Laminate flooring is susceptible to expansion and contraction during temperature fluctuations. In the summer, laminate flooring is more likely to expand, possibly giving it a crowned or warped look. In the winter, when temperatures fall, the flooring can contract, revealing gaps between the boards. This is normal and should be expected when you install laminate flooring.

Carpet installation typically starts with removing the old flooring, preparing the subfloor, laying underpadding for cushioning, and securing the new carpet with tack strips, making precise cuts to fit room dimensions.

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.

Most DIYers can learn how to remove carpet although it’s time and labor-intensive. However, if you have glued-down carpet and are concerned about damaging the substrate below, it's best to call a professional carpet remover. Also, removing glue-down carpet is more work than dealing with wall-to-wall carpet because you have to get rid of all traces of the adhesive from your subfloor to prepare it for a new installation.