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Installing new carpet


There are a few things you should know before you have new carpet installed in your home. In this article I will discuss the process of installing new carpet, as well as consumer and installer expectations. If you follow these guidelines, you will find that the end result will be a positive experience.

First lets talk about the flooring contractors expectations. Before the flooring contractor comes into your home to install new carpet, there are some things that need to be done first. Number one; all knick knacks and breakables must be moved by the consumer. The installer is there to install carpet, not to move expensive collectibles. Number two; Computers and electronics should be unplugged and disconnected. Some flooring contractors will refuse to move or disconnect these items, others will be more accommodating. It is preferable to have the home owner move these items. If this is not possible, a family friend or neighbor will most likely be able to help. These are two large liabilities that the contractor should not be liable for. The next item on the list is furniture. Furniture can be handled by the consumer or the flooring contractor. If you choose to have the flooring contractor move your furniture, be prepared to pay an extra 1.50-2.00 per square yard for this service. Pictures that are in main hallways and other high traffic areas should be removed and put away before installation. This will eliminate the possibility of damaging a priceless work of art. In the closet, low hanging clothes such as dresses and long pants should be removed and taken out of the way. Any shoes or boxes on the closet floor should be moved as well. Taking these steps will make the installer very happy. Remember, a happy installer is a good installer. On the other hand, an unhappy installer can be very difficult to work with.

Once the breakables, furniture, and electronics are moved, the installer can begin the process of installing new carpet. The carpet and pad will need to be ripped up and new tack strip may need to be put down. The floors will need sweeping and the old materials will need to be disposed of. This is almost always done by the contractor and is part of the job. There should be no extra charge for this service. If you choose to rip out the carpet, do not expect to take money off the labor bill. Once all the old materials are removed, the contractor can begin installing the new padding. After the padding is installed, the carpet is cut up and put into its prospective rooms. Then carpet should be seamed together with a "hot" melt seaming tape and stretched with a power stretcher, not with a knee kicker.

Consumers should expect to have carpet that is free from wrinkles, manufacturing defects, seams that are well made (but not invisible) and realistic expectations, as to how the carpet will perform over time. When you decide to have new carpet installed in your home, make sure the contractor is using a power stretcher. If the installer claims he does not need power stretcher, find another contractor. This is very important. If you have any other questions about carpet installations or what to expect, leave me a comment and I will be sure to respond.
Regards,
The Floor Man
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