Hey guys, I've learned a lot lurking around on these boards, and I hope that the following gets a thumbs up from some of the braniacs around here. I'm a first time homeowner and haven't done much in the way of DIY, but with proper planning and listening to the wisdom of professionals I'm hoping to replace the wet-dog smelling carpet with some beautiful engineered flooring.

In my new home I've got a 24x17 living room with a brick fireplace, sliding glass patio door, an entrance that runs into ceramic tile and an entrance that runs into carpet. I can't afford the flooring for the whole house and the dining area is in that room, so I've chosen to just put the hardwood in there.

The entire house is built on a slab, so I'm doing a floating installation, appropriate for a newbie DIYer like me. I've not spent a winter in the home so I don't know how well the slab was insulated, i.e. how cold it's going to get. But, in the interest of saving money on my heat bill and comfort, I'd like to install the Warmly Yours Environ II system under the engineered flooring. Depsite the cost, I'm leaning toward a Kahrs 6-ply beveled non-Woodloc engineered product due to some recommendations, ease of installation, and the added stability of the higher ply count over radiant. I've not picked out the wood yet, but I won't be getting Beech or Maple.

So, here are the steps I'm planning to take, in order:
1. Carpet removal and surface cleaning
2. Floor leveling if needed
3. Moisture testing (sealing performed if necessary)
4. Order wood and acclimate (or not) per manufacturer's instruction
5. Maintenance of relative humidity and temperature (live there)
6. Install electric radiant heat rolls
7. Apply 3/8" thinset
8. Allow to cure
9. Check floor level
10. Installation of hardwood (required) underlayment
11. Begin installation of hardwood
12. Undercutting of door jams and fireplace at appropriate points
13. Finish installation

So, what am I missing? I have concerns about getting the floor heights to match up with the ceramic tile and the carpet. The tile is already installed, but the carpet is not. Should I get the carpet in first? With the flooring (5/8") and the thinset (3/8"), I've already got an inch of height over the slab. What does the underlayment contribute to the height?

Most of all, I am hoping for confirmation that this isn't a dumb idea, electric radiant under a float-in installation. ANY advice the gurus have would be humbly appreciated.

One thing you might considder Chris is using a solid rubber pad on the concrete a 90 oz pad called berber mate will do fine .. rebound pad breaks down in time over concrete ..