Of course a basement waterfall and grotto is a practical and useful addition to any home.  That’s pretty much the only thing standing between you and the playboy lifestyle you’ve always dreamed about, right?  But who’s going to clean it?

It’s easy to fall in love with certain features of a home, but to find out that those same features, in the long run, are your least favorite.  Here are a few common ‘extras’ and a quick assessment of their relative values.

1. In-floor Heating
Also referred to as radiant heat, in-floor heating is a brand new invention.  Well, except that the Romans did it a couple thousand years ago by channeling hot air under the floors of their villas.  And Frank Lloyd Wright did it in the thirties with hot water, but other than that . . .

For:  In-floor heat comes in two primary forms: hot water heat and electric heat, and there are many advantages.  The dramatic energy savings promised shouldn’t prompt you to ask for a decrease in salary just yet, since the more popular hot water radiant heat usually requires a second hot water heater and won’t shave too much off of your bill, but there are some notably appealing elements to in-floor heat in general.  Radiant heat is just that – even and consistent, without the up-and-down temperature shifts associated with most conventional heating systems.  It’s also silent and invisible, with no bulky radiators or even register vents ruining the feng of your shui.  Radiant heat also won’t dry the air, and won’t have you hopping about looking for your slippers on a cold morning.

Against:  In-floor heating systems are still considered a luxury, and can add a fair bit to the value of a home.  They are new, and potential long-term issues have not been entirely worked out.  A handful of people also are leery about the prospect of piping a significant amount of water throughout their cherished home for fear of potential leakage.  All relatively minor concerns.

Assessment:  Find someone with in-floor heating who doesn’t love it.  I dare you.