Porches
One of the simplest extension projects for your home is to build a porch. Making the most of an entrance with a porch is a great-looking addition that also offers additional space for bags, coats, and boots. A well-thought-out porch is not only affordable (as far as extensions go), but will also be an elegant addition to your home.
Will a porch increase the value of my home?
Will porches add value to your home?
A porch can add to your home’s value and give it some additional curb appeal if you ever sell. Naturally, you will need to consider the price of building a porch and the amount it will increase your property value before having the work done. Especially if you’re looking to sell soon.
Another bonus of a porch is that it can add additional security to your front door. But even though a porch is probably the easiest and cheapest home extension project. There are still potential pitfalls and you also have to be careful about overpaying unscrupulous builders!
Hopefully, this article will help you to decide on your new porch. Plus help you avoid any potential problems while ensuring you pay a reasonable price.
Do i need planning permission for a new porch?
Will you need planning permission?
When choosing a new porch, one of the most important decisions you have to make is the size, getting this right is crucial. Typically, porches should be a minimum of 1.2m wide and up to 3m deep. This will come under your lawful development rights and therefore you will only need to apply for a Lawful Development Certificate.
If you want a porch larger than this then you are looking at a full front extension which will require planning permission. Most porch projects will feature a dwarf wall made of brick, have a concrete floor. Also, partial glazing, a tiled roof, and a security front door.
How much will a porch cost?
Costs for this type of construction vary from around £800 to £1500 per square metre, but you can choose a different type of porch. If the proposed porch area is 3 metres squared or less, it is unlikely you will require planning permission. However, we always recommend you check the local regulations in your area.
The planning rules for porches are applicable to any external door to the dwelling/house.
Adding a porch to any external door of your house is considered to be permitted development, not requiring an application for planning permission, provided:
- the ground floor area (measured externally) would not exceed three square metres.
- no part would be more than three metres above ground level (height needs to be measured in the same way as for a house extension).
- no part of the porch would be within two metres of any boundary of the dwelling/house and the highway.
Please note: The permitted development allowances described here apply to houses and not to:
- Flats and maisonettes
- Converted houses or houses created through the permitted development rights to change use
- Other buildings
- Areas where there may be a planning condition, Article 4 Direction or other restriction that limits permitted development rights.
Building a porch at ground level and under 30 square metres in floor area is normally exempt from the need for building regulation approval.
This is provided that glazing and any fixed electrical installations comply with the appropriate sections of building regulations.
For a porch to be exempt from building regulations approval:
- The front entrance door between the existing house and the new porch must remain in place
- If the house has ramped or level access for disabled people, the porch must not adversely affect access.
