Underfloor heating: compare quotes and prices

New build, retrofit or renewal?

In a new building, heating, insulation, screed and floor finish are planned together. In an existing property, available height, doors, stairs and the condition of the floor determine the options. When renewing existing underfloor heating, first establish whether pipes, manifold, controls or only particular components are involved.

Water-based underfloor heating distributes heat; it does not produce it. It can, for example, work with a suitable heat pump or district heating supply. Electric mats generate heat directly from electricity and do not provide an equivalent replacement for water-based distribution. Their suitability and permission to install must be checked for the canton and specific project.

The existing floor determines the installation options

Wet, dry and low-profile systems have different requirements. Milling pipe channels into an existing screed may suit appropriate floors. It is not a method that works everywhere without assessment. Thickness, condition, existing services and the overall construction need professional examination.

On timber floors, load capacity, deflection and floor construction must also be compatible. A low advertised height often refers to a particular part of the system. Finishes, levelling layers and any insulation add to it. Have the finished height checked at doors and stairs rather than treating the advertised system height as the complete finished floor.

Assess heat demand together with the connection

A large heated surface often allows relatively low water temperatures. This can benefit a heat pump, but does not alone guarantee a particular saving. The building envelope, available surface and required room temperatures affect whether the floor meets demand. Some rooms may need additional heat emitters.

A water-based installation also needs manifolds, supply pipes and suitable controls. Where radiators remain, their operation alongside the new circuits needs assessment. Necessary flows and settings are established by the contractor. You do not need to select pipe spacing, flow temperatures or the number of heating circuits for your enquiry.

The finish must suit the whole floor construction

Tiles, parquet, vinyl or carpet may be suitable depending on the product and construction. Heating compatibility, heat transfer and specifications for underlays and adhesives matter. A suitable finish does not make an unsuitable substrate acceptable. Mention a finish already selected without having to determine its technical properties yourself.

A milled floor with filled channels is not automatically ready for every finish. An additional levelling layer may be needed depending on flatness and the system. Check whether removing the old finish, preparing the floor and laying the new finish are included or handled by another contractor.

Laying time is not the complete project duration

Laying the pipes may take much less time than the complete conversion. Removal, preparation, drying, connections and flooring work also belong in the programme. For wet systems, waiting periods and heating schedules depend on the materials and actual conditions. There is no reliable general promise that every floor will be finished within a few days.

Testing the heating and confirming readiness for flooring are different tasks. A completed heating cycle does not automatically replace the check for sufficient drying. Have the relevant contractors coordinate the stages and provide the required records. In occupied rooms, clearing furniture, restricted use and any phased installation should be agreed early.

What affects the price of underfloor heating

Area matters, but a price per square metre rarely describes every service. A quote for milling and pipes alone cannot be compared with a complete floor renovation. Manifolds, supply pipes, controls and connection may be charged separately. Small rooms may have a higher cost per square metre because of these fixed tasks.

Compare the same construction and area with clear material, fitting, associated-work and VAT details. A new heat generator or the complete floor finish is not automatically included. Price ranges without an identifiable scope, region and tax basis are not a reliable overall budget.

In use, the heating system and its operation matter as well as the purchase price. Underfloor heating also needs appropriate settings. The floor need not feel warm all the time to heat a room adequately; particularly in mild weather, room temperature is more informative.

Useful information for your initial enquiry

An approximate area and the existing situation are enough to start. Technical details are clarified later or during the site visit.

• Project. Specify new build, retrofit, renewal or initial advice.
• Area and rooms. Give an approximate area and describe the rooms together if needed.
• Current floor. Say whether the finish remains, has already been removed or the construction is still to be planned.
• Requested scope. Clarify whether removal, new finishes or changes to the heating system should be quoted.

From the site visit to a well-adjusted system

Heating and flooring work should be quoted and performed in coordination. Clear settings and documentation at handover are more useful than a promise of immediately warm floors.

• Assess the situation. Have heat demand, floor construction and connections reviewed together.
• Compare quotes. Match areas and complete services, with clearly identified exclusions.
• Coordinate installation. Align heating, screed and finishes with suitable drying and testing stages.
• Take over the system. Have operation checked, settings explained and agreed documents handed over.