What to Do Before You Buy New Carpet
Do your carpet homework! Learn What makes one carpet better than another.
Take my free Carpet Foot Traffic Test to see what grade of carpet you should buy.
Learn about scams and rip-offs you need to avoid and why buying carpet is so confusing?
Do all interior painting at least one month prior or wait until after the carpet is installed.
Print out my free Carpet Cost & Comparison Form
Print out my free Carpet Durability Chart
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 (See who I recommend near you)
- 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?
- Make sure you get Accurate Carpet Measurements
- Take your time Choosing the Right Carpet Fiber and padding for your needs and goals.
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.
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.
This is not always possible when dealing with smaller retailers. They may not be able to leave the carpet sample with you for an extended period of time.
- 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 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 to provide a Surety Bond and Business Liability Insurance. Confirm it!
- If your Carpet Dealer is providing carpet installation services for you, as part of a package deal, your 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
- 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 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.
- Make sure all your 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.
- 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 Warranty and follow all suggestions and requirements.
- Vacuum your carpet regularly. 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
Q. How often should I have my carpets cleaned?
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.
If you need to hire an independent CARPET installer… Read This Article
Print or View My Checklist in PDF Format
©Alan Fletcher – All Rights Reserved. All content is the opinion of the author.