Covering Hemel Hempstead
Alongside Hemel Hempstead, we also cover Berkhamsted, St Albans (5 miles to the east) and Harpenden.
Homes in the East of England
Across the East of England, newer estates often have integral garages and room for rear extensions, while older towns have Victorian terraces and conservation areas that shape what can be built.
What is a porch?
A porch is a small enclosed entrance built in front of the front door, giving somewhere for coats and shoes and a buffer against draughts. Many porches are small enough to be built without a planning application.
- Design to match the house
- Lighting and power
- Plastering and flooring ready finish
How much should I budget for a porch?
Indicative costs for porches. London and the South East usually sit towards the top of each range.
| Porches | Guide price incl. VAT |
|---|---|
| Open canopy over the door | £2,500 to £5,000 |
| Brick porch with tiled roof | £6,000 to £10,000 |
| Larger porch or front extension | £10,000 to £16,000 |
Do you need permission for a porch in Hemel Hempstead?
Projects in England go through two separate checks. Planning (or confirmation that the work is permitted development) comes from the district, borough or unitary council, and building regulations approval comes from the council’s building control team or a registered building control approver. Where work touches a shared wall or digs near a neighbour’s foundations, the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies.
In England a porch is permitted development if its footprint is no more than 3 m² measured externally, no part is higher than 3 m, and no part is within 2 m of a boundary with a road or footpath. Larger porches need planning permission.
What should Hemel Hempstead homeowners check first?
- Keeping the original front door between house and porch can keep a porch exempt from building regulations.
- Gas meters and drains near the front door may need relocating.
What are the steps?
- Send us the details. Give us a postcode, a rough idea of size and some photos, by phone, form or the guide price tool.
- Free site visit. We measure up, look at access, drains and the structure, and talk through options and budget.
- Drawings, approvals, written quote. We prepare the design, apply for the approvals it needs, and give you a fixed price in writing.
- Build and hand over. Our teams build to the programme, building control inspects, and you get the completion paperwork at the end.
What people ask before starting
How much does a porch cost?
Most brick porches with a tiled roof cost about £6,000 to £10,000 including VAT.
How long does it take?
One to three weeks on site.
How do I get a price for porches in Hemel Hempstead?
Use the guide price tool for a ballpark figure, then book a visit for a fixed written price for the agreed specification.
Other towns nearby
Learn more about porches, or see every project we cover in Hemel Hempstead.

