My Experts

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Q. Should I use laminate, hardwood or ceramic tile in the kitchen? [Anais Troadec, Hot Springs, AR]

A. To know which is best for you, consider your lifestyle. Do you have young children or pets? You’ll probably be happiest with easy-care ﬂooring that stands up to wear and tear. Empty nesters or single hom-eowners may prefer more fashionable options, but those require extra upkeep. Let’s look at each of the ﬂooring styles you mentioned. Laminate Price, durability and easy installation have always been laminate’s best selling points. Now, thanks to high-tech innovations, it is more upscale than ever. I recommend it for active families looking for low maintenance and budget savings, but it is not as durable as wood or tile. Wood offers beauty, midrange affordability and a variety of widths and ﬁnishes. Choices, from oak to mahogany, range from ¾- to 6-inch widths, unﬁnished or preﬁnished and solid or engineered. A preﬁnished ﬂoor has a tougher ﬁnish and is less prone to buckling than a postﬁnished one, but it doesn’t have a better-sealed surface, since cracks won’t be glazed along with plank tops. Engineered wood is less expensive, but should not be exposed to water— avoid it for kitchens. The drawback to hardwood ﬂoors is that they require more attention than laminate or tile.

Tile is a practical choice for kitchens, since it doesn’t hold moisture and wipes up quickly. Style-conscious homeowners appreciate its diverse array of materials, including natural stone, porcelain, glass and recycled rubber. Keep in mind, though, that glasses and plates break more easily when dropped on tile than on wood or laminate. [Michael A. Fischer, Owner, DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen® franchise, Lansing, Michigan]

Q. From an installation viewpoint, is adding a whirlpool bath any different than a standard tub?

A. It can be different for several reasons. Most whirlpools are larger than the standard 30" x 60" bathtub, the drain is not located in the same place and a different faucet is typically used. Instead of a standard one, whirlpools usually require a deck-mounted Roman tub faucet. An access panel must also be installed to service the circulation pump for the whirlpool jets. Before you buy, contact your plumber to discuss the type of tub you want to install and ask them to look at where it will be located. There may be additional work involving the drain and water lines. [Keith Glass, Technical Services Manager, Mr. Rooter Corporation]

Q. I want to remodel my attic space. What do I need to know about heating, cooling and insulating it? [Amanda Duncan, Elwood City, PA]

A. Attics are becoming one of the most popular home spaces to make over. Whether your goal is carving out extra storage, creating a quiet getaway or adding a loft-style bedroom, it’s easy to transform with simple planning. Ultimately, you will save time and money by hiring an HVAC expert from the beginning. He or she can assess your attic’s condition and offer advice based on local building codes and your budget.

Usually, insulation is one of the ﬁrst considerations; ask your heating and cooling professional for a thorough analysis of your HVAC system to determine whether it can handle the needs of the new living space. If not, the expert may recommend a new forced-air duct system or a simple ductless mini system. Exploring all options with the help of a pro before moving full steam ahead will ensure a quality ﬁnished product. [John Carrier, Owner, Aire Serv® franchise, Western Pennsylvania]

Q. How long should appliances last and what kind of maintenance extends their life span?

A. There’s no hard and fast rule to how long an appliance lasts—much depends on what you buy, how you treat it and how much it’s used. Quality appliances are worth the money, so shop for the best you can afford.

Appliances last longer when you treat them well. Don’t overburden them (for example, stufﬁng too many clothes into the washer or using the dryer without a proper vent), and clean them often. Connections on electric ranges can corrode, while gas burners clog with residue from food. Refrigerators lose efﬁciency if loaded incorrectly or when coils are dirty.

As a standard, complete a routine check every three months (more often after heavy use). You may want to place appliances on a monthly rotating schedule so you’re not working on all at once. The more diligent you are, the faster you can spot trouble and address it. [Doug Rogers, President, Mr. Appliance® Corp.]

Q.What should I know about electrical installation of home theater systems before I buy? [Paul Dreater, MayFIeld, PA]

A. I admire you for doing your homework in advance of purchasing. The ﬁrst step is to ensure your home’s electrical system is sufﬁcient to handle a home theater. To prevent problems with simultaneously using household equipment (such as a vacuum cleaner), check for a dedicated circuit with proper grounding. Adding an uninterruptible power system (UPS) will protect your home from power outages, surges and sags. [Alex Alikhani, President, Sunburst Electric® franchise, Metro Washington D.C.]