Even if you are planning to do the whole project yourself it makes sense to get a few free estimates from local contractors. There are multiple reasons for this. First is that contractors come with experience and in the process of telling you how much things will cost they will also be giving you an idea of what you really need to buy. Its hard to know if you really will need soundproofing fabric or a crack isolation membrane, but after speaking with a few contractors you might get a clearer idea of just what you should and shouldn’t buy. Just remember don’t sign anything! Another reason to get estimates is that often contractors have access to resources you don’t. Perhaps you were planning to buy a load of tile at full retail price and a contractor knows where to get the same variety of granite from a wholesaler at half the price. His estimate might come in near what it would cost you to do it yourself. Factor in that he already owns the tools that you would have to rent and this becomes even more feasable.

Once you’ve reached the point where you have torn out the old floor, sanded down any high spots and filled any low spots, you should follow the manufacturers directions and put down any underlayments. Each type of underlayment system will have its own method of installation. Often electric radiant heat blankets are applied with thinset mortar and then tile is applied directly over the blanket with more thinset. Direct wire radiant heat is often done with guide strips and then covered with a self leveling liquid floor. Since the method of laying down underlayments can vary widely its important to read and follow the manufacturers dirctions.

Once you’ve completed installation of the underlayments the subfloor is complete and you are ready to move to the next article Installing the granite tiles.