Pro installer has teamed hup ! with Connaught Conservatories to get the top and bottom of extensions and conservatories . Since the Rotherham business took on the Ultraframe hup ! system , Ryan Hulme and his team have been keen to help installers expand their businesses with this extension system . This month , we caught up with Connaught to help installers get to grips with Ultraframe ’ s hup ! system and how adding it to your portfolio adds more than just a product to your business …

“ We really see hup ! as the modern method of construction that this sector needed . It ’ s our focus for 2024 since taking on the system at the end of 2022 , and we think it should be something installers should be focussing on too .

“ I think the main barrier for installers taking on a new system – such as hup ! – is that they understand the product itself but perhaps not the opportunities associated with it , and what it can add to their business beyond the product itself .

“ Most importantly , the hup ! takes away the uncertainty that I think might be holding installers back from moving into extensions . The system isn ’ t weather dependent and you ’ re not reliant on builders , once the base is in . The skills required are well within the current skills sets that most conservatory installers currently possess . This cuts out the problem of reliance on several sub-contracted trades , meaning you can start and finish the project in a more streamlined and , crucially , profitable manner .

“ All the necessary accreditations and certifications are available which makes the building control application and approval process much smoother . There is more information about legislation and regulation available , but we know that it ’ s very difficult for some installers to keep on top of everything , and a system like hup ! removes all the confusion , as we know that Ultraframe is more than up to date with compliance and any structural

and energy efficiency considerations . “ These reasons alone save time but the system itself also is faster to fit – on average two to three days from base upwards , including roof . This means you can fit in more projects , and we reckon around 60 % more projects across the year compared to traditional methods .

“ And most importantly , there ’ s cost certainty , for all of the above reasons , which really is an important factor in the installer ’ s decision making .

“ In basic terms , previously ‘ extensions ’ have tended to be built by the larger installation and home improvement companies and the smaller installers have more often taken on the ‘ conservatories ’. It was seen before that conservatories used to be a ‘ cheaper extension ’, which we all know isn ’ t the case anymore . But , with something like the hup ! you can have the best of both conservatory and extension worlds – and any installer can take it on , with minimal input from a builder .

“ We ’ d recommend hup ! as primarily a new extension solution . However , you can use it as a replacement solution , but you ’ d have to take the existing walls back down to base to start again . If you ’ re starting from scratch , the hup ! is the perfect solution , as far as we ’ re concerned .

“ But you also get the best of both worlds with Connaught Conservatories and Ultraframe . Between us , we provide all the support you need to get started with the system , sell it and install it ;

such as technical advice and assistance , surveying and specification , marketing and sales .

“ And we can attend the project to provide on-site support and guidance , especially when it ’ s the first fit . There are a number of new parts to get your head around , but the technical guidance shows you every step of the way and with someone from Connaught or Ultraframe there too , you ’ ll get to grips with it in no time .

“ Once installers have done one or two , we know they will be confident in doing more projects with hup ! and become their “ go to ” extension solution . We know this because we believe in the system but also because we ’ re getting more and more enquiries !”

PRO Installer has teamed up with Connaught Conservatories in 2024 to work on a series of articles to help installers build their business with conservatory and solid roofs , extension systems and outdoor living products . From hints and tips , to product information , unpacking regulation jargon to customer case studies , together we will provide everything you need to add value to your business and make sure you ’ re at the forefront of what the homeowner wants in 2024 and beyond .

www . connaughtconservatories . co . uk