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Carpet Professor's List of Preferred Carpet Stores in Washington State

How to Find a Qualified Carpet Installer?

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Is there a qualified Carpet Installer Near Me? The Best Carpet Installers rarely need to advertise to find work because of their good reputation. Top-notch carpet installers can be difficult to find. Here’s what you need to know…

Carpet Installers

Carpet Installers are also referred to as Carpet Layers and in Europe they are called Carpet Fitters. No matter what you call them they earn every penny they make.

Installing carpet is a hard job and it takes a toll on the body. Most carpet installers end up with bad knees, hips and back as a result of all the physical labor involved.

After 20 years as an installer most know it’s time to find something else to do. Many open up a carpet and flooring store. So if you are looking to hire a qualified installer, find one with at least 10 years of experience but less than 20.

If you want to get a great deal on new carpet then buy carpet and flooring from a retired carpet installer who now owns a local carpet and flooring store near you.

A great way to find a qualified carpet installer?
Word of Mouth.

The best installers are often booked up weeks in advance, making it impossible to get your carpet installed quickly. For this reason, you would be wise to start your search for a qualified carpet installer before you order new carpet.

Do you know someone who has has new carpet installed recently? Talk to your neighbors and co-workers. You might be surprised how many people have some connection with a qualified carpet or flooring installer.

You need to be careful though, just because your neighbors friend knows a carpet installer, doesn’t mean they are qualified or experienced in doing a job like yours.

 

10 Questions to Ask Independent Carpet Installers (Before you hire them!)

What does qualified mean? How are you supposed to know if a carpet installer is qualified to install your new carpet?

Use my free My free checklist  It reveals the 10 most important questions you need to ask any independent carpet installer before you hire them.

10 Questions To Ask independent Carpet Installers - Checklist (before you hire)

Click on the image to view or print. Print several copies so you have one for each carpet installer you interview.

You can interview installers over the phone, in person or by email. Their answers to these 10 key questions will help you determine if the installer in question is qualified to install your carpet.

There are also questions about how much they charge for their services too. This helps you find a qualified installer who also has reasonable and competitive prices.

Local Carpet retailers are often reluctant to give out carpet installer recommendations to the general public. Most keep their best in-house carpet and flooring installers busy all the time.

Call around to see if any local carpet store has suggestions for you, but you still need to be cautious. Does the carpet installer have enough experience doing your type of carpet installation?

Check references and verify required licensing with the state. How to Verify a Contractor’s License

Licensed Bonded Insured

Call or visit a local carpet installation supply company to get a recommendation for a good installer.

These companies provide the products and materials that carpet installers need including tools, seam tape, tackless strips, transition metals and adhesives.

The people working in the warehouse know which installers are active and use quality supplies. Often they have a cork board on the wall where local installers interested in doing side jobs can place their business cards.

Carpet Installers Near Me?

A Google search for Carpet Sundries in your area will show businesses that you can call to ask about a carpet installer recommendation.

You can also visit these businesses early in the morning, before 8 am and speak directly with carpet installers who are picking up supplies for their day. Here in Portland Oregon, I got my supplies from T & A Supply.

Loaded Carpet Van

Most carpet retailers provide installation as part of a package deal.

Carpet retailers who have their own carpet installation crews automatically included installation as part of the package deal.

Installation is a part of the package deal. You have no say as to who is installing your carpet or know anything about their level of experience. A reputable carpet retailer uses qualified installers.

The benefit to you is that the retailer will stand behind the installation. If you ever have a problem, they will answer your call and make sure all your concerns are addressed promptly.

Carpet Installation Warranties

Many carpet stores offer a installation warranty of more than one year. Some even offer a lifetime carpet installation warranty. The typical carpet installation warranty provided by independent carpet installers is one year.

If you hire an independent carpet installer and have an installation problem you would have to contact the installer directly.

In most cases this is not a problem and the installer will come back and fix any concerns you may have. If you have a installation concern, act fast… before the installation warranty expires.

“If installed wrong, your new carpet could lose more than half of its intended lifespan!”

Finding and hiring a qualified carpet installer can be challenging.

The best carpet installers charge a little more and are often very busy, but is well worth the wait if you need to get top-notch installation!

Some carpet installation jobs are more difficult than others and require that you hire a well experienced installer.

For example, installing expensive carpet in a custom home requires much more expertise than does installing apartment-grade carpet in a rental unit.

Carpet Install Home Depot and Lowe’s

Both Lowe’s and Home Depot have been trying to lure-in unsuspecting homeowners for years by offering low-cost or free “basic” carpet installation.

They make up a portion of this sneaky sales gimmick by charging more for the carpet and padding and by greatly increasing the added cost for anything extra you might need to complete the job.

They add on extra fees and charges for anything and everything that is considered beyond their limited definition of a “basic” installation. Their definition seems to change from time to time.

Their so-called “free” carpet installation that lures many homeowners in, may not be totally free once their sub-contracted measuring people and carpet installers get a good look at what you really need to complete your carpeting replacement project.

It’s highly likely there will be numerous extra fees & charges tacked-on to your final bill.

Not all experience is good experience

Of course everyone wants their carpet installed correctly, and hiring a carpet installer with minimum of 5 years experience is where I would draw the line with a simple installation job.

So, if you choose a more expensive carpet or your carpet job is quite large, more difficult or tricky, then you should look for a carpet installer with more years of experience.

I personally believe that it takes at least 10 years before any carpet installer can truly begin to master their craft, and that’s only if they have the desire to become the best of the best.

Should I Hire an Untrained Carpet installer?

Carpet installers are not required to attend a formal trade school. I was mentored by several master craftsmen who took the time to teach me the tricks of the trade. It took several years of practice to master all the proper installation techniques.

Unfortunately, many carpet installers NEVER become anything more than a poor-quality installer. This is usually because they either lack training, or don’t have the ambition to become a master of their craft.

Qualified Carpet Installer Near Me?

Some installers prefer to install low-quality materials and make just enough money to get by. Many prefer to work “under the table” and may ask to be paid in cash. They may offer you a discount if you do.

These are not the type of installers you want to hire because you cannot depend on them to do a good job or show up on time. That’s why everyone refers to them as fly-by-night installers.

Bear in mind, if you pay in cash and don’t get a written receipt with their name and contractors license information, then you will have no recourse if something goes wrong.

You will not have any recourse when they leave town, disappear and cannot be contacted if and when you have an installation problem.

If you have a problem with your installation it may be hard to get them to come back to fix the problem.

Incompetent carpet installers usually are easy to spot. Here are some of the tell-tale signs of a less-experienced carpet installer.

  1. Advertise on Craigslist or the local Thrifty Nickel Newspaper, 
  2. They typically have an older pickup truck or van with stuff piled up on the dashboard, 
  3. Have a wife or girlfriend that does the driving,
  4. They wear tattered and mismatched clothing,
  5. Wreak of stale beer and cigarettes. 

How to Verify a Contractor’s License

What type of experience does this Carpet Installer have?

Some carpet installers charge more because they are more experienced in doing custom homes and commercial work. Others may charge less if the bulk of their experience comes from doing apartment work.

You need to determine what level of expertise your job requires and then hire an installer according to their level of expertise.

If you are just carpeting one or two rooms with an inexpensive carpet, you don’t need to hire the best and most expensive carpet installer in town.

Carpeting your whole house with expensive carpet with a challenging layout would demand hiring the absolute best carpet installer you can find.

Learn more about Carpet Installation Cost

4 Levels of Carpet Installer Experience:

  1. Property Management Carpet Installer  

Carpet installers with this type of experience is obtained from installing low to medium grades of carpet in unoccupied apartments or rental properties.

  • They have limited experience with installing carpet on stairs, and limited experience with difficult or tricky installations.
  • Use lower quality installation products (glues, seam tape, tack-less strips, transition metals) in order to save money. 
  • They charge less per yard because the job is less demanding and they are able to install more yards in a day.

Apartment and property management workers charge the least amount. Teenagers hired as a carpet layers helper often become installers, but few complete a formal apprentice program. This is not to say that you should not hire them, but you need to be aware that many may lack the experience to perform all types of carpet installations.

 

  1. New Home Construction Carpet Installer   

Installers with the bulk of their trade experience from new home construction will have increased knowledge of installing different types of stairs. (carpet can be very difficult to install on some types of stairs)

  • They will have more experience working with various styles, types and grades of carpet as well. 
  • Have to satisfy the builder and the new homeowners with their performance, which makes them pay closer attention to detail.

Builders usually pay less than the standard rate for this type of installer but there is usually a greater volume of work available to the installer.

 

  1. Residential Remodel Carpet Installer

    Remodel installers are well seasoned and are paid quite well. You can count on them to do a great job for most residential remodeling applications. Remodel installers command higher fees and are booked weeks in advance.

  • Punctual, own a newer vehicle and neatly dressed.
  • Look professional and they have good answers to all your carpet questions and concerns.
  • Regularly install carpet and flooring in upscale homes and condos and may even do commercial work.
  • licensed, bonded and insured.

Be prepared to pay above the going rate for this type of carpet installer in your area, but also expect the job to be done right the first time.

 

  1. High-End Custom Homes Carpet Installer

Carpet Installers with more experience charge higher fees.

  • Usually booked months in advance with custom home builders and million dollar realtors, and may not be willing to take on smaller projects.
  • They can be quite picky about the jobs they accept. Their installation fees can be quite high, but you can expect installation perfection! 
  • Licensed, bonded and insured for many years.
  • Always carry a Worker’s Compensation Policy for their employees.

If you are able to schedule them, you will receive first-class carpet installation and excellent  customer service. You may have to wait several weeks before they are available to install your new carpet.

Think their prices are high? Wait till you see the price of hiring a lousy carpet installer!

Many homeowners ask, is there a Qualified Carpet Installer Near Me? Experienced Carpet installers are getting harder to find but I hope I have given you some smart ways to get started. Learn all the facts about those Free Carpet Installation specials advertised on TV by Home Depot or Lowe’s.

Next up: Carpet Installation Cost

 

It’s hard to find an honest and reputable carpet store these days! That’s why I created my own special hand-picked list of locally-owned carpet and flooring stores. They give free estimates, offer fair prices, have knowledgeable staff, provide honest measuring and use qualified installers. Any Recommended Carpet Stores Near Me?

 

Carpet Professor's List of Preferred Carpet Stores in Washington State

Top 8 Best & Worst Places to Shop For New Carpet

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Where are The Best and Worst Places to Shop for New Carpet? How do I rate various Carpet retailers on a scale of one to five? Here’s what 30 years of Carpet experience has taught me…

Carpet Display Rack - Carpet Professor

#8 Nationally Advertised or BIG-BOX Carpet Retailers

1.5 Stars out of 5

These corporately-owned conglomerates blanket the airwaves with constant and repetitive TV commercials! They have thousands of locations all over the country making it a convenient place to shop.

I think buying carpet from home improvement warehouses like Lowe’s and Home Depot should be avoided because they farm out all their carpet installations to other independent privately held companies.

They also require full payment at the time of purchase and charge you a fee just to come out and measure your home. (Also farmed out to another independent contracting company.)

Big Box Retailer Carpet

I don’t recommend buying carpet from Big Box warehouse retailers. Should you have a carpet installation problem or carpet manufacturing complaint, they will tell you to contact the installation company or contact the carpet manufacturer directly. 

All to often, homeowners discover they can’t find anyone willing to accept responsibility for their carpet installation problem or carpet manufacturing complaint.

Sure, some homeowners are completely satisfied with their carpet purchase from a Big Box Retailer. Still, it amazes me how many homeowner carpet complaints are posted on the internet. Do a Google search for “big box carpet installation complaints” to see the results for yourself.

Learn more: Should I Buy Carpet from Lowe’s, Home Depot, Empire Today or Costco?

#7 Carpet Warehouse or Outlet Store

2.5 Stars out of 5

If you want to do-it-all-yourself and save a lot of money… create a detailed diagram of your home with all the room measurements and bring your truck, some rope and maybe a tarp if it is raining!

These local dealers offer low prices and have dozens of rolls of carpet “in-stock” and ready to go.

best and worst places to shop for new carpet

They cater mostly to homeowners on a tight budget, landlords and property managers and D.I.Y. homeowners.

They have plenty of inexpensive, lower-quality, defective or second-grade materials.

Have them roll out the carpet before you agree to buy it to make sure there are no obvious defects.

Check their guarantee carefully and get everything in writing before you sign on the dotted line. Once you buy it, you own it. no refunds.

The main problem when buying carpet from this type of retailer, is that they rarely have the same type, style or color of carpet available.

That means if you need to buy more of the exact same carpet you bought today, it may not be available for you to buy tomorrow.

Once a roll of carpet is sold, the same type, style and dye lot (color) may be gone forever. No two rolls of carpet are made exactly alike. There will be slight differences in color or style that may be quite obvious once it is installed.

These dealers may offer in-house installation or they might just hand you a list of local installers for you to call and hire on your own.

If you have to arrange for your own installation you must negotiate with the installer and pay them directly.

In the end, if you pay just $12.99 per yard for the carpet, don’t expect it to last for 10 years.

Even though you may get a great deal on discounted carpets, always remember that there was some reason why it was not able to be sold as first-quality goods.

The Best and Worst Places to Shop for New Carpet?

#6 Buying from a Carpet Layer

2.5 stars out of 5

Some carpet layers have longstanding relationships with local carpet dealers, or may have a way to order new carpet and padding at near wholesale prices from local suppliers.

Leftover rolls of carpet

Carpet layers often end up with sizable leftovers from bigger carpet jobs because carpet so many salespeople over-measure their jobs.

When there is a lot of carpet leftover the installer may take it home and try to sell it on Craigslist or in your local newspaper.

If you find an installer who has some leftover carpet or other flooring materials available at a very low price, you need to understand that they have a limited supply of those materials and have no way of getting any more of the exact same color or style.

There is no manufacturer’s warranty on these materials whatsoever and no recourse if you end up unhappy with the performance.

Still, you can find some real bargains this way. As with any contractor you hire to do work on your property, I suggest you check references, verify their contractors license and business liability insurance to make sure they are all current and up-to-date.

This might be an inexpensive way to go if you are just doing one or two rooms or if you need to replace carpet or flooring for a rental property.

 

#5 Franchised Carpet Retailers

2.5 Stars out of 5

Franchised Carpet Retailers might be locally owned, but they are committed to only selling products that are supplied through a national carpet distributor or co-op.

This helps increase their buying power and decrease their overall shipping costs. However, it limits the available product selection to only what the co-op has previously negotiated with certain manufacturers.

best and worst places to shop for new carpet

They also use private labels to prevent you from comparison shopping at other carpet local stores.

It is often difficult to get carpet specifications from these resellers, which makes it nearly impossible to comparison shop their products elsewhere.

Even so, you can still negotiate a fair deal if you know what you are doing and don’t rely on their salespeople to make choices for you.

Most Franchised Carpet Retailers do not provide installation services so you will have to locate a good installation crew and pay them separately. They usually have a list of local installers for you to call.

You will have to work a bit harder to schedule and orchestrate everything, and may end up paying a little more buying from a franchised flooring dealer.

Franchised Carpet Retailers do offer a wide range of quality flooring products. Which carpet stores do you recommend near me?

The Best and Worst Places to Shop for New Carpet?

#4  800-Carpet Wholesalers

2.5 Stars out of 5

These are carpet and flooring peddlers who will send you small carpet samples through the mail. They want you to buy their carpet virtually “sight unseen” (other than a small swatch they will mail to you)

There are no refunds on discounted carpets so you really have to be fully aware of all the fine print.

best and worst places to shop for new carpet

You can save money if you buy from a reputable carpet wholesaler as long as you know exactly what you are buying. You must fully understand how the entire carpet buying process works and what is expected of you.

Pay close attention to the delivery details of the carpet and what you are required to do if you need to return a roll of carpet.

Some 800 Carpet Wholesalers are reputable and some are not. The burden of being knowledgeable about your purchase falls solely upon you. Can I really buy new carpet at wholesale prices?

 

#3 Online Flooring Retailers

3 stars out of 5

Need Hardwoods, Ceramic Tile, Luxury Tile or Laminate Flooring? These online companies move a lot of product and can be a smart way to go if you are careful and do your homework.

The biggest problem I hear about is the quality of the materials they offer.

For example: If you buy hardwood flooring that is considered “Seconds” it can be very difficult to install due to the amount of warped, unusable or damaged product you receive. You could experience as much as 25% waste or more.

Buying first-quality hardwoods is much more costly but the outcome is usually much better.

It’s hard to know how much material to order when you have no Idea about the amount of unusable product they will be sending you.

It can be a real nightmare when you have to reorder more materials because you did not have enough product to finish the job due to the large amount of unusable product.

You can save money buying from an online flooring wholesaler as long as you know exactly what quality or grade of carpet you are buying and know in advance exactly how the entire buying process works from start to finish.

Even so, you are taking your chances because you must trust what the salesperson tell you, of fails to tell you.

Shipping costs can be high too and if you are not happy with the product you order you may have to pay dearly to ship it back and also pay a hefty re-stocking fee.

Some online flooring retailers are reputable and some are not, and knowing who to trust is the hard part.

Even if you succeed in buying a good quality flooring at a discount, you still have to arrange for your own installation or install it yourself if you are so inclined.

I suggest you read all the fine print and ask to see their return and restocking fees, and return shipping costs before you agree to buy.

 

#2 Shop-at-Home Carpet Retailers

4.5 Stars out of 5

Many people love the convenience of not having to travel from store to store in search of the perfect type, color and style of carpet or flooring and prefer having samples brought to their home.

It certainly makes matching colors easier in your own home under actual lighting conditions.

Many locally carpet dealers are now offering shop-at-home services and this can a smart way to go for those who don’t want to drive all around town.

The Best and Worst Places to Buy Carpet? There are a few nationally advertised shop-at-home flooring companies that I do not recommend because they tend to sell inferior products, have unreasonably high prices and hire high-pressure salespeople.

However, I believe that “in-home carpet shopping” is a wonderful service for folks who have a hard time getting around and don’t mind paying a little bit extra for the convenience.

There are many reputable carpet dealers that offer quality products, knowledgeable salespeople and reasonable prices but they are harder to find today because the shop-at-home concept is just getting started.

Currently, I have many reputable shop-at-home dealers listed in my Preferred Carpet Dealer Directory that I am happy to recommend, including The Carpet Guys who serve the Detroit Michigan area.

Best places to buy new carpet and flooring? See who I recommend near you

The Best and Worst Places to Shop for New Carpet?

#1 Locally-Owned “Family Run” Carpet Stores

5 stars – My Favorite!

With a few remnants stood up along the back wall, some in-stock rolls of carpet on display, a neat and tidy showroom and a good selection of brand name carpet samples to choose from.

bets and worst places to shop for new carpet

These long-standing neighborhood carpet and flooring retailers buy first-quality goods directly from the carpet manufacturer.

They provide excellent customer service, have fair & square pricing, have knowledgeable and helpful staff and provide qualified installers.

Should you ever have a problem or complaint they will do whatever it takes to ensure you are completely satisfied with your purchase.

 

AbcCarpetPro.com Carpet ProfessorIt’s hard to find an honest and reputable carpet store 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?

Carpet Professor's List of Preferred Carpet Stores in Washington State

Carpet From Lowe’s, Home Depot or Costco?

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I buy plenty of items from home improvement stores like home Depot and Lowe’s and I shop every week at Costco.  They have a good selection and some good deals on many household items I need. However, I would never buy new carpet or flooring from any of these retailers. Here’s why…

Carpet Sample Display Rack

Homeowners often make simple but costly mistakes. 

It is extremely important that you select the right flooring materials for your project. Aside from the cost, choosing the right grade or quality level is challenging enough and your selection should not be left to chance.

When shopping for new carpet or flooring, having a knowledgeable and experienced salesperson readily available to answer your product questions and installation concerns is more than important. The problem is, you don’t get that level of service when you shop for new carpet and flooring at warehouse stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s or Costco.

Too many unsuspecting homeowners make simple but costly mistakes that are easily avoided. Shopping at a reputable, locally-owned flooring store is how to choose wisely and avoid installation problems.

 

New Carpet From Lowe’s or Home Depot?

Many nationally advertised Carpet retailers use OTHER privately held companies to handle their carpet sales, carpet measuring or carpet installation services. You never know who you are really dealing with.

That means if you ever have a carpet problem or complaint, you may have a hard time knowing who to call, finding anyone to answer your calls and locate the right company responsible for making things right.

Should I buy Carpet From Lowe’s or Home Depot? What about Empire Today or Costco?

Did You Know…

  • Home Depot, Lowe’s and Costco contract out all their measuring and installation services to various privately-held companies.
  • Empire Today REQUIRES all their salespeople to form their own CORPORATION so they will be Independent Sales Contractors
  • Lowe’s and Home Depot offer free basic carpet installation if you meet certain purchase requirements. Anything your job requires beyond their limited definition of a “basic install” will incur additional hefty charges and fees.
  • Costco members can grab a brochure with a number to call to start the in-home Carpet Consultation Process – provided by another privately-held company. Costco is just a referral program and take their share of the profit right off the top of your carpet purchase.

What does this all mean to YOU the homeowner? With so many fingers in the pie it is not too hard to figure out that you might end up paying way too much for your new carpet if you buy from a nationally advertised company.

Carpet Sales from Lowe’s, Home Depot or Empire?

These nationally advertised conglomerates take a large chunk of the profit right off the top.  Then let other privately held companies and independent sales contractors each have a shot at making more money from your new carpet purchase.

From costly measuring fees to needless carpet and padding upgrades, from carpet and padding removal and disposal fees to extra unnecessary and costly installation add-ons.

There are plenty of ways they will try to make you fork out more money before it’s all said and done.

    • The Lure of a Great Sounding Deal…
    • Get Three Rooms for the Price of One!
    • Get 60% OFF New Carpet
    • Free Basic Installation!
    • Free Padding!
    • Low Price Guarantee!

Do these advertising sales gimmicks sound familiar? Get out your magnifying glass so you can read all their fine print regarding these unrealistic sales tricks  and gimmicks.

 

Carpet Installation from Lowes

Their advertised free carpet installation deals are designed to attract unsuspecting homeowners who would like to save money on new carpet and flooring but don’t know how to go about doing it.

Both Lowe’s and Home Depot have been trying to lure-in unsuspecting homeowners for years by offering low-cost or free “basic” carpet installation.

They make up a portion of this sales gimmick by charging more for the carpet and padding and by greatly increasing the added cost for anything extra you might need to complete the job.

Lowe’s Carpet Installation Free?

Lowe’s offers free carpet installation if you spend enough on new carpet and padding. Then they add on extra fees and charges for anything and everything that is beyond their limited definition of a “basic” installation. Their limited definition of a “basic install” seems to vary from time to time so their free install offer is always subject to change.

Their so-called “free” carpet installation that lures many homeowners in, may not be totally free once their farmed-out measuring estimators and sub-contracted installers get a good look at your home and discover what extras are needed to complete your project. Don’t be surprised if there are numerous extra fees & charges tacked-on.

Lowes Carpet Installation Extra Charges?

Lowe’s and Home Depot require that you pay for the entire carpet job IN FULL before they will place your carpet or flooring order. But that doesn’t include any unforeseen costs, add-ons, and extra fees and charges.

Your final bill comes on the day of installation when the carpet installer determines that your job requires additional labor for various things like moving heavy furniture, special transitions, floor prep, repairs  and extra material and labor fees.

You never know what problems they might uncover after removing your old carpet and padding. I’ve seen a lot of dry rot and other forms of sub-floor damage lurking underneath old carpets.

There are hefty charges tacked on for anything considered beyond their current limited definition of a “Basic” carpet installation. They have to recoup the cost of free installation somehow.

Carpet From Lowe’s or Home Depot? These extra fees and charges can easily add up to hundreds that you were not forewarned about. That is, unless you took the time to read all their fine print.

Home Depot’s Low-Price Guarantee?

They say they will beat any competitor’s price by 10%, but according to their fine print, that’s only on identical in-stock items.

That makes it virtually impossible for anyone to substantiate because they put private labels on all their carpet samples.

 

Sneaky Carpet Sales Tactics

The Big Box home improvement warehouses have been charging homeowners a measuring fee just for coming to your home and sizing you up. The fee may be refundable if you agree to buy from them.

This is designed to add more sales pressure on you. They want to prevent you from shopping for carpet at other local stores.

Somewhere in the back of your mind, you think that if you don’t buy carpet from them, you will be forfeiting the $75 to $125 measuring fee have already paid.

Accurate Carpet Measuring?

From what I have been told by industry insiders, their licensed & certified measuring specialists they contract with, are required to measure your home using a “special method”.

Does that mean they add another 5, 10 or 15% of material to the total? Likely so! They are not going to tell you how many square feet your home needs. When they are all done measuring they leave to do all the calculations back at the office.

Carpet Measuring From Lowe’s or Home Depot?

You will never know if their measurements are accurate. Even if you get several bids / estimates from other local carpet dealers. Why? Because they don’t give you anything you can use to verify their measuring. You will just get an estimate based on “one-price” to do the whole job.

Basically, they want to make darn sure there is more than enough carpet or flooring material to work with. That way, they never have to worry about running short of material during installation.

That might translate into you paying for a lot more for new carpet & pad then you might actually need. Just adding an extra 10 yards of material could easily add $300 or more to the total cost for your carpet job. Ouch!

Empire Strikes Back?

Empire Today likes to attract customers by airing repetitive TV ads featuring unbelievable sales offers with next day installation.

If you call their 800 number, they will send a salesperson to your home who will show you flooring samples and try to “close the sale” in just one visit. Questions you need answers to are:

  • Am I getting a fair & square deal on the total package deal?
  • What is the price for the carpet. padding and installation separately?
  • How long will this carpet last in your home?
  • What fiber is this carpet made of?
  • Are they selling you a Polyester carpet and say it’s just as durable as a Nylon Carpet?

These are just a few questions that you need solid answers to before you should commit yourself to buying from any shop-at-home flooring retailer.

What are Private Labels?

They intentionally change the names of all their carpet styles and colors to make it nearly impossible for you to comparison shop.

The exact same carpet might cost a lot less at the local carpet store down the street, but with different names how would you know? You would have to lay out carpet samples from both stores side by side to compare.

Lots of carpet retailers use private labels on their samples. It’s almost the norm these days. Home Depot’s low-price guarantee sure sounds good until you read all their fine print. Can you say the word “exclusions”?

What do I suggest? Homeowners need to avoid unscrupulous carpet retailers and only buy from locally owned, honest and reliable carpet stores.

Private Labels Make It Hard To Comparison Shop

All these giant retailers all use private labels on their carpet samples. Most farm out the measuring and installation of their products to other privately help companies. Some even have other companies do all the selling too. What does this mean to you?

  • If you have a complaint, you may have to deal directly with the independent contractors to seek a remedy.
  • Have a Carpet defect? You’ll have to contact the carpet manufacturer and have them inspect your carpet.
  • Have an installation problem? You’ll have to contact the carpet installer. No one likes getting called back to deal with a homeowner complaint.
  • If you can’t get a suitable remedy for your issue, you may have to file a claim in small claims court. The problem is, who is actually responsible for making things right and how can you prove that in court?

Costco Executive Members?

Costco members were once shown a small display with miniature carpet samples. Lately they have been taking their displays with samples down. Executive members are offered some extra benefits that may be of interest to some folks. Like a longer warranty?

Costco Carpet Brochure

If you grab their free brochure you will be provided with a phone number to call to start your in-home Carpet Consultation Process.

Be sure to read all the fine print very carefully to see what added benefits you might qualify for, if any.

“An independent flooring consultant will bring samples to your home and be happy to write up your order and arrange for installation.”

While they do carry some good quality carpet, be prepared for sticker shock when you see what the total cost will be.

Again, you can’t comparison shop easily because they change the carpet style names and colors to thwart you.

To compare carpets, you would need to take their carpet samples with you into other nearby carpet stores and compare both identical samples side by side. It’s definitely not easy to do.

They know you probably won’t take the time and trouble to do this, and it is unlikely that they would leave their carpet samples with you anyway.

Don’t Forget About Carpet Padding Types and Cost

Is There a Better Way?

Not all carpet dealers are honest and reputable. If you are in the market for new carpet or flooring of any kind, I think you should consider getting a free estimate from one of the carpet stores that I have listed in my Preferred Carpet Dealer Directory.

It’s taken me years to locate, investigate and identify these locally owned and family-run businesses.

I suggest you visit several flooring retailers near you, get several free estimates and be sure visit a carpet store that I recommend if you can.

You decide for yourself who to buy from

When it’s all said and done, I think you will agree that my preferred carpet dealers are knowledgeable, reliable and reputable!

You’ll be treated with respect, get a fair & square deal and get great customer service… Before, during and after the sale.

Visit my List of Recommended Carpet Dealers (don’t forget to print up my free discount carpet coupon to get up to $100 off new carpet)

There’s a lot more you need to learn before you head out to shop for new carpet. Learn more: Best & Worst Places to Buy Carpet?

Recommended Carpet and Flooring Stores

It’s hard to find an honest and reputable carpet store these days! That’s why I created my own special hand-picked list of locally-owned carpet and flooring stores. They give free estimates, offer fair prices, have knowledgeable staff, provide honest measuring and use qualified installers. Are there any recommended Carpet Stores Near Me?

Carpet Shopping at Lowe’s, Home Depot, Empire or Costco?

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It’s always smart to be cautious when shopping for new carpet or flooring for your home.

Carpet scams are common and are often hard to foresee. Here is some sound advice from a trusted carpet expert you might want to consider before you agree to buy new carpet or flooring from any nationally advertised corporate retailer like Lowe’s, Home Depot, Costco or Empire Today.

Learn the Truth about Choosing New Carpet wisely, How to quickly spot common retail Carpet Scams and make Smarter Carpet Choices!

Carpet Scams and Rip-offs at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Empire or Costco?

Costco Carpet Display

Costco has been taking down their carpet displays and now just have a brochure.

Don’t Fall For Those Relentless TV Ads about their Free or low-cost Carpet Installation Specials!

The last time I checked, all four of these Giant National Carpet Retailers use OTHER private companies to facilitate their carpet sales, measuring and installation services.

That means if you ever have a carpet problem or complaint, you may have a hard time finding anyone to help you or take responsibility for making things right. If they do return your calls, they usually blame the other guy, or they blame you for choosing the wrong grade of carpet, or for not maintaining the carpet properly.

Have a Carpet Complaint? 

If it is a carpet defect, you’ll have to contact the carpet manufacturer to come by and inspect your carpet, if the carpet is still under warranty.

If you have an installation problem you’ll have to contact the carpet installer directly. The installer will take a look at your carpet if you are still within the standard 1-year warranty.

Did the retail salesperson misrepresent the product you purchased? Did they say it was a good choice for your home? Good luck with that, as you are solely responsible for making wise and informed carpet and padding choices that can meet your needs, goals and lifestyle. 

Take my free Carpet Foot Traffic Test to help determine what Grade of Carpet you should choose for your home.

Carpet Shopping at Costco?

Costco members may be shown a small display with a rack full of miniature carpet samples or brochures. (Lately they have been taking the samples down) See the photo at the top of this page?

Costco Brochure 2021

Costco’s New Carpet and Flooring Brochure for 2021

If you grab their free brochure you will be provided with a phone number to call to start your in-home Carpet Consultation Process. A commissioned salesperson will bring samples to your home and be happy to write up your order and arrange for installation.

While they may carry some good quality carpet, be prepared for sticker shock when you see what the total cost for carpet, padding and installation will be.

Private Labels on their Carpet Samples?

You can’t comparison shop easily because they change the carpet brand name, style names and color names to thwart you. You would need to take their carpet samples with you into other local carpet stores to try to compare both samples side by side. It’s definitely not fun or easy to do, and is time consuming. Not to mention that they will not leave all their carpet samples with you.

If you are in the market for new carpet or flooring of any kind, I think you should consider buying new carpet from one of the recommended carpet stores I have listed in my Preferred Carpet Dealer Directory.

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Buying Carpet From Lowe’s, Home Depot, Empire or Costco?