A porch is a covered area projecting from the entrance of your home. There are several reasons for adding a porch, aside from the aesthetic benefits. Furthermore, this Porch building guide, we’ll help you understand the benefits, considerations and limitations of building one.
What are the benefits of having a porch?
- Curb Appeal – Building a porch enhances the curb appeal of your home, therefore increasing the home’s value.
- Aesthetics – It is a good feature where you can welcome guests before entering your home
- Protection for your Main Door – A roofed porch serves as protection of your precious main door from the heat and rain.
- Enhanced Security – Porch serves as an additional barrier for unwanted guests, therefore, enhancing security
- Additional Space – Porch may serve as additional space for guests, space for extra storage, pot garden or recreational space.
Porch Planning Permission
Porch additions fall under permitted development. This means not requiring planning permission before building it. However, just like any other permitted development projects, you must meet the limits and conditions. Here are the conditions that you need to comply:
a. The porch area do not exceed 3 square metres
b. Highest part of the porch do not exceed 3 metres
c. Also, Porch to be located 2 metres or more from the boundary fronting highway
d. Same materials used as existing
Please note that the permitted development applies only to houses. Flats, maisonettes and other buildings have different regulations to follow. It is better to seek advice from your local planning officer and a professional.
Porch Building Regulations
Your porch is exempted in building regulations approval if it is less than 30 square metres. Additionally, exemption if:
- The front entrance door between the existing house and new porch remains.
- If the house has ramped or level access for disabled people, the porch must not adversely affect access.
We hope that this porch building guide help you before building your porch!