Porches: What You Need to Know

A porch is a great addition to a home’s front. A simple canopy will provide shelter from the weather while you search for your keys or remove wet, muddy boots. A fully enclosed porch provides an additional layer of insulation to prevent heat loss from the home. The porch is the ideal place to store coats, jackets and other outdoor clothing that collect in the hallway. Consider these things when you are deciding whether or not to build a porch.

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Do I need planning permission for a porch?

You won’t require planning permission if your porch is less than 3 square metres and does not sit within two metres of the boundary of a highway, such as a footpath, for example. A structure containing a toilet, a fuel storage or anything that will cover the ventilation needed between the inside of the property and the outside is an exception. It’s worth asking your local planning office if you are unsure as this can provide peace of mind.

Enclosing the Front Door

There are numerous types of porch, and the one that is right for you will depend a great deal on your front door. The Victorian, Edwardian, and 1930s homes had recessed doors that were easy to fill with brickwork, wood, or glass. You want it to complement the rest of your property and not take away from it. When designing a porch, consider a new front door to really set it off. For Composite Doors Cirencester, go to a site like Truhouse who can supply you with Composite Doors Cirencester.

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Full Porch

It’s important, as in the previous examples, to select the right materials that are compatible with the surroundings and the rest of the property. You may want to consider whether a porch side door or front door will make it easier for you to enter and exit. Glass will allow you to bring in a high level of natural light. Choose designs that match the existing windows in your home for a more coherent look. Even if your structure is made entirely of timber, you’ll still need to have proper foundations.

Canopies

A canopy will be the only choice for homes that have a flat and plain frontage, such as terraced housing. They are usually small shelters that hang over the entrance. Choose something that matches the style of the house and other similar examples on the street.