tear out the carpet, get a nice thick padding and carpet re-installed... wont feel cold or like concrete if you get good carpet!

Nope, World. I have thick padding and carpet and my feet freeze under the computer in the winter, alas. Nothing is going to give you that cosy feel like underfloor heating. It doesn't have to be everywhere. You can have, for instance, an 8' x 10' matt in an area where the kids will be playing on the floor. It's a very efficient way to add heat.

Good to know, Cynthia. I have a new, but cold Alberta basement and some underfloor/carpet heat would be wonderful. (Wish I'd had them do that under the tile in the bathroom bath, it's freezing!)

Oh kdeley, hello fellow Canadian! Every Alberta basement ought to have underfloor heating! It should be standard issue! In your basement bathroom (is that what you meant) you could add a heated towel bar or put in a ceiling heatlamp on a timer. Those would help, but they're not specifically aimed at the floor.

Cynthia,

I do not disagree about warmth, infact, i'v never sat in one place for long to even experience it...

without considering additional costs, such as heat, i was recommending quality carpet over engineered flooring or tile to have a kids play area on a slab.

You're right about the cost, World. Budget was not specified as being an issue so I just went with the best recommendation. But yes, if you can't do the heating, then a carpet such as you specified would be the next best thing!

P.S. Matthew you do nice work. Just looked you up :)

Cynthia - Agreed! Sadly this house was almost complete when I purchased it. There are so many things I'd have done differently/added if I'd come into it sooner in the building process. I will definitely look into those suggestions for that downstairs bath -- anything will help!

Cheers from Alberta!

Thanks all! underfloor heating sounds a little pricey but i'm liking the matting under carpet - will check it out!

Radiant heat is good but it will cost you a lot of money. Additionally it should be done by experienced professionals. The engineered floors installed by floating methods could be durable and relatively inexpensive solution. There different pads some of them has very good heat insulation properties .

Actually radiant heat was expensive when it first came out. Subfloors were arranged with yards of electrical cables and it was a labour intensive job each time. Now you can purchase a pre-made mat in various sizes (and custom sizes too) and the cost has come down a lot. Best to look into it so you know exactly how much it is. Now is the time to do it. You'll not get another chance once the good new flooring is laid, and you might be kicking yourself later that you didn't at least get a quote.

I would consider "Dri-floor sub floor" It is a product that comes in 2 x 2 squares that lock together. This will raise the floor and help with the cold. Just google the above I hope this helps your with cold toes

The product name is Dri-Cor . It is a raised interlocking particle board sub floor . I installed it in my basement and we laid a vinyl floor that looks like hardwood. Put carpet over it in basement bedroom. Basement is warm. You can purchase the subfloor at any home improvement store and install it yourself. I had a professional install flooring and carpet.