New kitchen / Extension after installing underfloor heating - possible?

[CarrotyO]

Hello. My question is about the logistics / order of getting work done on my house.

I am really keen to retrofit wet underfloor heating (and floor insulation) downstairs, and an air/ground source heat pump, and would like to tackle this first (due to not being able to afford to do everything I want at the same time).

I would also like a new kitchen at some point, and possibly an extension to the kitchen to make it a decent kitchen/diner (it's only 9 x 16 foot so it's a massive squeeze to fit a tiny kitchen and table/chairs in) and let some light in.

I believe I could stretch to the underfloor heating/heat pump now but would need to save for a few years before the new kitchen and possible extension.

Is that possible in practice - would they be able to 'extend' the underfloor heating to the new extension. Do they need to rip out the existing kitchen to install underfloor heating anyway? How does that work in a retrofit, do people take the kitchen out and then reinstall it if they're not getting a new one?

Yes, your plan to retrofit wet underfloor heating (UFH) first, followed by a kitchen extension with integrated UFH, is feasible. Here's a breakdown of your concerns:

1. Extending UFH to the Extension:

• Absolutely! When planning the extension, you can inform the builder about the existing UFH system. They can design the extension floor structure to accommodate the UFH pipes seamlessly connecting to the existing system.

1. Removing Existing Kitchen for UFH Installation:

• While not always necessary, removing the kitchen cabinets and appliances might be required depending on the existing subfloor structure and chosen UFH installation method.

1. Retrofit Process without Removing Kitchen:

• If the existing subfloor allows, a low-profile UFH system can be installed with minimal disruption. This involves:
• Lifting existing floorboards: This exposes the subfloor for pipe installation.
• Installing insulation and UFH pipes: The chosen UFH system and existing subfloor determine the specific installation method.
• Laying a new subfloor: This creates a level surface for the final floor covering.
• Reinstalling floorboards or laying new flooring: The final step depends on your desired finish.

1. Recommendation:

• Consult a qualified heating engineer and builder: They can assess your specific situation and advise on the best approach for your UFH retrofit and future kitchen extension. They can also provide detailed information about the potential need to remove the kitchen, the chosen UFH system's compatibility with extensions, and the overall timeline and cost of the project.
• Plan the extension and UFH installation together: This ensures a smooth integration of the UFH system into the new kitchen space, maximizing efficiency and minimizing disruption in the future.

By following these steps and seeking professional advice, you can achieve your desired outcome of enjoying an energy-efficient home with a comfortable, extended kitchen. As a personal suggestion, I would suggest you to purchase discounted item for your work from this website:

That was very helpful and extremely encouraging, thank you. I think the main task will be for me to find the right person locally who has the required expertise and knowledge.