A new carpet for your home can make it look beautiful, cozy, and comfortable. However, the success of your carpet redesign does not necessarily depend on the choice of color or texture. The actual magic lies in the installation
Even a good carpet may appear untidy and may wear off within a short time when it is not laid in the right manner. The right carpet installation contractor is as important as the carpet itself.
This is how you can locate someone who will successfully get the job done right the first time.
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Seek recommendations and reviews
Start by seeking suggestions from people you can trust. Friends, family, and neighbors who have recently had carpet installed can provide you with their sincere feedback on their experience. They can tell you whether the contractor was:
- Punctual
- Tidy
- Professional.
They may also reveal whether being involved in the process was more stress-inducing than it should have been.
Once you have a list of names, read online reviews on Google, Yelp, or other local Facebook community groups. Look at how they respond to negative comments. A respectful, solution-oriented response may be as informative as a positive testimonial.
Ensure that they are licensed and insured
Carpet installation may not appear to be quite as risky as a comprehensive construction project. However, it is still important to ensure that your contractor has a license and insurance.
A legitimate license indicates that they are abiding by the local workplace standards in terms of professional services. On the other hand, insurance will safeguard you in case of mishaps. For example, damage might occur to your property accidentally or an installer may be injured during work.
It is a small but critical action. Never sign any contract without insisting on seeing evidence of both.
Seek experience and specialization
Some flooring contractors specialize in hardwood, while others focus on tile, and still others on carpet. A general flooring installer can feasibly install carpet. However, someone who works with it all day, every day will produce a cleaner-looking job with tighter seams. They are likely to produce a longer-lasting job.
Inquire how many years of experience they have in the carpet installation business. A longtime carpet installation contractor will also know how to deal with those challenging aspects of installation, such as:
- Uneven subfloors
- Stairs
- Unusually shaped rooms
- Corner-cutting.
Inquire about the process
When you talk to prospective contractors, feel free to ask them to describe how they do what they do. A reputable installer will guide you through procedures such as:
- The removal of the existing carpet
- Checking on the subfloor
- Installation of padding
- Installing the carpet.
This discussion not only indicates their detailedness but also their professionalism. And when they appear to be in a rush with your queries, that is a red light signal. The most competent contractors understand the nature of homeowners and will be glad to talk about their procedures.
Compare estimates
It is easy to just pick the lowest quote. But installing carpet is one of those jobs where you should not compromise. A low estimate might imply that the contractor is:
- Cutting corners
- Foregoing padding
- Not providing key services such as furniture removal or old carpet disposal.
Rather than concentrating solely on price, evaluate estimates against each other and see what they cover.
- Does the contractor do padding?
- Will they shift furniture?
- Will they dispose of and clean up?
The slightly larger quote sometimes offers the best value
Check their portfolio and references
A reputable carpet installation contractor will be able to show you pictures of previous work or provide references that customers can call. There is no need to feel embarrassed about requesting them. It is one of the best ways to experience the quality of their work first-hand.
Where possible, visit one of their job sites. You can tell a lot about their level of expertise by looking at carpet transitions, seams, and how well the carpet adheres to corners.
Communication matters
Communication is one of the least talked about aspects in the process of selecting a contractor.
- Do they promptly respond to inquiries by phone or e-mail?
- Do they answer directly or give vague promises?
- Are they punctual to appointments?
The communication style of a contractor prior to your hiring them is a good indication of their future behaviour. Proper communication will prevent possible misunderstanding and ensure you know what to expect.
Put it all in writing
Before you commit, have a written contract detailing the:
- Scope of work
- Approximate timeline
- Cost breakdown
- Payment schedule, etc.
A handshake agreement may seem like a friendly gesture. However, a written documentation will safeguard you and your contractor should things go wrong.
Listen to your gut
Finally, picking the right carpet installation company is not all about documentation and cost. It is also about trust. You will be inviting these people into your home and at times staying there for days. If it doesn’t feel right, regardless of the reason, follow your intuition and move on.
