Adding a porch to your front or back door is money well spent. How often have you come home from a walk with a wet coat and muddy shoes and wished you had somewhere to keep them without making a mess.
Building a new porch is the ideal solution. In the UK, the average cost of building a porch with a floor area of around 3m2 ranges from £2000-£3500. So possibly, erecting a small brick porch might be worthwhile. Alternatively, a cheaper uPVC front porch costing up to £2500 will be an affordable investment for many households.
There are many porch designs you can choose from to match the style of your property and your budget. And, they’re great for towel drying the dog after a long walk.
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Main Topics
How Much To Build a New Porch?*
The table below outlines new porch prices, typically found in the UK.
You could build a porch larger than 6m2, but the local authority might question whether the structure is a porch. They might regard rooms larger than this to be an extension or conservatory. Furthermore, a porch with more than 3m2 floor area might need Planning Permission. If in doubt, consult your local Planning Department for advice.
| Type of Porch | Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Lean-to Porch | 3m2 | £3000-£3500 |
| 6m2 | £5500-£7000 | |
| Brick Porch | 3m2 | £2200-£3000 |
| 6m2 | £4000-£5000 | |
| uPVC Porch | 3m2 | £1900-£2500 |
| 6m2 | £3300-£4500 | |
| Aluminium Porch | 3m2 | £2300-£2900 |
| 6m2 | £4100-£5500 | |
| Period Style Porch | 3m2 | £2500-£3000 |
| 6m2 | £4500-£5800 |
* We compiled these estimated costs for building a porch on an external door from various online resources. Therefore, only use them to start your research. However, ask a local carpenter or specialist porch installer for an accurate quotation. Alternatively, complete the form on this page for a range of quotes.
Lean-to Porch
A porch with a lean-to roof is ideal if you don’t have much room in front of your door. The roof has a slight slope and overhangs the porch by about 50mm to allow guttering. Typically, this type of new porch costs around £1000-£1200/m2, or £500-£1000 supply only.
Conversely, don’t use this roof if the porch protrudes far from your property. In this case, it’s better to use another roof type, such as the period Edwardian or Victorian styles.
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Brick Porch
Usually, if your house is brick, you should also use this material in the porch’s construction. Typically, brick porch prices range from £700-£1000/m2, or £400-£700/m2 supply only.
Probably, one of its main advantages is that the porch’s design flows seamlessly into the walls of your house. Another advantage is that brick is very durable and can last hundreds of years. Finally, compared to the rest, a brick-built porch is most secure. However, it takes longer to build.
uPVC Porch
Manufacturers commonly use uPVC to build conservatories, but it’s often used in porch construction too. When using uPVC, prices range from £600-£900/m2, or £300-£600/m2 supply only. uPVC is weather-resistant, and when used with double glazing, will keep the inside of the porch snug and warm. The material is easy to clean, needs little maintenance, and won’t crack or warp like some timber porches. However, it can succumb to ultraviolet sunlight, become brittle, and discolour over time.
Aluminium Porch
Aluminium is a rustproof and lightweight metal used to construct many structures, including porches. Usually, the bare metal has a plastic coating during manufacture to protect the surface without painting. A typical aluminium porch costs £750-£1000/m2, or £600-£800/m2 supply only.
It’s quicker to build an aluminium porch than many other types; the panels are easy to lift and don’t need much maintenance. However, they’re difficult to repair if a panel gets damaged.
Period-Style Porch
Edwardian and Victorian styles or even a blend of the two are collectively known as period-style porches.
Typically, we use wood or local stone and have a triangular pitched roof. A standard period-porch costs around £850-£1000/m2, or £500-£700/m2 supply only.
These porches complement period properties and lend a traditional feel to your home. They’re often made from wood or have a brick dwarf wall with timber or uPVC above.
How To Build a Porch
Many porch specialists work in teams of two to four people, depending on the project’s size. Similarly, the build’s duration also depends on its size. Typically, a 3m2 porch takes one week to build, while larger structures take two weeks. Furthermore, aluminium and uPVC porches take less time because they arrive as factory-made panels, which fit together.
The following steps explain what’s involved. However, unless you know what to do, use a professional:
Foundations
- Excavate the foundations to the correct depth for stability.
- Be aware of drains, pipes or electrical cabling that might be present.
- Pour concrete foundations and build with concrete block to damp proof course level.
Installing sub-floor
- Lay compacted hardcore.
- Cover with a damp-proof membrane.
- Lay polystyrene insulation and steel reinforcing mesh to provide strength.
- Pour concrete over the membrane to provide a level, stable floor.
Building the porch
This part depends on the materials. If it’s uPVC or aluminium, fit together readymade panels. It’ll take longer if it’s brick, wood or stone construction.
Roof construction
When we’ve finished the walls, we start on the roof.
All roof coverings need a supporting structure. Depending on the porch style, we might use timber or aluminium rafters. Roof construction also depends on whether it’s a lean-to, flat-roof, or pitched roof. Some roof types should only be attempted by a professional.
Remember to fit lead or plastic flashing to waterproof the joint between the porch roof and house wall. Install this before the roof covering. Then, add roofing felt, battens and tiles to enclose the porch completely.
Inside work
Once the porch is enclosed and watertight, work on the interior.
- Build a finished floor using floorboards and a covering.
- Insert the glass in the window frames.
- And hang the external door in its frame.
Gutters and downpipes
Install guttering under the roof overhang to collect rainwater. Ensure the downpipe discharges into a surface water drain or soakaway.
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Building a Porch: Cost Factors
Building a new porch provides an excellent investment for your home and many years of practical use for the family, whether at the front or rear. Therefore, despite the temptation to scrimp on the costs, we recommend you spend as much as it takes to get precisely what you want. However, you can consider a few things to save some money.
- Double glazing can be expensive; therefore, remember the porch isn’t your principal living place. Many cheaper options are available that maybe aren’t as energy efficient but will save money.
- If you know some DIY, it’s possible to build a simple porch on your own or with a friend. But get professional advice with the roof.
- Choose the porch materials wisely. Even though you have a brick-built home, it doesn’t mean the porch must be the same. There are many cheaper, suitable materials that look good. But build the porch to complement the house.
Feature comparison
When choosing the porch, consider the various factors involved in porch construction. Typically, the choice of style and construction materials are the most significant. Also, you must consider the size. An average 3m2 porch costs up to £3500, while a 6m2 structure could cost up to £7000 plus the added expense of a planning submission with drawings.
Size of Porch
Don’t build the porch larger than you require. And remember, keep it smaller than 3m2 to avoid a planning permission application.
Roof covering
A felt roof may not look as good as a tiled one, but it’s a lot cheaper. Furthermore, individual clay or concrete tiles are expensive and heavy. Instead, choose one of many lightweight roofing sheets made to look like tiles.
Only use overlapping lightweight roof coverings if the roof pitch is steep enough to shed water. Use either EPDM rubber membrane or GRP (fibreglass) if you want a flat roof. Both surfaces cover and seal the roof as an unbroken surface. Prices vary for these, and you should ask a professional roofer for details.
Roof shape
If you aren’t sure which type of roof is best, get some advice from a professional. However, a flat roof is cheap and costs as little as £30-£50/m2. Alternatively, if money’s no object, go for a hip or gable roof, such as found in an Edwardian or Victorian style. These can cost up to £70/m2 or even more. Of the two, gable roofs are simpler and cheaper to build. They have two slopes, a front-facing gable end, and they shed rain or snow very well. Alternatively, a hip roof has three sides, with the fourth side against the house. Hipped roofs reduce the effect of high winds, so choose these if you live in an exposed position. But, they take a lot of skill to build and waterproof correctly. So, only a professional should attempt them.
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DIY Porch Installation
It’s not a good idea to attempt to build a porch as a DIY project. Excavation can be challenging, and the structure might subside if constructed incorrectly. The walls must be perfectly vertical so that the structure’s weight transfers directly into the ground without any side movement. It’s difficult to hang an exterior door and, if not done correctly, can invite a security problem when they don’t close properly. And finally, the roof needs to withstand wind, rain and its own weight, which will try to force the opposite walls apart.
From a Building Regulations aspect, it must comply with the existing rules and cost extra for the inspection. However, if the professional is on the competent person register, they can self-certify their work, thus saving money.
As a general rule, always use a professional to build a roof, even if the steps look easy. It’s essential to keep the rain out, and if constructed incorrectly, the roof will collapse.
Additional features
There are many additional features you can choose from to make your porch unique. The prices depend on the item’s quality and if they are suitable for DIY installation. Here are just a few:
- Render – Waterproof render on the walls provides an added defence against damp, disguises poor quality brick or blockwork, and can be painted in many eye-catching colours. Professionally done, typical prices range from £40-£50/m2.
- CCTV – A security camera is often essential these days, depending on where you live. Whether you live in a remote rural area or an inner-city environment, a CCTC can give you peace of mind. Prices range from £200-£1000.
- Video doorbell – A video doorbell allows the occupant to check a caller before opening the door. Also, you can view the video and speak to the caller using an app on your phone, even if you’re not at home. This feature has the added advantage of discouraging burglars who will think someone is indoors. The prices are around £100-£150.
- Porch light – When going outside in the dark, it’s reassuring if you install a porch electric light. Not only does it discourage unwanted callers, but it’s also useful when you arrive home after dark. Moreover, it’s helpful if you have a light inside the porch as well. Typically, costs range from £100-£200/installation.
Porch Building Supply Costs
Prefab Porch Cost
A prefabricated porch is built in a factory or workshop and assembled on site. Typically, a prefab porch is made from uPVC, aluminium panels, or sometimes wood. Prices vary depending on its materials and size, but a 3m2 porch can cost from £1000-£2800, supply only. Manufacturing time can be up to ten weeks, so place an order well before the project start date. A downside is that there is little room for alterations when you have it on site.
Labour
If you decide to hire a professional to build a porch, you can expect to pay £200-£250/day, including design, ordering materials and construction.
Electrician
Lighting is essential, and you must use a qualified electrician to comply with the Building Regulations. For half a day’s work, you will be charged about £300 plus materials.
Front door
It’s a good idea to have a new front door with your porch. Depending on the design and materials, they can cost £200-£4000 each.
Windows
Natural light is a must-have in your covered porch. Typically, a standard double glazed window costs £300-£700 plus labour to install, depending on size and specifications.
Foundations and brick/blockwork
On average, allocate about £1000 for concrete foundations, subfloor and below DPC brickwork.
Roof materials
A flat roof covering costs around £35/m2, while a period roof can cost £55/m2. Hunt around for cheaper options as there are many discount traders online.
Flooring material
The type of floor you choose can have a marked impact on the overall effect. Cheap laminates cost around £15/m2, carpet costs slightly more at £19/m2, while tiles can set you back by anything up to £300/m2.
Guttering
On average, guttering, brackets and downpipes etc., cost about £4.50/m.
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Considerations
Before we look at what you should look out for when choosing your new porch, be aware of the limitations imposed by the appropriate regulations. Does your new porch need Planning Permission or Building Regulations compliance?
You don’t need Planning Permission if:
- Its height is less than 3m.
- The total floor area is less than 3m2.
- Its walls are more than 2m from a boundary, public road or footpath.
Also, your porch must comply with Building Regulations. However, usually, it’s exempt if
- Its area is under 30m2.
- You haven’t removed the main door into the house. Otherwise, it must comply with fire safety and heat loss regulations.
- And the porch doesn’t adversely affect disabled access. If it does, you can build a ramp for wheelchair access.
If in doubt, consult your local Building Control office for advice.
Choosing your design
When you’ve sorted out these minor considerations, it’s time to decide on your porch’s design. Building a covered porch can take a long time to construct correctly and take even longer if you consider additional complications. These could be expensive materials, number and type of windows, design type, roof shape and cover. Also, extras such as heating, lighting, CCTV, digging a rainwater soakaway, and more can very soon significantly increase the overall price.
Furthermore, if you have an existing porch already in place, you must remove this first. Typically, this can cost around £500 to get down to the foundation level.
Porch canopy
If a fully enclosed porch is out of your budget, why not choose a porch canopy? These consist of a small roof above the property’s external door supported by brackets and protect from the worst of the rain. Depending on specifications, their prices range from £150-£600.
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Benefits of Building a New Porch
There are many benefits to building a new porch. These include:
Curb appeal
A new porch improves the look of your front entrance and makes it a focal point. Not only is the porch useful, but it also makes your home easier to sell if you decide to move. At the planning stage, seek the advice of an estate agent to ascertain the increase in property value after building a porch. Use this in your calculations, so you don’t overdo things.
Increase natural light
Generally, a porch has glass windows to allow natural light to enter. This will automatically increase sunlight into your home and create the illusion of more space.
Energy efficiency
Placing a porch over an external door reduces heat loss and increases heat capture from the sun. You no longer have those irritating draughts and rattles around the front door when the wind blows, and it provides a buffer space between indoors and outside.
Additional space
If you make the porch large enough, you can put a couple of easy chairs and a coffee table in there and enjoy the sun on a cold, windy day.
You can also use the space to store coats and outdoor shoes without bringing mud into the house.
Better security
A porch with a locked door provides a double barrier to unwanted visitors and might prevent burglars from entering.
FAQ
What is the cheapest type of porch?
Based on the figures within this guide, the cheapest porch is probably a uPVC enclosure with a lean-to roof and a poured concrete floor.
Does a Porch Add Value to a Home?
Many homes have a front door leading directly onto a living room or have very little room downstairs for coats and shoes. A front porch will always add value to your home in these cases. Furthermore, a rear porch can provide a sunroom, informal dining or a playroom for the family to spread out during bad weather. Many experts believe you will increase your home’s selling price by at least what you paid for the porch.
Next Steps
The cost of building a new porch can be difficult to calculate if you don’t know what’s involved in the construction. You’ll also find it hard to choose between the various options available to make the most of your porch. If you build it too small for your purposes, you might not make use of the space as you should, and it will be a waste of money. The best way to get value for money is to ask for professional help.
Complete the form on this page, and you’ll receive up to four quotes from reputable companies who know what they’re doing.
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