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Whether you install flooring before or after kitchen cabinets depends primarily on the type of flooring you are using. For materials like hardwood, tile, and sheet flooring, the best practice is to install the flooring first. This ensures the cabinets are installed at the correct height and on a stable surface. However, you should not install cabinets on top of floating floors, such as laminate or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). These types of flooring need room to expand and contract with temperature and humidity changes. Placing heavy cabinets on top can restrict this movement, potentially causing the floor to buckle and making the cabinets unstable. For floating floors, install the cabinets first and then lay the flooring up to them. Other reasons to consider installing cabinets before the flooring include saving money on materials (since you won't need flooring under the cabinets) and avoiding potential damage to your new floor during cabinet installation. Additionally, installing cabinets directly on the subfloor might prevent voiding your flooring's warranty.

Yes, installing laminate over carpet could negatively affect the resale value of your home. It’s no surprise that homebuyers prefer flooring that someone has installed according to industry standards. Laminate over carpet may raise concerns about the quality and stability of the flooring, impacting the overall perceived value of the property.

Removing laminate flooring is fairly straightforward compared to removing other types of flooring. The planks click and lock into place, so you can pry them loose without much fuss. If you plan to reuse your flooring, you must be careful not to damage the plank or the locking mechanism that keeps it in place. If it’s in good condition, you can reuse it in another room.

Common problems with laminate flooring include surface-level scratches, dents, warping, and separating seams. Scratches can be caused by dragging heavy items like furniture or from not using a mat under rolling office chairs. Dents can occur from regular wear and tear or from dropping heavy objects on the floor. Most of these issues can be prevented with regular cleaning and moisture control, and many are fairly easy to fix for a beginner DIYer.