The saying “There’s no free lunch” certainly applies to a number of amenities that homeowners put high on their wish lists.

Some homeowners may dream about a chef’s-style kitchen only to discover that so much equipment and counter space rarely gets used and takes up valuable square footage that might have been devoted to more functional living space.

There’s a flipside to many design features. It’s just a matter of which you can tolerate best or resolve to fix. What helps is to understand the risks in advance. Here’s some expert advice for a few common dilemmas.

Stainless-Steel Imperfections
Fingerprints, scratches and general dullness can all wreak havoc on stainless-steel-fronted appliances and counters. Tim Aden, president of Sawhill Custom Kitchens & Design Inc., Minneapolis, suggests taking the time to invest in and use cleaning products designed specifically for stainless steel. “You can find these at many hardware, grocery and appliance stores,” he says.

It’s critical to follow the product’s instructions, which usually involve using just a little, then buffing the surface dry with a soft cloth to avoid streaks. If scratches are deep and bothersome, the best approach is to hire a professional to buff them out rather than try to do it yourself, says Howard Nabors, a salesman at appliance dealer, Abt Appliance, in Glenview, Ill.

Even better: Learn to appreciate the patina that develops over time, says Regina Bilotta, co-owner of Bilotta Kitchens, a New York-based kitchen-design showroom.

Wear and Tear on Hardwood Floors
Scratched hardwood floors is a common annoyance that occurs with wear and aging. To prevent them in the first place, make sure chairs, stools and tables with legs have felt pads on the bottoms of their feet if they’re used in an area without carpeting, says Aden. Also, be sure you know what type of floor and what kind of finish or sealant was used for future care, he says.

Simple scratches can often be removed with some light sanding with the lightest gauge sandpaper or fine steel wool. Color matching putty, wax crayon, staining and buffing are other ways to address the damage, says Chicago architect, Allan G. Grant. Scuffs sometimes can be removed with a pencil eraser or vinegar and water. But the best way to make the repair barely noticeable is to call a professional, who knows how many times a hardwood floor can be sanded and refinished.

Most wood floors in high-traffic areas like a kitchen need to be recoated every three to five years. Those in low-traffic areas like living rooms need attention every 10 years, although the timetable depends on the original finish, amount of wear and how often they’re mopped, says Scott Norris of Heritage Floors, Deerfield, Ill. Designer, Caryn Burstein of CLB Interiors, in St. Louis says homeowners should also learn to view scratches as adding character.

Stains and Scratches on Stone
Grant discourages many clients from using marble on kitchen counters unless they “really understand and accept that staining is likely to occur,” he says. Marble in bathrooms is less of a problem because homeowners typically don’t drink red wine there or use acidic products that may leave rings and dull finishes.

Richard Felber, sales manager at Elite Stone in Skokie, Ill., says the only way to properly get out highly-visible scratches in either is to hire a professional. “The typical homeowner trying to buff it out will do more damage since they don’t have the right equipment and experience,” he says.

Trying to avoid scratches or stains with a sealant isn’t always a solution, he adds. “Not all natural materials, including soapstone, accept a sealer,” he says. The best protection, he says, is to choose standard granite that’s polished rather than honed.

Before you pick a material, ask a manufacturer or installer about its care. Or, consider a manmade quartzite, which looks like stone but is more durable and easier to maintain, he says.