Porches
uPVC Porch and Part-Brick Porch Installation
A porch can create a useful space between the front door and outside, with room for everyday arrivals and departures. We fit uPVC and part-brick porches with tiled or glazed roofs, planning the structure around the entrance you already have.
Start with the space you need inside
Think about why you want the porch before deciding its outline. A place to leave wet coats, somewhere to stand while unlocking the inner door, or a clearer entrance for visitors each creates different priorities. The usable space is what remains after wall thickness, frames and the swing of the doors are allowed for.
Avoid choosing the size only from an outside sketch. Check whether both doors can open comfortably and whether a shoe rack or bench will obstruct the route. A compact porch can work well if the circulation is considered from the start, while a larger footprint can still feel awkward with poorly positioned doors.
uPVC glazing or a part-brick structure
A more glazed uPVC porch brings daylight around the entrance and can give a clear view of the approach. A part-brick design provides more solid wall area, which can help with privacy and the practical arrangement inside. Compare the proportions with the house rather than choosing each panel independently.
Brickwork should relate to the existing elevation, and the frame pattern should be considered alongside the windows that are staying. The entrance is a prominent part of the house, so a simple, coherent design can be more useful than adding detail that does not match the building.
Tiled or glazed roof choices
A tiled roof gives a more solid-looking covering and needs enough height to meet the house properly. A glazed roof brings overhead light but changes how sunlight and privacy are experienced inside. The roof choice also affects the appearance from upper windows and the way rainwater is collected.
The junction with the house needs attention whatever roof is selected. Existing gutters, downpipes and the position of the original doorway influence the design. Discuss the roof shape as part of the whole porch, rather than choosing a finish before the height and connection have been assessed.
Choose the outer door with the inner entrance in mind
A composite or uPVC outer door can be planned with the porch. Composite suits a preference for a substantial slab and a decorative front-door design, while uPVC can suit a simpler glazed or panelled entrance. The frame, glass and hardware are part of that choice.
The original house door still affects access and how the space works. Think about keys, handle positions and opening directions on both doors. Threshold levels and the external path need consideration too, particularly if easier access is one reason for the new porch.
Planning and building regulations checks
Some porches can fall within permitted development, but the size, height, position and property restrictions need checking. Listed status, a conservation restriction or conditions on an earlier permission can change the answer. Ask the local planning authority about the specific property before committing to a design.
Building regulations are a separate question. The treatment can depend on the porch and how it connects to the house, including whether the existing entrance remains. Electrical work and glazing safety may also need consideration. Do not assume that planning permission being unnecessary settles every approval requirement.
What shapes the written quote
The footprint, ground conditions, brickwork, roof, glazing, outer door and access all influence the scope. Agree what happens to the existing entrance and surrounding finishes, as well as which elements of the new porch are included. We offer a free survey with a fixed written price and no-pressure quotations.
Use the short form to tell us what you want from the entrance. We can discuss the available space, the door arrangement and the roof choice together so the porch is planned for ordinary daily use as well as its appearance.
Questions
Common Questions
Do I need planning permission for a porch?
Not always, but permitted development conditions and restrictions on the property need checking. Size, height and position matter. Confirm the position with the local planning authority before agreeing the build.
What affects the cost of a porch?
Size, groundworks, wall construction, roof type, glazing, door choice and the connection to the house all affect the quote. A measured survey is needed to define the work and a fixed written price.
Can a porch have a composite door?
Yes. A composite or uPVC outer door can be planned with the porch. The opening direction, frame, threshold and relationship with the existing house door should be agreed together.
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