Tag: porch

Architecture & Building, Planning Permission

Planning A Porch Extension For The First Time

4th April 20230

First impressions are important to people. So you should create a warm welcome for guests by adding a stylish and functional porch extension to the front of your home. 

What Is A Porch Extension?

A porch is a single storey structure. That can be enclosed and projects out from the front of the house.

Designing The Porch –  

A porch not just adds an extra bit of storage for shoes, or coats, it can be completely bespoke to suit your needs. A porch also can provide extra security benefits because it creates a barrier between your front door and the outside. Closed porches also are energy efficient because they prevent heat escaping and it saves you a bit on your bills. There are many different porch designs and choices when it comes to building one. Starting from brickwork, front doors, windows, and roof options. However, when you are making these choices, you need to make sure you are integrating the design of your original house.  

Planning Permission –  

A porch is considered to be permitted development. This means that you do not require an application for planning permission, provided: 

  • The ground floor area would not exceed three square meters 
  • No part would be more than three meters above ground level.
  • No part of the porch would be within two meters of any boundary of the dwelling house and the highway 

You would also need to check if you live in a listed building or a conservation area before you start your project.   Prices of a porch extension –  The prices of a porch extension can vary depending on what you want to do to the property and if you have a budget. Adding a porch typically costs around £1000-£1,200 per meter square. Installing a porch will very likely increase your home’s value. When it’s time to sell your home, some sources say the average return on investment for a porch addition is around 84%.  

Porch extension
Credit: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/13159023902288428/

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Extensions

Porch extensions: are they worth it?

11th November 20220

Building a porch extension can improve your home in many ways. Firstly, they’re a great way to add extra space, and security. As well as, redesigning the look of the front of your house. If you are considering whether you should add a porch to your home, there are a few factors to account for first.  

Why do houses have porches? 

 Security –  

For many families, the biggest benefit is that porches increase the security of your home. This is because the act as an extra barrier, protecting your home from any unwanted visitors. Having to break through two entrances might put off home invaders, or at least give you some extra time to call the police.  

Energy efficient – 

Porches can help your homes energy efficiency. When it’s cold outside, and you enter your porch the second door creates a barrier and prevents the cold air from sweeping into your hallway. It also provides a space to take of your dirty shoes in the winter, so the house stays clean.  

Space –  

Although, it may not seem like a huge addition a porch can add a lot of valuable space. It’s the perfect area to store coats, shoes or outdoor items you might not want inside your home. Particularly if your front door leads straight into your living room or kitchen.  

Aesthetic –  

One of the main reasons people choose to install a porch is to improve the aesthetic of their home. A well-built and decorated porch can create a welcoming entryway instead of just a regular door.  

Will a porch add value to your home? 

Firstly, by adding a porch you are increasing the square footage of your property which will add value to your property. A porch will provide an average return on investment of 84%. The cost and return varies by region, as some places are more suitable for porches than others.    

Image: https://i-glaze.co.uk/benefits-porches-for-modern-homes/

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Extensions

Can I add a Front extension to my home?

6th April 20220

What is a front extension? 

A front extension is commonly seen as a porch. They allow you to add depth and dimension to the front of your home. Whilst shielding it from the elements and adding it for aesthetic purposes.  

Front House Extension Rules to Follow –  

Some of the rules are as follows: 

  • The size of the house extension should not be greater than the land around the house. 
  • You can make an extension higher than the existing roof. 
  • You need to make sure that the materials you are using are the same. 
  • If your house is situated near the public highway; you cannot build an extension under permitted development rights. 

Reasons to extend the front of your home –  

  • Adding a front extension will increase the value of your home. In the UK single-storey extensions are a popular choice and can add up to 5 – 8% value to the property.  
  • If you are looking for more space, it is cheaper to extend your house rather than buy a new one.  
  • Extending the front of your house is often the easiest type of extension. It doesn’t require you to move out of your home. As well as, it may not affect major rooms in the house.  

Will you need planning permission –  

Whenever you plan to add an extension, there are some rules that you need to follow. Like any other house extension, there are some limits on how high, wide, and far you can go. If the design does not comply with these rules, then you have to apply for planning permission. 

Permitted development rules for a front extension –  

  • Does not front onto the road 
  • A single storey 
  • Is at most three meters out from the original house 
  • Is not more than half the width of the original house 

It does not mean that this process is negative. It is just difficult and can make your project stressful. Furthermore, it can take many weeks to complete and will cost you extra money. Anyhow, if you are following the rules then you can skip this process and build an extension. You can add a room to the front of your house without any worry. 

The rules with this type of extension are very strict. The reason is that you are extending towards the front of the house. It means towards a public highway and hence there are stringent rules. 

Image: Houzz
Extensions

Planning a porch extension in Maidstone

3rd March 20220

Adding a porch extension to your Maidstone home can transform the look of your property. First impressions are very important to some homeowners, so creating a warm welcome to guests is a must. If you’re looking for a bit of extra space to hold your coats and shoes, then a porch would be a great addition.  

Will you need planning permission for a porch in Maidstone?  

If you’re thinking about adding a porch, you might be wondering if you need planning permission. Many, people might think of a porch as a kind of extension or conservatory. However, a porch has its own rules for planning permission. So, a porch doesn’t need planning permission if it follows the permitted development guidelines.  

You do need planning permission if:  

  • The ground area is more than three square meters (including the walls) 
  • The highest point is more than three metres in height 
  • Is within two meters of a boundary and the road 

You may need permission if you live in a listed building, conservation area, or area of natural beauty.  

How much will it cost to add a porch?  

Building a porch extension is a fast and relatively cost-effective way to improve the front of your house. The average porch costs around £3,500. This is for a traditional porch made from bricks, with a tiled roof, concrete floor, and glazed composite door.  

How long does it take to build a porch extension?  

The time it takes to build a porch depends on the materials you choose. A lightweight aluminum porch can take around a week to build. Whereas, a uPVC glazed porch can take around 2 weeks to build. If you choose a more secure enclosed porch such as one that is brick-built it will take around 1-2 weeks to construct.  

Will a porch add value to your Maidstone home?  

Firstly, by adding a porch you are increasing the square footage of your property which will add value to your property. A porch will provide an average return on investment of 84%. The cost and return varies by region, as some places are more suitable for a porch than others.  

Image: A Gilligan Builders

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Advice Center, Extensions

What Are The Top 6 Different Types Of Porch?

13th December 20210

The porch is the first thing visitors see as they approach your house. So, if you are looking to create a beautiful entrance to the front of your home but are unsure of what style of porch you would like, this blog is perfect for you.  

1 – Overhang 

Firstly, simple overhang porches can be visually beautiful. An overhang is the part of the roof that extends over the edge of the house. Porch overhangs help shield your house from strong winds and heavy rain. They can also help shade windows from the sun in the summer.  

80 The Best Front Porch Ideas #frontporchideas landscape ideas front yard, porch and patio ideas, front porch ro… | Modern front porches, House entrance, Porch roof

2 – An enclosed porch  

An enclosed porch is usually the traditional style in the UK. If you have limited hallway space, an enclosed porch is a great way to add extra space and storage. Many people use these as a space to keep your shoes and coats, so you don’t have to bring your dirty shoes inside the house. You should include plenty of light in the design of this porch so it’s not dark and gloomy.  

3 – Veranda   

A veranda may be a large porch that’s a room for outdoor enjoyment and entertainment. A veranda is an open-air porch or platform that has a roof and runs across the front and sides of the home. Often, enclosed by a railing and is mainly leveled with the ground level of the home. 

Glass Verandas: Everything You Need to Know | Canopies UK

4 – Open porches  

 An open porch is one without screens or any sort of enclosure. They are usually elevated structures, with a roof overhead and open support structures. If you prefer to have an airier open space then you might prefer an open area, rather than an indoor room.  

Border Oak Porches | Border Oak

5 – Deck  

Decks are open outdoor porches or platforms without a roof. They are typically made out of wood or some simulation wood material. Many homeowners like to go for this option because the materials make the deck look warm and inviting. However, decks can be more expensive to install due to the material, installation, and maintenance. 

Wood Decks: Ipe & Exotic Hardwoods Installed in Lancaster & Central PA – Stump's Quality Decks & Porches

 

6 – Detached porches –  

A detached porch is separate and not attached to the house. They are usually connected to the house by a walkway or a wooden deck leading to it. The detached building can be screened in, open-air, glass-enclosed, or anything in between. These types of porches could potentially be more expensive because it is a separate structure from the house.  

What Is A Porch | 15 Types Of Porch Used For Home

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