Goodbye Old Carpet, Hello New Laminate. It took us less than eight hours (not including acclimation time) and about $200 to remove old wall-to-wall carpeting and install new laminate floors.

Laminate flooring is economical, very durable and easy to install. It is a great choice for almost any room with the exception of bathrooms and laundry rooms because laminates can buckle and warp in rooms with high humidity and moisture.

CONS OF LAMINATE It's Not Hardwood Although laminate floors will increase a home's value compared to wall-to-wall carpeting, hardwood floors will increase it even more.

If you have rambunctious pets: "Bamboo flooring or tiles hold up well if you have pets running around pets," says Buckingham. Area rugs layered on top can easily be cleaned of pet hair and stains — and are easily replaced if necessary.

Wall-to-wall carpeting can be more of a headache, but don't rule it out if you love it. "It's best to choose a cut pile versus loop carpet, so your pet's nails don't snag the loops and cause the carpet to wear faster," she adds. Opt for a stain-resistant carpet and also be mindful of your color choice.