Can you introduce yourselves and provide a brief overview of your professional background and experience in the property industry?
My name is Rob and with me is my business partner, Jordan. I studied construction management at college and ventured into site management straight after college at the age of 18. Working for large developers in London and Essex.
Jordan: I trained as a carpenter and used my trade to start and run a successful building company for many years operating in Essex. I’ve always liked to look into future proofing properties and soon realised the benefits of underfloor heating and install it in every property I can.
Can you tell us about the history and background of The Underfloor Megastore? How did the company come into existence?
With a background in construction we wanted to get into property development together however covid came along which changed our plans.
We came up with the idea of ‘The Building Megastore’, as a project we could set up, while the world was going crazy, with the hope of being ready when everything went back to normal. The plan was to supply underfloor heating and other products that would help property developers and tradesmen. However we realised our key knowledge and passion was with underfloor heating, hence the name change to ‘The Underfloor Megastore’.
How do you offer discounts off the website prices? Could you share some examples of the cost savings customers can expect?
We pride ourselves on our prices and customer service. We often have seasonal sales on our products with automatic discounts. However, the best discounts can be achieved when our customers request a bespoke quote. This allows us to review what they require and add discounts dependent on order size and circumstances. Our trade/developer price list can be downloaded from our website.
What measures does the company take to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of underfloor heating systems after installation?
All of our products come with in depth instruction manuals and full over the phone support from us. Manufacturers warranty and extended warranties from us are included with many of our products. All products have been tried and tested over many years and we pride ourselves on having no performance issues reported to date.
How do you educate customers about the benefits and advantages of underfloor heating compared to traditional heating methods?
We are always here to educate our customers. Whether this be over the phone or via the reading of our regular updated blogs on our knowledge hub.
What challenges or misconceptions do customers commonly have regarding underfloor heating, and how does The Underfloor Megastore address them?
Underfloor heating can often seem daunting, there is a common misconception that underfloor heating is only available for wealthy people. This may have been the case when it first came about, but now it can be affordable with many different options being available. Again, we urge any of our customers to contact us with any queries or concerns they have.
One thing we would never do, is pressure a sale, if someone has a general concern and we feel that underfloor heating is not for them, then we will tell them this. However in most cases, there is an option for everyone.
What advice would you give to customers who are considering installing underfloor heating but are unsure about the process or benefits?
When considering installing underfloor heating, it is important to research the different types of systems available, the benefits it can provide, assess your specific requirements and understand the install process. Here at The Underfloor Megastore, we can help you research your project. You can either speak to one of the team, send us a list of questions or take a look at our easy to read blogs which cover FAQ within the underfloor heating industry.
Educate us – when would you use each type of system? Pros/cons?
Great question. There are many different types of water and electric underfloor heating. We won’t have time to go through all of these however the two main types are electric and water systems. The choice between these systems depends on various factors such as the type of building, budget, energy sources available and personal preferences.
Electric Underfloor Heating: often used in smaller areas or when retrofitting is necessary due to its ease of installation and flexibility. It’s commonly used in bathrooms, kitchens, or individual rooms.
Pros: Easy & quick installation: Electric systems are relatively simple to install, as they consist of thin heating cables or mats that can be laid directly on the insulated subfloor. They generally have a lower initial cost compared to hydronic systems.
Cons: Higher operating costs: Electric underfloor heating tends to be more expensive to run compared to water systems, as electricity is typically costlier than water-based heating. That also means they are not the most efficient choice for heating large spaces.
Water (Wet) Underfloor Heating: well-suited for larger areas and new constructions, where the installation complexity is less of a concern. It can also be used in renovations if the budget and plans allow for more substantial installation efforts and with use of our overlay systems.
Pros: Water systems can be more energy-efficient, particularly if they are connected to a high-efficiency boiler or renewable energy sources, therefore lower operating costs. Water systems are better suited for heating entire houses or larger rooms as they can distribute heat efficiently.
Cons: Installation complexity: Installing water underfloor heating requires more planning and work. It involves laying pipes or tubing under the floor, which may not be feasible for all renovations or budgets. Water systems typically take longer to reach the desired temperature compared to electric systems.
How do you see the future of your industry?
The underfloor heating industry is due to grow at a rate of roughly 7% annually between now and 2028. This huge growth is due to the changeover from conventional radiators to underfloor heating being the norm.
We envision being at the heart of this growth, providing our UK customers with the best customer service in the business. We want to build a community of tradesman and investors who are proud to work with us.
What’s driving that growth?
It’s the array of benefits including:
- Accessibility to all types of people due to the reduction in costs and cheaper options being developed
- People are more house-proud these days, with the boost of social media and many people falling in love with interior design, people don’t want old fashioned radiators in view and taking up vital wall space.
- Its increased efficiency compared to traditional heating methods and its ease of combining with new heating sources such as solar panels, air source heat pumps and ground source heat pumps.
https://www.theunderfloormegastore.co.uk/
Rob and Jordan
The Underfloor Megastore
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