Planning your porch installation

Benefits of a porch installation

A porch is a covered area installed at the front of a property. This installation will bring more space and character to your home.

Porches are available in various sizes and styles. Whatever design you choose, this new space will provide your home with the following benefits:

• Extra storage space
• Increased kerb appeal
• A unique appearance
• Improved energy efficiency
• Added security
• More natural light

Porch styles

The first step of your porch project is to choose the best style for your home. Here are some questions to ask yourself when making this decision:

• What will the porch be used for? Will you use the space to store shoes or as somewhere to keep the kids bikes? Having a clear purpose in mind can help you choose the best size and style
• What’s my property’s existing aesthetic? A modern porch design may look jarring on a quaint heritage home and vice versa. Consider the appearance of your property and choose a complementary design
• What’s my budget? Different porches have different costs. Work out your budget before choosing your design

Now you know a little more about your perfect porch, it is time to choose the best style for your home.

UK porch styles

Open

An open porch typically has a lean-to or triangular roof, open beams, balustrades and pillars. This porch will not have any solid sides.

Despite having no solid walls, an open porch can still provide weather protection for your front door.

Open porches have an elegant appearance and will add timeless character to your home.

Covered

Covered or enclosed porches include solid walls and a front door. This style can also incorporate windows into the structure, unlike the open porch design.

This style adds an enclosed storage area to the front of your property. A covered porch is the perfect place to store shoes, coats, prams, and other items safely.

Overhang

This design features a roof without walls, pillars, beams, glazing or door.

An overhang porch has a simple design but will still shelter your front door from the natural elements.

Overhang porches are simply roofs for your front door. They don’t offer the same storage opportunities as a covered porch or as much weather protection as an open porch.

Wraparound

Wraparound porches are typically only found on large detached properties. As the name suggests, this porch structure wraps around your property.

A wraparound porch (also known as a veranda) can be used as a large outdoor seating or storage area. This installation can significantly increase the size of your property and enhance your home’s appearance.

Screened

Screened porches are great at bringing extra light to your property. This porch style incorporates transparent screens into the structure.

Like covered porches, a screened style has side walls and a door. The transparent screens welcome more natural light into your home and can also provide added property insulation.

Still can’t decide which type of porch is the right choice for your home? Take a look at our front porch design ideas guide for inspiration.

Where to start building a porch

Spending time planning your project will help to make your porch installation go smoothly.

Here’s a general checklist of things to do before building a porch.

1. Planning permission

Most porch installations do not require planning permission, but there are exceptions.

You will need to apply for planning permission if you live in a listed property. You may also need approval from your council if your porch is going to be more than 30 square metres.

Contact your local council for current planning permission rules in your area.

2. Building regulations

Building regulations are there to make sure your property is structurally sound and safe to use.

As porches are often only small, building regulations are not always needed. That being said, there are some exceptions.

You must comply with the relevant building regulations if your porch meets any of the following criteria:

• It is not built at ground level
• The floor area is more than 30 square metres
• The existing front door is being moved
• The porch compromises access to your home (impacting wheelchair ramps etc)
• Glazing is included in the structure
• A registered competent person does not carry out electrical work

3. Lawful development

Apply for a lawful development certificate to prove your installation does not require planning permission.

This document is awarded by the council and can offer added peace of mind.

4. Party wall agreement

A party wall agreement is different from planning permission. It is needed if you plan to build on or near your property’s boundary.

Your neighbours must approve a party wall agreement before work can begin.

More information about party wall agreements can be found on the Government website.

5. Inform your neighbours

It is always good etiquette to let your neighbours know about any upcoming building work.

Tell your neighbours about any potential disturbances, even if a party wall agreement isn’t needed.

6. Home insurance

Making alterations to your home can affect your home insurance.

Contact your insurance provider to see if your policy needs to be altered.

7. Project management

Are you building a DIY porch, or do you want a professional to manage your project?

The following tradespeople can help you with your porch installation:

• Project manager
• Architect
• Porch builders

Enter your postcode into the search box to find the best tradespeople for your project.

Budgeting for your installation

A porch installation can add character to your home and boost its kerb appeal.

It’s worth speaking to an estate agent to find out how much a porch could increase your property’s value. This could help when setting your budget for your project.

Are you worried about spending too much? Follow our expert tips to stay on budget:

• Set your budget before planning your project
• Include a 20% contingency fund to cover any unexpected costs
• Ask several tradespeople for quotes to find the best deal
• Make sure all quotes include labour and materials costs. VAT and additional fees should also be included
• Consider the costs of all additional work – electrician fees, decorating costs etc

The average cost of a porch installation is £7,500. You can expect to pay a further £300 if you need to hire an electrician to add wires and sockets to your new space.

Finding the right professionals

Finding reliable, experienced tradespeople can help your project run smoothly.

They can guide you through the process to make sure your extension meets your brief and any legal requirements.

Always look for reputable and highly recommended professionals, including builders, architects, electricians, and decorators.

Top tips for finding the right tradespeople include:

• Get multiple written quotes
• Ask for recommendations from friends and family
• Get references or check reviews
• Look for examples of their past work
• Only hire an insured tradesperson in case of accidental damage
• Ask what warranties or satisfaction guarantees your tradespeople offer

Step-by-step guide to building a porch

The steps to building a porch can be simplified into several key stages.

1. Planning and preparation

This first stage involves:

• Choosing porch style
• Measuring the available space
• Applying for planning permission, party wall agreements and building regulations (if needed)
• Drawing up design plans or hiring a professional to do it for you
• Hiring a tradesperson or purchasing the materials needed for a DIY installation
• Clearing the building area
• Checking for wires and pipes that may be affected by the construction work
• Excavating the area and preparing the groundwork
• Laying foundations

2. External construction

External construction work can now begin.

This phase varies depending on the porch style but typically involves some or all of the following steps:

• Building the framework
• Building the walls
• Installing the roof
• Adding ventilation and insulation
• Installing windows/doors/screens

3. Internal fit out

Your porch is coming together. The next step is to fit out the interior space.

This project phase involves:

• Plastering interior walls/ceiling
• Adding electrical fittings – sockets, light fixtures
• Laying flooring

4. Interior decor

Put your stamp on your new porch and decorate the interior space.

This step involves:

• Painting walls
• Fitting coat hooks
• Adding storage units
• Adding any other final touches

5. Final inspection

A final inspection will be required to make sure your new porch is safe and complies with any required building regulations.

Even if building regulations aren’t needed, it is still essential to check your porch is functioning correctly.

This final step involves:

• Arranging a final inspection
• Addressing any installation issues with your tradesperson. For example, draughts entering your porch or a leaking roof
• Creating a snag list and managing these problems with your installer

Hiring a porch builder near you

Only trades who pass our checks and meet our high standards are on Checkatrade.

We’re so confident in the quality of the trades on Checkatrade that if you book through us, we guarantee their work up to £1,000*. Guaranteed for 12 months – Eligibility and T&Cs apply.

Enter your postcode below to see highly rated porch builders near you.