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Anyone done a modular extension and can share experience or recommendations?

16 replies

Haaaaaaan · 08/08/2024 22:15

We want to extend, preferably quickly using SIPS (structural insulated panels) or similar. The problem we have is that we can't see any builders locally that say they use them, and there's a very limited number of companies that will do the whole extension rather than just supply the modules.
We have found Vita Modular who will do a full design and build service including foundations, electrics, flooring etc but there doesn't seem to be many others.
This is partly because we are about 70% sure we want a 2 story extension and there are a few companies that just do single story.

Has anyone used Vita Modular and can comment? Or used other companies they can recommend?

We are in Cambridge but interested in hearing about what you've done anywhere else too as we don't know anyone who has done this!

We have found lots that will supply and instal the actual modules, but I'm not sure we would want to project manage the foundations, building regs, tradesmen etc. I guess we would need to find a builder or architect or both that would be willing to work with SIPS to use these companies, but at that point probably easier to just go traditional.

Oh, in case relevant to any comments, it's a kitchen diner rear extension, 7m wide and about 4m out.

OP posts:
Arewethebadguys · 09/08/2024 07:28

Watching! We're thinking of this too. There's an older thread from last year about Offpod but it was a single story extension. Hopefully someone else will have some suggestions.

TakeMe2Insanity · 09/08/2024 09:32

Please do regular updates if you go ahead. We are also keen to do modular but need to wait for a couple of (life) unrelated things before we can go ahead.

Haaaaaaan · 11/08/2024 20:05

Will update...suspect it will take us a while to decide!

OP posts:
Arewethebadguys · 04/10/2025 10:44

Haaaaaaan · 11/08/2024 20:05

Will update...suspect it will take us a while to decide!

What did you decide in the end @Haaaaaaan?

Haaaaaaan · 06/10/2025 22:40

Went with a builder we spoke to who has done lots of SIPS in the past, and an architect he put us in touch with. Have planning permission and building regs....waiting to get builder contract signed!

OP posts:
JennyBerg · 05/01/2026 12:50

Haaaaaaan · 06/10/2025 22:40

Went with a builder we spoke to who has done lots of SIPS in the past, and an architect he put us in touch with. Have planning permission and building regs....waiting to get builder contract signed!

Hi @Haaaaaaan came across your post as looking at different options for a downstairs extension, we are in cambridge too. Would you be able to share your builder and architect please?

CWoW · 18/01/2026 23:20

Haaaaaaan · 08/08/2024 22:15

We want to extend, preferably quickly using SIPS (structural insulated panels) or similar. The problem we have is that we can't see any builders locally that say they use them, and there's a very limited number of companies that will do the whole extension rather than just supply the modules.
We have found Vita Modular who will do a full design and build service including foundations, electrics, flooring etc but there doesn't seem to be many others.
This is partly because we are about 70% sure we want a 2 story extension and there are a few companies that just do single story.

Has anyone used Vita Modular and can comment? Or used other companies they can recommend?

We are in Cambridge but interested in hearing about what you've done anywhere else too as we don't know anyone who has done this!

We have found lots that will supply and instal the actual modules, but I'm not sure we would want to project manage the foundations, building regs, tradesmen etc. I guess we would need to find a builder or architect or both that would be willing to work with SIPS to use these companies, but at that point probably easier to just go traditional.

Oh, in case relevant to any comments, it's a kitchen diner rear extension, 7m wide and about 4m out.

I would love to know the details of your architect & builder too. We just got f#*ed over by Offpod and considering now buying steels and managing the build ourselves.

thank you

Travellingatthespeedoflight · 18/01/2026 23:27

We did too @CWoW. Complete disaster and tens of thousands out of pocket. To anyone considering a modular extension, do you research really carefully on the company! We are struggling to find people to finish off the job because it’s an unusual job….

bdot86 · 19/01/2026 07:48

I’m so sorry to hear this. Seems like there are so many of us screwed over by Offpod. We lots tens of thousands too and didn’t even start the actual build :( they can’t get away with this.

BeRubySheep · 25/01/2026 11:06

CWoW · 18/01/2026 23:20

I would love to know the details of your architect & builder too. We just got f#*ed over by Offpod and considering now buying steels and managing the build ourselves.

thank you

Hey, unfortunately ive seen this first hand so feel free to Pm me and we can discuss this all further. I can't disclose my past relationship with the company but im happy to assist with any quieries you have and either direct you towards an outcome or design and build the project you are after. And for any future readers this is a blanket message that I am happy to assist if you do so require.

Theysucceededintheend · 23/04/2026 05:15

Travellingatthespeedoflight · 18/01/2026 23:27

We did too @CWoW. Complete disaster and tens of thousands out of pocket. To anyone considering a modular extension, do you research really carefully on the company! We are struggling to find people to finish off the job because it’s an unusual job….

Hello, can you elaborate on what went wrong with Offpod?
Tens of thousands of pounds out of pocket? What on earth happened??

Theysucceededintheend · 23/04/2026 05:16

Travellingatthespeedoflight · 18/01/2026 23:27

We did too @CWoW. Complete disaster and tens of thousands out of pocket. To anyone considering a modular extension, do you research really carefully on the company! We are struggling to find people to finish off the job because it’s an unusual job….

What happened with Offpod to make you tens of thousands out of pocket??

Theysucceededintheend · 23/04/2026 05:19

bdot86 · 19/01/2026 07:48

I’m so sorry to hear this. Seems like there are so many of us screwed over by Offpod. We lots tens of thousands too and didn’t even start the actual build :( they can’t get away with this.

Hi, can you explain how you got screwed over by Offpod? What happened in your experience?
We are just about to contact them to make enquiries about a SIP build..

Theysucceededintheend · 23/04/2026 05:21

Haaaaaaan · 06/10/2025 22:40

Went with a builder we spoke to who has done lots of SIPS in the past, and an architect he put us in touch with. Have planning permission and building regs....waiting to get builder contract signed!

How is your build going all these months on? Could you share details of how the SIP build is looking? And cost? I'd be very grateful!

Wilkolampshade · 23/04/2026 06:04

Interested too @Haaaaaaan.

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