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Are heated floors worth the splurge? We’re sharing the costs and benefits of one of our favorite home upgrades. Spoiler: warm toes are hard to resist!

Upgrades, splurges, step-ups—whatever you call them, they’re often not included in a project unless they’re clearly specified on your plans or communicated directly to your contractor. Think of it like going from a base model car to one that’s fully loaded. 🏎 > 🚗

For us, “fully loaded” meant choosing spray-foaming the exterior envelope over batt insulation, metal roofing instead of asphalt shingles, and running heat cables under our bathroom tiles. These decisions didn’t just add comfort—they enhanced the functionality and longevity of our home.

One of the upgrades that stands out the most? Heated floors in the bathrooms. Let’s break down what it actually cost:

For two bathrooms (each about 25 square feet):

Ditra dimple board: $740
Heat cable: $898
Scratch coat & installation: $250
Electrician materials & labor: Estimated $2,500

TOTAL: Around $4,388 for both bathrooms.

In the grand scheme of building a home, this cost was a small percentage of the overall budget. And let me tell you—it was worth every penny. Waking up on cold mornings to warm tiles underfoot is pure luxury, especially when your bathrooms are built over a slab-on-grade foundation. Beyond indulgence, the heated floors also act as a secondary heating source, making the space cozy year-round. 🔥

So, what do you think? Are heated floors an upgrade you’d consider, or would you opt to live without them?

Chelsey Morphy

Home Consultant & Designer

Chelsey Morphy is an architectural designer, home consultant, and the founder of Homeowner HQ. With nearly two decades of experience in new home and renovation design, she brings a rare dual perspective as both a designer and homeowner. Her mission is to bridge the gap between homeowners and industry professionals by offering education, guidance, and real-world support that simplifies the building process. Her work has been featured on HGTV and trusted by hundreds of clients, contractors, and fellow designers alike. Through Homeowner HQ, she’s creating the go-to platform for planning, budgeting, and managing home projects with confidence.