A Better Entrance
A well-designed porch can make the front of a home feel more welcoming while adding character to the exterior.
Porch Guide
Why Add a Porch to a House?
Adding a porch can improve both the appearance and everyday practicality of your home.
From creating a more welcoming entrance and providing useful storage to offering shelter from the weather, there are several reasons homeowners choose to add a porch.
Quick Answer
What Are the Benefits of Adding a Porch?
Useful Extra Space
An enclosed porch can provide a convenient place for shoes, coats, umbrellas and other everyday items.
Weather Protection
A porch can create a sheltered area around the entrance, making arriving home more comfortable during poor weather.
First Impressions
Can a Porch Improve the Appearance of a House?
A porch can change the appearance of the front of a house by creating a more defined and welcoming entrance.
Different roof shapes, materials, glazing and door styles allow the porch to be designed around the character of the existing property. The aim should usually be for the new addition to look as though it belongs with the rest of the home.
Lighting, planting and the colour of the entrance door can then be used to add further character without overwhelming the front elevation.
Everyday Practicality
Can a Porch Give You More Useful Space?
One of the most practical reasons for adding an enclosed porch is the extra space it provides around the entrance to your home.
Depending on the size and layout, it can provide somewhere to keep muddy shoes, walking boots, coats, umbrellas and other items that might otherwise clutter the hallway.
Shelving, hooks or fitted storage can make even a relatively small porch much more useful without trying to turn it into a full-sized additional room.
Protection From the Weather
Does a Porch Provide Shelter?
A Sheltered Entrance
A covered or enclosed porch can provide protection from rain and wind while you unlock the door, remove wet footwear or welcome visitors into the house.
Protection Around the Door
The additional covering can also reduce how directly the entrance door and surrounding area are exposed to the weather.
Entrance Design
Can an Enclosed Porch Add Another Layer to the Entrance?
An enclosed porch can create an additional space between the outside of the property and the main entrance door.
The overall security of the entrance will depend on the doors, frames, glazing, locks and installation used, so the porch itself should not be treated as a substitute for suitable door security.
If security is an important part of the project, the external porch door and the main entrance door should be considered together.
Comfort
Can an Enclosed Porch Create a Buffer at the Entrance?
An enclosed porch creates an additional space between the external environment and the main entrance to the house.
This can make the entrance feel less exposed when people enter and leave the property, although the thermal performance of the home still depends on factors such as the doors, glazing, insulation and overall construction.
Planning the Design
What Should a New Porch Look Like?
Match the Property
Look at the roofline, brickwork, render and existing windows so the porch feels connected to the rest of the house.
Choose the Right Door
The entrance door can become a major feature of the finished porch, so consider its style, glazing and colour as part of the overall design.
Think About Its Purpose
Decide whether you mainly want shelter, storage, a stronger entrance design or a combination of these before choosing the size and layout.
Property Appeal
Can Adding a Porch Add Value to a House?
A well-designed porch may improve the appearance and practicality of a property, which can make it more attractive to some buyers.
However, there is no guaranteed amount by which a porch will increase the value of a home. The result depends on the property, design, quality of the work and local housing market.
Read our guide to whether front porches add value
Before You Build
What Should I Consider Before Adding a Porch?
1
Available Space
Consider how much room is available around the entrance and whether the porch could affect paths, driveways or access.
2
How You Will Use It
Decide whether the priority is storage, shelter, appearance or simply creating a more defined entrance.
3
Materials and Maintenance
Different porch materials and finishes have different maintenance requirements, so consider how you want the porch to perform over the long term.
4
Planning and Building Requirements
Check whether the proposed design falls within permitted development rules and whether any Building Regulations requirements apply before work begins.
Permissions
Do You Need Planning Permission for a Porch?
In England, many smaller porches can be built under permitted development rights without a separate planning application.
The permitted development limits include the size, height and position of the porch in relation to a highway. Different rules or restrictions can apply to some properties, so it is sensible to check the proposal before work starts.
Planning permission and Building Regulations are separate matters. Building Regulations requirements should therefore be considered as part of the project as well.
Common Questions
Adding a Porch FAQs
Is adding a porch a good idea?
It can be. A porch can provide shelter, storage and a more defined entrance while also changing the appearance of the front of the home. Whether it is worthwhile depends on what you want from the space.
Is it worth adding a porch?
For homeowners who want a more practical entrance, additional storage or shelter from the weather, a well-designed porch can be a useful addition. Cost, available space and maintenance should also be considered.
What can you store in a porch?
Depending on the available space, a porch can provide somewhere for shoes, coats, umbrellas and other everyday items normally kept around the entrance or hallway.
Does a porch have to match the house?
It does not have to be identical, but using materials, proportions, colours and roof styles that complement the existing property can help the addition look more natural.
Will a porch add value to my home?
It may improve the appeal and practicality of a property, but an increase in value is not guaranteed and will depend on several factors.
Considering Adding a Porch to Your Home?
Explore our porch options or speak to the St Helens Windows team about designing an entrance that suits your home and the way you use it.