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Carpet Installation
Professional Installation
 At the time of your purchase, your flooring retailer will
either have professional installers on staff or will recommend an
independent installer in your area. In most cases, the retailer will
handle all the details of arranging the installation.
Your flooring retailer will first send a professional
estimator to your home to measure your floors. The estimator will
determine exactly how much carpet you will need to buy and, in most
cases, will determine the layout of the carpet in the room. Among
other considerations, the estimator will decide where to place
seams, how to match patterns, and how to minimize carpet waste.
From there, a professional installer will be scheduled.
Flooring retailers have their own procedures for arranging and
scheduling a professional installer, and you should ask for all the
details they can provide. But the following guidelines will give you
a good idea of standard practices.
Who moves the furniture?
Although most installers will remove furnishings from the room,
you should remove all breakable items--like vases, lamps,
collectibles, and dishes--before the installer arrives. You should
detach wiring from TVs, VCRs, stereos, and computers. You should
also clear desktops, tabletops, and bookshelves.
Will they move the piano?
The complimentary removal of furniture is often limited to those
items that two men can easily handle. Some retailers may charge an
additional fee for large, cumbersome items, including pianos, pool
tables, aquariums, and oversized furniture. All of these items may
vary by retailer and you will need to verify this with them before
installation.
What if my doors no longer close?
Some doors may need trimming to accommodate the thickness of your
new flooring. Doors that do not open and close properly due to the
new floor may be removed during installation, and it will be up to
you to have the doors cut and re-hung.
What about moldings?
It may be necessary to remove moldings and reattach them during
installation. Because some moldings, particularly quarter round, are
fragile, breakage could occur. If it does, you will be responsible
for replacing them. Scratches or nicks to baseboards are also a
possibility, and you will be responsible for the touchups.
Will installers move my water heater?
Professional installers aren't typically skilled in plumbing or
electrical work. They will remove appliances from the room to
install your flooring under or around them, but they do not
typically disconnect or reconnect gas, water, or direct-wired
appliances. Most installers also won't disconnect computer systems.
What about the bedrooms?
All sheets, blankets, and spreads should be removed from beds
before the installers arrive. All items from the tops of dressers
and from closet floors should also be cleared.
What if the sub-flooring is damaged?
All floor coverings need to be installed over a structurally
sound and properly installed sub-floor. Any wood that has been
damaged by insects, water, or other factors should be repaired prior
to carpet installation.
Do I have to remove my old carpet?
The removal of existing carpet on the day of installation is
typically a part of an installer's service, but you should ask to
make sure. Hauling the old carpet and padding away may require an
additional fee.
Do I need to supply anything?
Installers provide the know-how, the equipment, and the muscle;
you provide the power. Installers will need to use your power for
their electrical tools, and they will typically use such areas as
porches or patios to store equipment.
Other Installation Tips
Either the night before or the morning of your installation,
vacuum the old carpet to minimize the airborne dust and particles
that removing it will cause.
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