Understanding Cost Factors for HUP! Extensions

Key Findings

• HUP! extensions cost less than traditional builds due to faster construction times
• HUP! extensions are approximately five times more thermally efficient than the average UK home, significantly reducing energy bills
• Factors affecting HUP! extension costs include size, choice of roof, windows, doors, and wall finishes
• Unlike traditional extensions, HUP! extensions can be installed in all weather conditions, eliminating costly weather delays
• At Ken Rhodes, we offer a 10-year guarantee on HUP! installations compared to the industry-standard 5-year guarantee

When it comes to expanding your living space, traditional extensions can be costly, time-consuming, and disruptive. That’s why at Ken Rhodes, we’re proud to offer an innovative alternative – HUP! extensions. These revolutionary modular extensions provide a faster, more efficient way to add valuable floor space to your home.

Many homeowners approach us with questions about HUP! extension costs. While every project is unique, there are several factors that influence the overall price. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down these cost factors to help you understand what affects the final price of your new extension and why a HUP! extension offers exceptional value compared to traditional building methods.

HUP extensions are available in a selection of finishes.

Understanding HUP! Extensions

What is a HUP! Extension?

A HUP! extension is an innovative modular building system developed by Ultraframe, a UK leader in the conservatory market with over 30 years of industry experience. Unlike traditional extensions that require lengthy on-site construction, HUP! extensions utilise pre-manufactured components that are assembled on-site, dramatically reducing installation time and disruption.

The name “HUP!” itself represents a method of construction that emphasises speed, energy efficiency, and adaptability. The system has been rigorously tested and meets all building regulation compliance standards, providing peace of mind that your new extension will be safe, durable, and built to last.

The Technology Behind HUP!

At the heart of every HUP! extension is Ultrapanel technology – a revolutionary construction system that uses engineered panels combining timber, steel, and high-performance insulation. These panels are manufactured off-site to precise specifications and then quickly assembled at your property.

The Steel Construction Institute has validated this technology, confirming its exceptional structural integrity and durability. This prefabricated approach not only speeds up the construction process but also ensures consistent quality.

Benefits Over Traditional Extensions

When comparing HUP! extensions to traditional builds, the advantages become clear:

1. Faster Construction Times: A typical HUP! extension can be installed in just 3-4 days – a fraction of the time required for conventional extensions, which often take weeks or even months.
2. Superior Energy Efficiency: HUP! extensions are approximately five times more thermally efficient than the average UK home, thanks to their advanced insulation and Ultrapanel technology.
3. All-Weather Installation: Unlike traditional builds that can face significant weather delays, HUP! extensions can be installed in virtually any weather conditions.
4. Less Mess and Disruption: With major components manufactured off-site, there’s significantly less mess and disruption to your daily life during installation.
5. Design Flexibility: HUP! extensions are compatible with all wall finishes and can be configured with various roof styles, windows, and doors to match the rest of your house.

HUP extensions make perfect living areas.

Cost Factors for HUP! Extensions

Size and Layout

The size of your extension is naturally one of the most significant factors affecting cost. Larger extensions require more materials, increasing the overall price. When planning your dream extension, consider:

• Floor Space: The square footage of your extension will directly impact the cost. Consider carefully what you need the space for to avoid going unnecessarily large.
• Layout Complexity: Simple rectangular extensions typically cost less than complex shapes with multiple corners or level changes.
• Height: Taller extensions require more wall materials and may have additional structural requirements.

At Ken Rhodes, we help you find the perfect balance between space and budget, ensuring your new extension meets your needs without unnecessary expense.

Choice of Roof

Your choice of roof can significantly impact both the aesthetics and cost of your HUP! extension:

• Glass Roofs: Provide maximum natural light and a contemporary feel. The cost varies depending on the glazing specifications (double or triple glazing) and any special coatings for thermal efficiency.
• Solid Roofs: Offer superior insulation and can be finished to match your existing roof tiles. Generally more expensive than glass but provide better thermal performance.
• Hybrid Roofs: Combine solid sections with glass panels for a balance of light and insulation. Costs typically fall between all-glass and all-solid options.
• Flat Roofs: Often the most economical option while still providing excellent insulation and the opportunity for roof lanterns.

Each roof type comes with different insulation properties that affect your energy bills in the long term, making this an important consideration beyond just the initial installation cost.

Windows and Doors

The configuration and specification of windows and doors play a significant role in determining your HUP! extension cost:

• Window Types: From classic casement windows to sliding sash or tilt-and-turn styles, each option comes with different price points.
• Door Options: Bi-fold doors tend to be more expensive than French or patio doors but offer greater opening widths and seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
• Glazing Specification: Double or triple glazing options affect both price and energy efficiency.
• Frame Materials: uPVC frames are typically more affordable than aluminium or composite alternatives.

Our showroom in Upminster displays the full range of options, allowing you to see the quality and functionality firsthand before making your decision.

Sliding doors are popular choices for HUP extensions

Wall Finishes

One of the advantages of the HUP! building system is its compatibility with virtually any wall finish. However, your choice will impact the final cost:

• Render: A contemporary aesthetic with classics such as cream, white, and light, typically a cost-effective option whilst promising a robust nature.
• Brick Finish: Comes in at a slightly higher price point, but promises a traditional appearance that will blend in with the rest of your home.
• Timber Finish: Has the charm of real wood, almost indistinguishable from the real thing.

We can guide you through these options to find a finish that complements the rest of your house while staying within your budget.

Additional Features

Various additional elements can upgrade your HUP! extension but will also affect the final cost:

• Underfloor Heating: Adds comfort and frees up wall space but increases the overall cost.
• Electrical Installations: The number and type of lighting fixtures, power outlets, and technology integrations.
• Internal Finishes: Flooring, decorative mouldings, and internal door specifications.
• Smart Home Technology: Automated blinds, lighting, or heating controls.

HUP! Extensions from Ken Rhodes

At Ken Rhodes, we’ve embraced the HUP! building system because we believe it offers our customers exceptional value and quality. As approved installers, we’ve undergone comprehensive training to ensure every HUP! extension we install meets the highest standards.

Our process begins with a free consultation where we discuss your needs and budget. We then design your perfect extension, allowing you to visualise the finished space before making any commitments.

What sets our HUP! installations apart is our attention to detail and commitment to quality. We handle everything from initial designs through to building regulation compliance, working with approved inspectors to ensure your new extension meets all necessary building control performance standards.

Our extensions are backed by a 10-year guarantee – double the industry standard – giving you complete peace of mind about your investment. We’re also part of the nationwide network of local HUP! installers, meaning we have direct access to manufacturer support and the latest innovations.

Transforming Existing Spaces

One popular application of the HUP! system is for conservatory transformations. If you have an old conservatory that’s too hot in summer and too cold in winter, we can often use the existing base to create a modern, energy-efficient extension – saving you money while dramatically improving usability and comfort.

Who are Ken Rhodes?

We’re a family-run business with over 35 years of experience in the home improvement industry, specialising in windows, doors, conservatories, and extensions throughout Essex, Romford, and the South East of England. Our reputation has been built on exceptional craftsmanship, outstanding customer service, and competitive pricing.

Unlike many installers who offer just a 5-year guarantee, we provide a comprehensive 10-year guarantee on all our installations, demonstrating our confidence in the quality of our work. We’re FENSA approved installers, as well as Approved Ultraframe Installers and Arkay Approved Installers, giving you complete confidence in our expertise.

We’re also proud to be a Which? Trusted Trader and Checkatrade Approved. All our products feature the BSI Kitemark, highlighting that they’ve been fully checked for safety and quality of manufacture. For added security, many of our home improvements can be made to meet the rigorous Police Preferred Specification Secured by Design standard.

Our Upminster showroom displays our full range of products, allowing you to see and feel the quality before making decisions. We invite you to visit us, or if you prefer, we can arrange a home consultation where we’ll discuss your requirements and provide a detailed, no-obligation quote.

Get in Touch

Ready to explore how a HUP! extension could transform your home? Contact us today for a free quote:

• Phone: 01708 227777
• Email: sales@kenrhodes.co.uk
• Visit: Our Upminster showroom

Our friendly team is ready to guide you through the simple route to your dream extension, offering expert advice and transparent pricing every step of the way.