Free Carpet Installation Get-Ready Checklist – 2024

What do homeowners need to do before, during and after having new carpet installed? This free checklist by The Carpet Professor, helps ensure your Safety, Security and Satisfaction when having new carpet installed in your home. By doing a few simple things in advance, you help keep your kids & pets safe and sound, and protect your valuables from damage or loss.

Where should you go when your new carpet is being installed? Do you need to be there? Should you take time off work or just put a key under the doormat for the installers to use? You will be glad you took the time to be prepared for your new carpet installation adventure!

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Carpet Installation Get-Ready Checklist | Carpet Professor 2024

Before You Begin Shopping For New Carpet…

• • Learn What makes one carpet better than another. Choosing new carpet is not as simple as it was a few years ago.
    
  • Take my free Carpet Foot Traffic Test to see what grade of carpet you should select. What grade of carpet will meet your needs and goals?
  • Learn about common carpet scams and rip-offs you need to avoid and get the answer to  Why is Choosing New Carpet So Confusing?
  • The carpet backing is very abrasive and can scratch painted surfaces.
  • Do all interior painting at least one month prior or wait until after the carpet is installed, especially on walls and baseboards.
  • Plan on doing some touch-up painting after your new carpet is installed.

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What to Do During The Carpet Buying Process…

• • Shop for the grade of carpet you require first, then find several carpet styles and colors you like.
  • Take several carpet samples home to consider your Best Carpet Choice
  • Get several estimates from locally-owned carpet dealers
  • Get several bids/estimates in writing and get every detail written down IN WRITING!
  • Ask your salesperson for a spec sheet on any carpet you are seriously interested in buying!
  • Don’t be pressured into buying or agree to buy on the first visit. (in-home or in-store)

Take Your Time Choosing New Carpet

• • Take samples home. How much does Carpet Cost?
  • Take your time Choosing the Right Carpet Fiber and padding for your needs and goals.
  • Make sure you get Accurate Carpet Measurements

If you can… Keep the original carpet sample you selected and ordered from, until after your new carpet has been installed, use for comparison purposes to make sure you get the carpet you ordered.

Many homeowners often forget exactly which carpet style and color they ordered, especially when it takes several weeks for the carpet to be delivered and scheduled to be installed. Having the sample. or a picture of the sample can help avoid any confusion.

This is not always possible when dealing with smaller carpet retailers. They may not be able to leave the carpet sample with you for an extended period of time. Especially if it is a popular carpet style.

• • If you are unable to retain the carpet sample, then make sure you write down the brand, style number and color number for future reference.
  • Take a photo of the front and back of the carpet sample showing all the manufacturing details.

Ask These Key Carpet Buying Questions… Before you sign off for new carpet!

• • You always have the right to know the name of everyone who is working in your home.
  • Write down the full name and phone number of the installer.
  • Ask for his State Issued Contractor’s License Number (if required in your State)
  • Ask them to provide a Surety Bond and proof of Business Liability Insurance rider.
  • If your Carpet Dealer is providing carpet installation services for you, as part of a package deal, then the Carpet dealer is responsible to make sure the installer they provide is qualified and has all his legal and licensing affairs in order.

Before the installers arrive

• • Have furniture, wall pictures and knick-knacks removed from rooms to be carpeted.
  • Make sure all valuables are put away safe and secure.

When the installers arrive at your home

• • Visually check the carpet brand, color and style to make sure it is exactly what you ordered.
  • Cold carpet is more difficult to install. Have all rooms to be carpeted pre-heated to 70 degrees, 3 hours before and all during the installation process. This helps make sure the carpet can be stretched in properly.
  • Carpet installation tools are razor sharp. Make sure kids and pets are safely out of the way in all areas to be carpeted. Never allow children or pets to roam free during installation.

What to do “After The Carpet Is installed”

• • Do a walk-around with the installer and inspect the carpet thoroughly. Make sure to inspect all the carpet seams. If any seams look ugly today, they won’t look any better tomorrow or next month. No seam is invisible, but they should not be obvious. Seams will not look better over time, no matter what they may tell you.
  • Ask the installer to fix any ugly seams right now, not later, unless they need to order more carpet to be able to fix it. Withhold final payment until you are satisfied.
  • Make sure all your carpet questions and concerns are addressed before the installer leaves your home.

Read Your New Carpet Warranty

• • Obtain a copy of the New Carpet Warranty and Read it. Most warranties are available online to read or print.
  • Do not make the final payment until you are completely satisfied with the completed job.

New Carpet Care and Maintenance

• • Read the manufacturer’s Carpet Stain Warranty and follow all cleaning suggestions and requirements.
  • Vacuum your carpet regularly with a good quality, well maintained machine. Spot clean as necessary.
  • Never use bleach on your carpet unless it is recommended in your new carpet warranty.

Consider Buying a New Carpet Vacuum

• • Visit my Best Vacuums page to learn more. Keep all receipts for professional carpet cleanings, as they are required as proof of proper maintenance if you ever need to file a Carpet Warranty claim.
  • Always hire a professional certified carpet cleaning company.
  • Never use a store-rented carpet cleaning machine to clean your carpets while under warranty.

Always hire a Certified Carpet Cleaning Company

More Important Carpet Buying Information

Keep the original sales receipt forever and make sure the price of the carpet is shown separate from the price of the pad and installation. You will need this receipt as proof of what you paid for the “Carpet Only” if you ever need to file a carpet warranty claim.

More Useful Charts, Forms, Guides and Checklists

It’s hard to find honest and reputable carpet stores these days! That’s why I created my own special hand-picked list of carpet stores who are locally owned, give free estimates, offer fair prices, have knowledgeable staff, provide honest measuring and hire qualified installers. Homeowners want to know…Are there any reputable Carpet Stores Near Me?