When it comes to having a brand-new porch installed, it’s important to carefully consider the many options available on the market, including their average price ranges and pros & cons.
In this blog, we’ll look at a range of porches from timber porches to aluminium porches and details including their pricing. We’ll also look at whether you can build a porch DIY and what’s involved in hiring a professional. Let’s begin!
Best Type of Porches to Consider
There are a whole host of porch types to choose from both in terms of the design and material used. In this section we’ll primarily focus on type based on the material before discussing the best option for you.
Timber
Average Supply Only Cost: £1,000 to £3,000
Starting with timber-based porches, these offer a natural appearance that is both rustic and timeless. While timber porches are arguably not as popular as they once were, there are many fairly inexpensive timber porches out there. They are also relatively eco-friendly.
With that said, timber porches generally require more maintenance than regular porches while also being particularly susceptible to stains and scratches not to mention issues that can arise from splinters.
Wooden porches also lack the same level of durability and likely longevity offered by many other types of porches. This option also comes with the risk of rotting over time.
Brick
Average Supply Only Cost: £1,500 to £2,000
Brick porches are often somewhat more expensive than their timber counterparts. However, brick porches offer various benefits such as durability and an appearance that will likely blend with the rest of your property more easily unless you have a fairly modern home.
Brick porches are, however, not a particular versatile choice. They are also at risk of warping over time.
uPVC
Average Supply Only Cost: £1,500 to £2,000
uPVC porches are known for being low-maintenance, fully weather-resistant and super easy to clean. What’s more uPVC porches are not prone to warping or shaping.
On the other hand, uPVC porches are relatively brittle, challenging to repair (when required) and susceptible to discolouring over the course of time.
Porch Options Based on Design
As far as designs go, the primary options (some of which are generally limited to specific materials) include lean-to, flat gable, and Edwardian porches.
What design will work best for your home will depend on what works best visually and what can be done from a practical point of view.
What is the Best Type of Porch for You?
Ultimately, when it comes to the material used and the design being considered, make sure to consult with a professional before making a decision. After all, what designs will work in your case could depend on a range of factors.
Again, visual and practical concerns must be taken into account for the design as is also the case for the material being chosen.
Along with that, your preferences and budget will also determine what options will work best for you and your home. Once more, chat with a professional before making a final decision.
The Cost of a New Porch
The average building a porch cost in the UK is £2,000 to £4,000. While prices will vary depending on the design used, the cost can also differ based on other factors including the material used, the size of the porch, the nature of the work area and the price of labour in your region.
Also, when it comes to pricing, the above range of cost estimates including average labour and supply costs. Of course, the cost would consist only of the materials cost if you were to build a porch DIY. For more on building a porch by yourself and when it’s okay to approach this work DIY and when it’s not, be sure to check out the ‘Can I Build a Porch DIY?’ section below.
When considering a porch installation, it’s essential to consider your budget. Also, when you choose a contractor/service to go with, along with taking the actual quote into account, you’ll want to query them as to whether added or unexpected expenses are possible. This way, you can be extra sure you won’t run into issues cost wise.
Can I Build a Porch DIY?
Note: For a DIY approach you must know what local building regulations you must adhere to. If unsure, contact your local council for the relevant information to your local area. If hiring a professional, they should know how to meet local building regs no problem.
While it can be possible and legal to build a porch DIY, it’s essential that you have the right skills, knowledge and safety awareness. Ultimately, building a porch DIY is an extensive and complicated project that will probably involve several days of work.
If in any doubt whatsoever, hire a professional to err on the side of caution. This is not only safer but can reduce the risk of an improper installation/construction which could cause issues down the line.
These issues can include hazards and the risk of needing to have it knocked down and built from scratch, ultimately costing you more than simply hiring a professional in the first place. So again, a DIY approach is only okay under the right circumstances.
Is Planning Permission Necessary?
In general, having a porch built (or hiring a professional to build one) is unlikely to necessitate planning permission. However, there are exceptions.
When planning permission is needed depends on factors (e.g. in England, the size of the ground floor area cannot be greater than three metres squared). For more information, see the Planning Portal for England and Wales. Planning permission rules may differ for those in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
No matter where in the UK you are located, if in any doubt as to where or not planning permission is needed, you can always check with your local council for clarity.
Hiring a Professional to Build a Porch
When it comes to hiring a professional porch installation service, you’ll want to secure quotes from 3+ professionals so that you have a range of quotes to compare and consider before deciding who to hire.
