Also I think with some equipment they recommend using wire of the same length for the right and left channel, even if you don't actually have to do so based on speaker placement. This is a very popular myth that must have been originated by guys selling speaker wire. For speakers, it doesn't really matter. The electromagnetic field will move through a 12 awg copper wire at about 900 million feet per second. You are not going to notice the sound delay caused by a few extra feet of wire. This is just an FYI... Also never bother buying better speaker wire (like monster cables etc). I assure you that there is no technology out there that will affect the quality of an electromagnetic field running through copper wire other than gauge.

I hear or notice the noise way less now, but still hear it from time to time when walking over an area for the first time. We have a couple of seams that have a small gap forming. As others have pointed out and i have come to learn, the problems that we have with the floors are caused by the unevern (not flat) subfloor. So, from that perspective, i cant blame flooret. However, most people that are buying these vinyl floors are doing so for the advertised ”value” and installing them in extisting homes. When you consider the time and expense to make old subfloors PERFECTLY flat, they are no longer a good value. That is my biggest complaint at this point; they drastically under communicate the amount of time and money required to achieve the desired outcome. To those of you who installed these Flooret floors, im sorry and hang in there. The noise and /or your attention to it will improve greatly over time.

You need to look at what is allowed by the manufacturer under the particular LVP you plan to use or you may have real issues with the product and zero warranty.

My solution to the cats is a door at the bottom of the stairs with the cats down there. This is partly humor and partly just the truth. We built with a relatively open stairwell and now we have to put the cats outside or sleep is interrupted. For some reason, my wife stresses about them getting cold out there when it is 35 or less. I am understanding for the few nights below 25. But they were born outside and survived as new born kittens although to be fair it was springtime. But their parents did ok. I would build a door at the bottom of the stairs. The cat door would help of course but having to be quiet is really annoying - I'm the early riser. I am a big fan of 2 doors to separate public space from primary bedroom. But you need to decide which side the cats are on unless you leave the bottom open at night and they come down with you.