Flat renovation as FTB: any advice welcome!

FreeBear

lb00 said: The flat currently has old electric radiators as in the pic I added to the first post. What would you then recommend heating-wise?

OK, so wet UFH wouldn't be on the cards then. Unless you can get planning permission (and freeholder consent), an ASHP would also be out of the window.

High retention night storage heaters on an E7 tariff is probably going to be the cheapest system to use.

lb00

Emmia said:

Karndean and Amtico will post you samples if you go on their websites. Karndean also has an app with a visualiser tool on iPhone.

Wouldn't the tiles also potentially attract other import fees?

Nope, I have checked and there would be no import fees, just VAT and some admin costs (roughly 100£).
I'll order some samples or perhaps just try and go to a local retailer.

lb00

FreeBear said:

lb00 said: The flat currently has old electric radiators as in the pic I added to the first post. What would you then recommend heating-wise?

OK, so wet UFH wouldn't be on the cards then. Unless you can get planning permission (and freeholder consent), an ASHP would also be out of the window.

High retention night storage heaters on an E7 tariff is probably going to be the cheapest system to use.

Thank you, I'll look into it. What would be the installation costs I should expect compared to electric UFH? Flat is 72 sqm, 2 bedrooms, kitchen/lounge, 2 bathrooms.

Emmia

lb00 said:

Emmia said:

Karndean and Amtico will post you samples if you go on their websites. Karndean also has an app with a visualiser tool on iPhone.

Wouldn't the tiles also potentially attract other import fees?

Nope, I have checked and there would be no import fees, just VAT and some admin costs (roughly 100£).
I'll order some samples or perhaps just try and go to a local retailer.

If you're in London, there is the Material Lab close to Oxford Circus which does a huge range of different floorings - and has samples

https://www.material-lab.co.uk

MysteryMe

Have you considered wood effect cork flooring.

I think it would offer a good level of underfoot comfort, heat and sound insulation compared to ceramic tiles, especially as underfloor heating seems a non starter.

moneysaver1978

Are you in a rush to renovate your flat? If not, wait till the Clerkenwell Design Week where you can meet many suppliers (including tiles and flooring), and even take some home.

We went last year and it was very informative.

lb00

Emmia said:

lb00 said:

Emmia said:

Karndean and Amtico will post you samples if you go on their websites. Karndean also has an app with a visualiser tool on iPhone.

Wouldn't the tiles also potentially attract other import fees?

Nope, I have checked and there would be no import fees, just VAT and some admin costs (roughly 100£).
I'll order some samples or perhaps just try and go to a local retailer.

If you're in London, there is the Material Lab close to Oxford Circus which does a huge range of different floorings - and has samples

https://www.material-lab.co.uk

Thanks, so would they have both wood effect tiles and LVT flooring like Karndean and Amtico to see? From their website it looks like they are more of a design/ high-end place.moneysaver1978 said:

Are you in a rush to renovate your flat? If not, wait till the Clerkenwell Design Week where you can meet many suppliers (including tiles and flooring), and even take some home.

We went last year and it was very informative.

Yeah we would like to get it all done by Christmas and move early January.

Albermarle

Thanks, so would they have both wood effect tiles and LVT flooring like Karndean and Amtico to see?

Although LVT flooring can be many different designs, due to current trends the majority of it is wood effect of some kind nowadays. There is no need to go to an exhibition, they have good websites and local suppliers/dealers will happily give you a samples brochure.
You should be aware that Amtico only normally supply and fit through authorised dealers. This is to maintain the highest quality of installation ( as this is often where problems occur rather than with the tiles themselves)  and so there can be no quibbles about guarantees if something went wrong. However it is not cheap to buy and install. 
Karndean seem a bit less strict in their policies. Their product is sourced in the Far East, whereas Amtico LVT is manufactured in Coventry,

FreeBear

lb00 said:

FreeBear said:

lb00 said: The flat currently has old electric radiators as in the pic I added to the first post. What would you then recommend heating-wise?

OK, so wet UFH wouldn't be on the cards then. Unless you can get planning permission (and freeholder consent), an ASHP would also be out of the window.

High retention night storage heaters on an E7 tariff is probably going to be the cheapest system to use.

Thank you, I'll look into it. What would be the installation costs I should expect compared to electric UFH? Flat is 72 sqm, 2 bedrooms, kitchen/lounge, 2 bathrooms.

Both UFH and NSH will require some electrical work - If done at the same time as fitting new sockets, it shouldn't add hugely to the bill. Can't comment on the relative costs of NSH versus UFH as I've never had to purchase either. Just stay away from panel heaters like Fischer or anyone else that claims their electric heating is more efficient.

lb00

FreeBear said:

lb00 said:

FreeBear said:

lb00 said: The flat currently has old electric radiators as in the pic I added to the first post. What would you then recommend heating-wise?

OK, so wet UFH wouldn't be on the cards then. Unless you can get planning permission (and freeholder consent), an ASHP would also be out of the window.

High retention night storage heaters on an E7 tariff is probably going to be the cheapest system to use.

Thank you, I'll look into it. What would be the installation costs I should expect compared to electric UFH? Flat is 72 sqm, 2 bedrooms, kitchen/lounge, 2 bathrooms.

Both UFH and NSH will require some electrical work - If done at the same time as fitting new sockets, it shouldn't add hugely to the bill. Can't comment on the relative costs of NSH versus UFH as I've never had to purchase either. Just stay away from panel heaters like Fischer or anyone else that claims their electric heating is more efficient.

The flat also has an old air conditioning system with the external aircon unit fitted outside by the balcony.
Perhaps I could ask to take that out and replace it with an ASHP?

Otherwise, if I go for NSH, what do you think of putting panel heaters in the bedrooms for a quick top-up when going to bed or waking up?