Adding a porch to your home can offer several benefits:
- Enhanced curb appeal: A well-designed porch can transform the look of your home, making it more attractive and increasing its value.
- Extra space: A porch provides additional storage for shoes, coats, and umbrellas, helping to keep your home organised and clean.
- Energy efficiency: An enclosed porch acts as a buffer between the indoors and outdoors, helping to reduce heat loss and lower energy bills.
- Security: A porch adds an extra layer of security, with an additional door and windows acting as a deterrent to potential intruders.
7. Conclusion: What’s the Total Cost of Building a Porch?
The cost of building a porch in the UK can range from £1,500 to over £10,000, depending on the size, materials, and features you choose. For a simple, open porch, expect to pay around £2,000, while an enclosed porch with high-end materials could set you back £5,000 or more.
Building a porch is a great way to improve the functionality and appearance of your home. However, it’s important to carefully plan your budget and ensure that your design meets planning regulations and building standards. Whether you’re looking for a small, simple addition or a stylish new entranceway, building a porch can be a worthwhile investment that adds both value and convenience to your home.
