CARPET INSTALLATION
Tips from a Retired Carpet Installer...
The Carpet Installation is the final step in the process of getting a new discount carpet and you will get the most enjoyment if your carpet is installed properly.
"Should I consider using a independent carpet installer or should I just go to a traditional Full Service Carpet store who provides carpet installation all included in the price?"
FIRST, TAKE A LOOK AT THE FACTS...
Traditional carpet stores are RETAIL. Retail stores make a huge profit on the installation. The only real benefit is to have someone who has a business store front who is responsible if something goes wrong. While that is true, it will not help the number one complaint.
The NUMBER 1 carpet installation complaint is that the seams are noticeable. Although carpet seams are usually not noticeable, no one (including Manufacturers, carpet stores and carpet installers) guarantees that the carpet seams will be invisible.
BUT, lets take a look at what else can go wrong and decide if maybe using an independent installer is better for me.
COMMON CARPET INSTALLATION PROBLEMS
Most mistakes made during carpet installation can easily be prevented or repaired after the fact. Here are some examples...
* Problem: Seams are noticeable. Solution: Take your hand and fluff up the yarns and Check to see if and yarns or threads near the seam needs trimming. Take carpet sheers or standard sissors and trim to the average height of the surrounding carpet. DO NOT VACUUM carpet areas that have carpet yarns or threads sticking up.
* Problem: Carpet installer cuts carpet too short off the roll before installation. Solution: Maybe that piece can be used somewhere else and the installer can simply cut another piece for that room or Installer seams a extra piece together.
* Problem: Installer gets the carpet dirty during installation. Solution: Most carpet installers have clean rags and spot remover on their truck.
* Problem: Installer trims the carpet too short so there is a noticeable gap between the carpet and the wall base. Solution: Installer stretches carpet to cover gap.
SUMMARY
Most carpet installers are independent. In other words, although they may work as an employee for a carpet store, they may also do side-jobs for their customers, friends, neighbors and referrals. Many carpet installers work part-time for many traditional carpet stores as well as having a side business.
So in essence, when deciding which is better, an independent installer or to go with a traditional store, it is possible you could end up with the same installer. The difference is if you go with an independent carpet installer, you pay less money.
Independent installers usually make more money doing independent work than when working for a store so they tend to be happier and may pay a little more attention to detail which can ultimately lead to happier customers, referrals and more business.
CARPET INSTALLATION CHECKLIST
"What can I expect during my carpet Installation? Do I need to do anything to prepare for my carpet installation?"
Yes, you have some responsibilities...
Call your carpet installer to schedule the installation and agree on the price. Do not pay the installer in advance of the installation being completed.
Confirm your installation date a day or two before hand.
BEFORE THE CARPET INSTALLATION
If the installer has agreed to move your furniture you still have some responsibilities to fulfill PRIOR to the installation date.
* You need to remove all knick knacks, personal items, valuables. Remove all items from your closet floor and everything from the waist down (dresses, long coats etc).
* All electronics must be disconnected and removed PRIOR to the arrival.
* Remove dresser drawers.
* Turn off your Sprinkler system for the day of installation.
DAY OF INSTALLATION
1. The installer needs a large flat dry area (that's why you need to turn off your sprinklers) to unroll and cut the carpet (typically the street or your driveway).
2. Make sure someone is authorized to go over the areas to be installed and to verify that the correct carpet is delivered. Once the carpet is cut, it's yours.
3. The installers need a central area to put their tools (usually the entry, kitchen, bathroom, porch or garage).
4. If you do not want the installers to use your restrooms, put a sign on each restroom door. If you have a designated restroom, please let the installer know and make sure it has the necessities (toilet paper, paper towels).
5. You need to provide working electricity. The installers will need it to plug in their electric seaming irons.
6. The installers will usually cut up existing carpet (to make easier to remove) and place into your dumpster (if you have one). If you want your installer to haul away the old, they will usually provide this service for an extra charge.
7. Installers will usually haul away all the left over scraps of new carpet and padding. If you want to have any leftovers and they are part of what you paid for, just ask the installer. It is a good idea to have any leftover for unexpected future repairs.
8. Vacuuming after installation is usually the customers responsibility, however most installers will provide vacuum services for an additional charge. DO NOT VACUUM BEFORE ALL SEAMS HAVE BEEN TRIMMED. Otherwise your vacuum may pull threads and yarns and that may damage your carpet.
AFTER CARPET INSTALLATION
* Walls and baseboards may get scuffed up during carpet installation. This is normal. It is customary for the customer to touch up the paint if necessary.
* Go over every room of the installation and make sure the installation is complete. Check the perimeter of every room and look where the carpet meets the wall and make sure the carpet is trimmed and tucked to the wall base and other flooring types.
* Have the agreed payment ready to give to the installer upon completion.
AFTER THE CARPET INSTALLERS LEAVE
* Vacuum your new carpet
* Replace your dresser drawers.
* Move your electronics TV's, computers and stereo equipment and re-connect
* Re-Set your Sprinkler system
* Enjoy your new carpet
* Please refer your friends, neighbors, co-workers and family
Congratulations! If you live in the Los Angeles area or the San Fernando Valley, you are now ready to go from the
carpet installation page to the page on where to find a great discount carpet warehouse.
You may instead decide to go back to the
Home Page.
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