Youre installer was smart NOT to run youre heat cables under the vanity. Every where the tile surface is covered(Toilet/vanity etc...) there should be a controlled perimiter reveal . refer to installation instructions from the actual MFG of youre system and if you are still feeling short changed, have the Field rep from the MFG come for a site visit.....-best

My heated floors are cold around room perimeter, under vanity and under toilet. I am wondering if it is ok that we added cabinets and create bench on heated floor space after the install was finished....

Hi and thank you Tundra and Creative for your informative replies. Creative, I do agree this is an error since no where else, like my tub area is there a cold spot (maybe cooler, rather than cold). How would this issue be remedied? Thanks again!

There's no way to fix it, other than tear it out. Obviously your contractor sees no problem.

Toekick Heater installed under vanity. Contractor should be happy to provide this option to avoid a rip out. If it can be done.

We have a 4-6" cold band in front of the vanity and around the toilet. I understand the reason for a gap by the porcelain toilet, but I do wish the tiler had run the wire a bit closer to the built-in vanity toe kick. If it bothers me, I could always put a rug in front of my sink... Meanwhile, the cats are enjoying the warm floor :)

In my case, it's nice and comfy around the toilet and tub area. This error is disappointing but livable. The sad part is that this was a pricey and long awaited remodel, with my expectations being high. I should learn to taper that, I guess. Thank you all for educating me.

Different manufacturers can have different installation restrictions, with under-tile heating mats or cables you always want to stay within the boundaries they specify. SunTouch, for example allows the mat to be butted right up to the vanity. That way the toe kick will be warm underfoot.

There is a tapering off of warmth as you get past the edge of the mat.

You can shoot the floor with a quality IR sensor and that will usually give a pretty good indication of the location of the wires in the mat. Compare that to the manufacturers installation instructions.

Be careful voiding install wrrty. Heres a few snippets from Suntouch website for warmwire install specs. We all bend rules but with the failure rate of in floor heat and the cost vs reward of a possible tear out in a clients home...I'd opt for conforming closely to honor mfg wrrty

From suntouch manual:

Cabinet vanities:

Draw the border right up to the toe-kick. The wire can be installed up to 1" away from the vanity toe-kick

Outline the heated area

Mark the areas where the WarmWire cable will be installed. WarmWire should not be installed:

• Within 3" of the wall perimeter, door jamb, tub or shower base

• Within 6" of toilet flanges

• Under cabinets or fixtures that have no clearance under them

•

Within confined spaces like closets or pantries where the heat cannot disperse, particularly

when objects are left on the floor.

It's good to know where the sensor is located. It should not be in direct sunlight. Don't place a mat or laundry basket over it and you don't want the family dog sleeping on that spot:) That's one you can't plan for.

MongoCT, Tundra, and Creative thank you all so much! This has been a learning experience and, hopefully someone, who is getting ready to remodel, takes advantage of your informative posts.