Carpet Installer

Be sure you look up the CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute) and review their Residential Carpet Installation Standard before hiring an installer. They have established guidelines that all installers should follow. If you are familiar with these guidelines before hiring someone, you will be better prepared to interview installers and sort the knowledgeable from the inexperienced. As with anything you have to hire out for, referrals and references are essential. Friends and coworkers are often willing to relay their experiences. Remember, cheaper isn’t always better. Sometimes the companies who really know what they are doing are more expensive because they know what they are doing.

It is important to note that the type of carpet you select can directly affect your installation prices. For instance, a patterned carpet or Berber will cost at least $1 per square foot more than normal carpet because they have to be more careful of the seams and placement. Also ask that the seams be placed in low traffic areas. This will increase longevity. Inspect the carpet before it is installed. The manufacturer may not pay for installation of defective carpet.

Also expect to pay more for stair steps, especially if the carpet has to wrap around the step and the installer has to work around spindles or the like. This can cost you from $3 to $5 or more per step. The floor material, concrete, wood, etc. can also change the installation fee as well as possible floor preparation costs. Concrete flooring is generally more expensive.

Be wary of retailers offering free installation. They have to make up that cost somewhere. So ask about hidden costs. Is removal and disposal included? If not, how much more will it cost? Often, it fees are around $4 per square foot for removal and $35 or more for disposal. Are you better off arranging that yourself? What about removing the furniture? Again, it this a task better performed before your installer gets there? Is the new carpet taller than your old carpet? Will it prevent your doors from opening easily? The installer can rehang you doors, but there will be a fee. You may also have to trim the doors. Try to determine that beforehand. Are padding and tack strips included? All of these things can increase your price per square foot.

It pays to save at least 1 square foot of your new carpet in case you do have defective carpet and they need an unused piece to test. It is also good to save some scraps in case you need to patch the carpet or you want to match it when you carpet another room.