Comfort Built Around Your Home
Heating is one of those parts of a home that is easy to ignore until rooms feel uncomfortable, radiators are in the wrong places or the system no longer suits the way the property is used.
A renovation, extension or major room change can be the ideal time to look again at the heating system rather than simply reconnect what was already there.
At Calico, we consider heating as part of the wider property. Room size, insulation, floor construction, layout, controls and how different areas are used can all influence the right approach.
Where underfloor heating is being considered, the finished flooring matters too. The floor build-up, insulation, heating system and final covering should be planned together so the finished room works properly from the structure upwards.
Heating Systems for Different Homes & Projects
Whether you are upgrading an existing system or incorporating heating into a wider renovation, we can help coordinate the solution around the property and how you use it.
Radiator Systems
Install, reposition or upgrade radiators to better suit room layouts, heating requirements and the finished appearance of the space.
Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating can provide comfortable, even heat while freeing wall space from radiators, particularly within renovations and extensions.
Explore Flooring Services →
Heating System Upgrades
Modernise existing heating arrangements where the property, layout or usage has changed and the current system no longer works as effectively as it should.
Heating Controls
Controls can help you manage when and where heat is needed rather than treating the entire home as one single space.
Zoned Heating
Different areas of a property may have different heating requirements. Zoning can help provide greater control where the system allows.
Heating for Extensions & Renovations
Plan heating alongside the wider building project so pipework, floor construction, controls and final room layouts work together from the beginning.
Heating Works Best When It Is Planned Early
Heating decisions are often easiest to make while floors, walls and ceilings are already being altered.
Pipe routes, radiator positions, underfloor heating, insulation and controls can all affect other parts of the project, so leaving heating until the end can unnecessarily restrict the options available.
Calico coordinates heating requirements with the wider building, plumbing, electrical and finishing work so the system fits properly with the finished home.
With underfloor heating in particular, this includes coordinating the heating with subfloor preparation and the chosen finished floor, rather than treating the heating and flooring as two unrelated stages.
Not Every Room Needs the Same Solution
A large open-plan kitchen, a small bedroom and a highly glazed extension can all behave very differently. Good heating planning takes those differences into account.
The size and shape of the room influence the amount and distribution of heat required.
Improved insulation can reduce heat loss and may influence the heating requirements of the finished room.
Large windows and glazed doors can significantly affect heat loss and the way a room feels.
Floor finishes and construction are particularly important when considering underfloor heating.
Explore Flooring Services →Radiator positions should be considered before wardrobes, cabinets and large furniture occupy the same wall space.
Different schedules and temperatures may make sense for bedrooms, living areas and rooms used only occasionally.
Underfloor Heating & the Finished Floor
Underfloor heating sits beneath the visible room, so the complete floor construction matters just as much as the heating system itself.
The subfloor, insulation, heating system, screed or overlay and final floor covering all affect the overall build-up and how effectively heat can move into the room.
Depending on the project, the finished floor may include:
- Timber or engineered timber flooring
- Click LVT
- Glue-down LVT
- Vinyl or lino
- Ceramic or porcelain tiles
- Other manufacturer-approved floor coverings
Different flooring products can have different thermal characteristics, temperature limits and installation requirements. Adhesives, underlays and manufacturer guidance may also affect what is suitable.
The finished floor level should be considered early too, particularly where underfloor heating is being added to an existing property. Changes in floor build-up can affect doors, skirting, thresholds, kitchen units and the level where one room meets another.
By considering the heating and flooring together, we can plan the complete floor build-up rather than leaving the final floor covering to solve problems created earlier in the project.
Explore Flooring Services →From Existing System to Better Comfort
We start by understanding the property, the wider work taking place and what is not currently working for you.
Understand
We discuss the rooms involved, how they are used and what you would like the heating system to do better.
Assess
The existing system, property layout and wider renovation work are considered before deciding what changes may be appropriate.
Plan & Coordinate
Heating requirements are coordinated with plumbing, floors, finished flooring, walls, electrics and the other stages of the project.
Install & Finish
The required heating work is completed and integrated into the finished room or wider renovation.
Heating Can Change More Than the Temperature
Moving a radiator, removing one entirely through underfloor heating or planning a cleaner system during renovation can also improve furniture layouts and the finished appearance of a room.
Before 
After Comfort Comes From the Whole System Working Together
The visible radiator or thermostat is only one small part of the heating system. Good planning considers how all of the different elements interact.
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We Look Beyond the Radiator
Heating often interacts with almost every other trade involved in a renovation. Floors, walls, kitchens, bathrooms, electrics and furniture layouts can all be affected.
Calico's full-service approach means we can consider those relationships rather than treating the heating installation as an isolated job.
That is especially useful where underfloor heating is involved, because the heating, subfloor preparation and final flooring all need to work together.
We explain the practical options and coordinate the appropriate specialists so the finished system works with the property as a whole.
Heating Systems Across Hampshire
Calico is based on Hayling Island and coordinates heating installation and upgrade projects throughout Hampshire and surrounding areas.
Hayling Island • Havant • Portsmouth • Southsea • Emsworth • Waterlooville • Chichester • Fareham • Petersfield • Southampton
If your location is not listed, please still get in touch. The distance we travel can vary depending on the scale and nature of the project.
Heating System FAQs
Can Calico install or upgrade my heating system?
Yes. Heating installation and upgrades can be coordinated as standalone work or as part of a wider Calico renovation. Where regulated or specialist work is required, the appropriate qualified trade is incorporated into the project.
Can you install underfloor heating?
Yes, where it is suitable for the property and project. Floor construction, insulation, finished flooring and the wider heating system all need to be considered when deciding on the appropriate solution.
What flooring can be used with underfloor heating?
Many floor coverings can potentially be used with underfloor heating, including suitable timber or engineered timber flooring, LVT, vinyl and tiles. The exact product, underlay, adhesive and installation method should be suitable for the heating system and follow the relevant manufacturer's requirements.
Visit our Flooring Services page for more information.
Should the flooring be chosen before underfloor heating is installed?
Ideally, the intended floor finish should be considered early. Different materials and installation methods can affect the total floor build-up, heat transfer and finished floor level.
Can Calico prepare the subfloor and install the finished flooring too?
Yes, where required. The flooring work can be coordinated with the heating installation so preparation, levels, thresholds and the final finish are considered as one project.
Can you move existing radiators?
In many cases, yes. Renovation can be a good opportunity to reposition radiators where the existing location interferes with furniture, cabinetry or a new room layout.
Can you replace old radiators with modern ones?
Yes. Radiators can potentially be upgraded or replaced as part of a heating improvement or wider room renovation, subject to the requirements of the system.
Can heating be divided into different zones?
Potentially, yes. The options depend on the type of heating system and controls already installed or being proposed. We can discuss zoning as part of the wider project.
Can you install heating in my new extension?
Yes. Heating should ideally be considered early in an extension project so it can be planned alongside insulation, floor construction, electrics and the final layout.
Can I combine radiators and underfloor heating?
Potentially, yes. Different areas of a home can sometimes use different methods of heat delivery, but the overall system needs to be designed so those elements work together properly.
Should I upgrade the heating during a renovation?
It can be worth considering. When floors, walls or ceilings are already open, there may be opportunities to alter pipework, move radiators or incorporate different heating solutions with less disruption than doing the work later.
Do you carry out gas work?
Any gas work must be carried out by an appropriately qualified and registered engineer. Where this forms part of a Calico project, we can coordinate the relevant specialist as part of the wider work.
Can you help if I am not sure what heating system I need?
Yes. You do not need to have the complete solution decided before contacting us. We can discuss the property, the wider project and the different practical options before the appropriate system is agreed.
Is Your Heating Working With Your Home — or Against It?
Whether you're planning underfloor heating, moving radiators, upgrading controls or reviewing the heating as part of a complete renovation, talk to Calico before the rest of the project is finalised.
We'll help you consider the options and coordinate the heating with the wider work taking place in your home, including the floor construction, subfloor preparation and finished flooring where underfloor heating forms part of the project.
Discuss Your Heating Project