The short answer
Get at least three quotes from FMB-registered or building-control-approved porch builders, all on the same brief, and insist on an itemised written quote after a proper survey rather than a phone-only price. Tell each builder the same thing — the porch size, material, glazing, outer door and finish you want — so the quotes are comparable. Then line them up item by item and weigh price alongside guarantee, survey quality and reviews. See how to choose a porch builder for the checks that matter.
Getting quotes is the step where homeowners most often end up comparing apples with pears — one quote uses better materials or includes the groundwork, another leaves out the glazing certificate or making good. This guide explains what to tell builders, what a good quote should contain, and how to compare three quotes fairly. We are an independent information and introduction service: we do not build porches, and we publish this guidance free.
Getting quotes at a glance
- How many At least three
- Same brief Identical spec to each
- Survey On-site, not phone-only
- Format Itemised, in writing
- Registration FMB / building control
- Compare on Like-for-like spec
What to tell each builder
To get comparable quotes, give every builder the same brief. The more precise you are, the less room there is for quotes to drift apart on hidden differences. Cover the porch size and material, the glazing and outer door, the roof style, the floor finish, and any access or groundwork issues. Ask each to survey the property rather than quote over the phone, because a measured survey is what makes a quote reliable. Use the main cost guide to set a realistic brief.
| Tell the builder | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Porch size & material | The core of the quote — must match across all three |
| uPVC, brick or mix | Material changes price significantly |
| Glazing & outer door | Glass type and door spec affect cost and compliance |
| Roof & floor finish | Pitched vs flat roof, tiling and trims add cost |
| Groundwork & access | Foundations and awkward access affect price |
What a good written quote includes
A quote you can rely on is itemised and in writing, not a single headline figure. It should set out the porch size and material, the glazing and outer door, the roof and floor finish, the guarantee length and terms, who handles building control where it applies, and what is included for groundwork, making good and waste removal. If a quote is vague about any of these, ask for it to be spelled out before you compare.
How to compare quotes fairly
With three written quotes on the same brief, line them up item by item. A price gap often comes down to one quote using a better material, including the groundwork, or covering glazing certification that another omitted — adjust for anything missing before judging on price. Sense-check the figures against typical costs in our porch cost guide, then weigh the things price alone does not capture: the quality of the survey, the clarity of the guarantee, independent reviews and how the builder communicated. The lowest quote is not automatically the best value, and the highest is not automatically the safest. These are general pointers, not advice for your specific job.
Compare porch quotes
Get matched with FMB-registered or building-control-approved porch builders in your area, then apply these checks to compare on a like-for-like brief. Free to use, no obligation — we are an independent guide, not a builder.
Frequently asked questions
How many porch quotes should I get?
At least three, all on the same brief — same porch size, material, glazing, outer door and finish. This lets you compare fairly and spot a quote that is cheap only because it leaves something out.
Should I get a survey or a phone quote?
Insist on an on-site survey. A measured survey is what makes a quote reliable; a phone-only or online estimate can change significantly once a builder sees the entrance, the ground and any groundwork needed. A proper survey also lets you judge how the builder works.
What should a porch quote include?
An itemised written quote should list the porch size and material, glazing and outer door, roof and floor finish, guarantee terms, who handles building control and FENSA/CERTASS glazing notification where it applies, groundwork, making good and waste removal, and the deposit and payment schedule. Ask for anything vague to be spelled out.
Is the cheapest porch quote the best?
Not necessarily. A lower price can mean a cheaper material, a shorter guarantee or omitted work such as groundwork or making good. Compare on a like-for-like brief and weigh the guarantee, survey quality and reviews, not just the headline figure.
Sources & further reading
- Planning Portal — porches: permitted development rules
- GOV.UK / Building Regulations Approved Documents — when a porch is exempt
- Federation of Master Builders (FMB) — finding a registered builder
- FENSA / CERTASS — registered installers for glazed porch elements
This is general information, not advice for your specific situation, and not a quote. We are an independent information and introduction service — we do not build porches or provide quotes ourselves; we can connect you with an FMB-registered or building-control-approved porch builder. Figures are typical illustrations, not quotes.