Tired of your hallway being cluttered with dirty boots and bulky coats? A new porch is a welcome addition to any home, creating instant kerb appeal and adding valuable extra space. More than just an aesthetic choice, your porch also provides an extra layer of security for your property.
If you’re considering adding a well-built porch to your home, read on to find out more.
Adding a porch at your front door is one of the most versatile and cost-effective home improvements you can make. It can be a place to shelter from bad weather, to leave muddy wellies after a walk or even to grow houseplants.
A porch adds kerbside style, valuable storage and a warm welcome to your home. By blocking cold air from gusting through your living space they add extra insulation, and glazed panels will let plenty of natural light flood your hallway.
Add a simple bench and you have somewhere to put on and remove muddy shoes and boots. Make it a double win by adding shelves or baskets to store them in underneath. Additional hooks and shelving take care of coats, hats and scarves leaving your hallway uncluttered.
However you want to use your extra space, there’s a porch style that’s right for you.
When you’re deciding on the type of porch that works for your home and lifestyle you’ll find there’s plenty of choice. The first decision you need to make is whether you’re happy with an open canopy over the front door or whether an enclosed porch makes more sense.
Some of the most popular styles of porches are:
This is a popular choice for period and modern properties and adds a beautiful finishing touch to your home. The peak of the roof can be a real feature with the addition of beautiful decorative glass.
If you don’t have two metres between your property boundary and the highway, a pitched porch to the side of your property is the answer. This versatile design works well with most homes and provides the extra space you need.
The first double-hipped roofs appeared in Elizabethan times, making this style of conservatory an ideal fit with period properties. The triple facet roof can be double hipped to a wall or to a ridge – a fantastic choice when paired with French doors for a contemporary home. A single-hipped porch is a stylish choice where the facade cannot be altered.
A flat roof porch can look effortlessly contemporary. It’s also a good choice for bungalows with a low roofline.
Your porch should be a seamless extension of your home, which is why it’s important to use materials in a finish that complements your property.
A brick porch is a traditional choice for a brick-built property. Solid and durable, your porch will merge seamlessly with the existing brickwork, creating a truly stylish addition to your home. Glazing and doors can be coordinated to match your existing exterior finishes for instant kerb appeal.
Another popular choice is a uPVC porch that provides the right balance between affordability, performance and good looks. The range of styles and finishes means that a uPVC porch won’t look out of place whatever the style of your property. You’ll also benefit from enhanced security features and greater thermal efficiency. uPVC porches are also very easy to maintain so they’ll stay looking their best for years to come.
If you’re keen to create a more streamlined and sleek aesthetic for a modern property, an aluminium porch offers a combination of security and style. Extremely strong and very light, aluminium can be used to create a stunning contemporary porch with high performance security, slimline windows and a wide choice of artisan or modern colours.
Once you’ve decided on the style and size of the porch that’s right for your home, you can get creative with the finishing touches.
Adding double glazed panels will improve light flow, and you can create a beautiful finishing touch with decorative glass. This is a great choice if your existing hallway is dark and unwelcoming.
Brickwork can be plastered or left exposed for a more rustic look, and a uPVC porch can be finished to look almost identical to timber framing but with none of the hassle. Or add a pop of colour with heritage green or modern anthracite grey.
A porch can be a real deterrent for burglars so look for toughened glass and reinforced hinges for additional security. When it comes to your porch door, consider the style of your home – composite front door adds solidity and style to a period property while a stable door is a charming addition to your home.
You won’t need planning permission for your porch if it falls within permitted development rights:
However, if you’re in a conservation area or you own a listed property you may still need planning permission.
A porch is a great way to add value to your home. Experts including the National Association of Estate Agents say the best way to add value to your home is to add space, while top property expert Phil Spencer says that increased kerb appeal will make your home more attractive to potential buyers.
The trick is to create a porch that blends seamlessly with your home and adds functionality and space. That way you’ll make your home far more appealing and add real value for you and your buyers.
A Britannia porch creates a beautiful entrance to your home that really sets your property apart. We’ll create your bespoke porch to your exact specifications in our Bristol workshop and you can visualise the look online using our Design Your Solution page. There’s never been a better time to make your house a home so download our Home Inspirations brochure, visit your nearest showroom or contact us today for your free, no obligation quote.
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