There is some homework to do, for someone who intends to go out and buy carpeting, before they actually buy carpeting.
Purchasing new carpeting for your home is not one of those purchases you want to enter into compulsively. Be sure to check these aspects about your prospective carpet and carpeting contractor before you buy:
- Check the colour in both store light and daylight, then at home in lamplight (electrical lighting). Each time you check the colour of the carpet sample, place it on the floor. Don't hold the carpet sample at eye level. That will not give you a good idea of what the carpet colour is really like.
- Put the carpet sample on the floor, over the padding you have selected, and step on it very hard. It should spring back when you lift your foot.
- Check the carpet pile density by bending back a corner of the carpet, to see how much of the backing shows. The more backing you can see through the fibres, the less fibre the carpet has for you to walk on and the less durable the carpet.
- To check for a good twist in a carpet sample, examine the tips of the carpet yarns and make sure that there is no fraying or untwisting of fibres. The tighter the twist in the carpet fibres, the better the carpeting will withstand traffic.
- The best carpet that you can purchase will have all of the characteristics of quality and longevity.
- Are the carpeting store's measurements similar to the carpeting measurements you took yourself? If not, find out why!
Questions To Ask Your Carpet Salesperson
- Does the price of the carpet include padding and installation? If not, how much extra is the charge for padding and installation?
- Does the price of the carpet include skirting & trims? If not, how much extra for the skirting and trims?
- Will the carpet salesperson come out to your home to do an accurate room measurement, at no charge?
- Does the price of the carpeting include metal stripping at the thresholds and wrapping the carpet around each stair step?
- What is the charge for removing old carpet and padding and hauling it away?
- What is the charge for moving furniture?
- Can you borrow large samples of several different carpets to take home to analyse colours?
- Where will the seams fall? (Avoid seams against the traffic direction)
- Will it be possible to reverse carpet on stair treads and risers for extra wear?
- Are there factory guarantees or warranties on the carpet and padding?
- Is there a quality guarantee on the installation?
Before Buying Any Carpet, Always Get:
- A written estimate of the total price of the carpeting and installation, and a complete description of your carpet.
- A written copy of the guarantee for the carpet, the installation and the stain resistant finish for the carpet, if present.
- A sample of both the carpet and padding ordered to compare when the carpet is delivered.
- A second and even third estimate from different reputable dealers.
Before You Buy Carpeting
The better you prepare and research different carpeting options before you buy carpeting, the less the chance for some nasty surprise becomes. So, ask all your questions, and make dead sure, before you buy carpeting.
