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Last updated: 17 April 2024
Hiring an underfloor heating specialist
Here's guidance on how to hire the right tradesperson to complete your underfloor heating project.
Looking to install underfloor heating in your home? Then, you’ll need to enlist the help of an underfloor heating specialist.
Read our guide below on the steps to take when hiring an underfloor heating specialist.
Top tips for choosing the right underfloor heating specialist
1. Hire an underfloor heating specialist with experience
There are two different types of underfloor heating: water and electric. Electric is the more modern alternative to water underfloor heating, as it is easier and cheaper to install.
You’ll want to talk to an experienced underfloor heating specialist who can advise you on which system to choose.
2. Always check the heating specialist’s reviews
When you’re looking for good-quality underfloor heating specialists, nothing is more valuable than reviews and ratings from previous customers.
Online reviews will quickly give you an idea of how reliable, affordable, and efficient a tradesperson is.
You want to make sure that the tradesperson you’re considering for the job has recent and up-to-date reviews.
3. Get a range of quotes
Don’t just commit to the first quote you are given. Try to get at least three different quotes from three different tradespeople so you can compare.
When getting quotes, make sure you ask for a breakdown of the costs so you can see exactly what you’re paying for.
Why not bag yourself multiple quotes now by filling out our request a quote form?
4. Confirm their time estimate
Before committing to hiring an underfloor heating specialist, you’ll want to be clear on the time it will take to complete the installation.
Of course, the time it’s going to take to complete will depend on the size of the room, amongst other things. However, you can estimate the job to take an underfloor heating specialist at around 2-3 days to lay underfloor heating.
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What does an underfloor heating specialist do?
An underfloor heating specialist will install heating underneath your floor to heat your home.
There are two different types: electric underfloor heating and water underfloor heating,
Pros of electric underfloor heating
Easier to install than water underfloor heating
Generally cheaper to install
Won’t increase floor height by much
Can tailor wattage output
Can be fitted with minimal disruption
Cons of electric underfloor heating
It can take slightly longer to heat up than traditional radiators
The repair can be disruptive if something goes wrong
Electric underfloor heating isn’t always the right choice for period properties with original thick brick floors
Pros of water underfloor heating
It is known to be cheaper to run than electric underfloor heating
Can be run using air source heat pumps
Ideal choice for large areas
Cons of water underfloor heating
More expensive to install
Can be tricky to install, depending on location
How much do underfloor heating specialists cost?
As a ballpark price guide, underfloor heating installation and materials from a professional will cost anywhere between £3,000 – £13,000.
Check out the cost of installing underfloor heating in our cost guide.
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Questions to ask an underfloor heating specialist
What experience and qualifications do you have?
Are you a member of any official trade bodies?
Can you provide references and examples from previous customers?
Questions about the installation process
What is the best underfloor heating system for me and how long would each one take to install?
Can it be installed under different floor types?
Do I need a special boiler?
How quickly can you quote and install?
What qualifications does an underfloor heating specialist need?
Rather than focusing on qualifications, we’d recommend looking at a technician’s experience.
Research the previous projects they’ve worked on and read lots of reviews to check they have completed similar installations.
Hiring an underfloor heating specialist checklist
To find a good heating specialist get high-quality recommendations from sites such as Checkatrade and read reviews
Check they have experience with your type of flooring insurance and a permanent address
Make an appointment so they can see the project, and be sure to get at least three quotes
Insist on a contract that clearly states the work, any terms, timelines and the cost
Ask any key questions before signing the contract, not after
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
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