Professional Carpet Installation: Get Prepared in 9 Steps
You’ve learned all there is to know about carpet, shopped smart, made your best choice, and now it’s just a matter of waiting for the installers, right? You know better, of course. The next step is to be knowledgeable and prepared for the big day when the new carpeting will transform your home. Being ready for your professional carpet installation will make the entire process go faster and more efficiently. Knowing what to expect and being prepared will also be a lot less stressful for you, your family, and your home.
1. Remove Furniture
Clearing furniture is step one. Remove all furniture and other objects and materials from the areas to be carpeted. Some installers will move your furniture, but there may be an additional charge for doing so. Before moving, you’ll also need to empty the contents of china cabinets, closets and the like.
2. Know What To Do With Your Present Floor Covering
Please consider how your old floor covering will be taken up and disposed of. This can be a time-consuming and messy task. We would be happy to discuss removal options with you. If you prefer to remove your present floor covering, do it at least one day prior to installation to allow for cleanup and floor preparation. If removing the old carpet, please leave tack strips in place and pull the staples out of the floor from the original pad.
3. Consider Your Options Regarding the Trim
You should know that, in many cases, moldings and baseboards need to be removed for carpet installation. Your installer may do this but at an additional charge and they will probably not be responsible for damage or breakage due to dry or brittle wood. Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching after the installation is complete. If necessary, this is your responsibility.
4. Seek Advice on Your Subflooring
Your existing subfloor may need to be prepared to receive the carpet, or a new subfloor may be required. This is a job best left to the professionals and again, we can help you with these decisions.
Read: Can You DIY Carpet Installation?
5. Think About the Doors
With carpet installation, there’s always the possibility that the doors—especially closet doors, basement and bedroom doors—may not clear the new carpet and swing free. Another thing to keep in mind is how the color of the carpet affects the apparent size of the room. A lighter colored carpet will visually expand the size of the room. Darker carpeting will seem to bring the walls closer together and create a more intimate feeling.
Some installers will remove doors in order to install the carpet and re-hang them if possible. They probably won’t shave or cut down doors to insure clearance. You may need to arrange for a qualified carpenter to provide this service after the installation of your new carpet.
6. Be Clear About the Clean-up
Installing new carpet will produce waste. Usually, your installer collects these materials and leaves them at your trash collection site. Check with us before the day of installation so you’re clear about the clean-up. If there are additional costs to do so, and ask about the plan for carpet remnants.
7. Installation Day Requires Your Presence
Be prepared to be at home the day of installation and be available in case the installation crew has questions. Your presence will insure that the correct carpet is installed in the right areas. Because it is difficult to estimate the length and circumstances of each job, some installers may not be able to give you an exact time of arrival. We suggest you be flexible and keep in touch with us.
8. Keep Your Family Away From the Work Area
Your installers will use a variety of tools and techniques that can make the work area hazardous. Please make sure that your children and pets stay out of the work area on installation day.
9. Don’t Forget the Walk-through
We recommend that prior to the completion of the installation, you walk through the job with the chief installer. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and be clear on any final details.
After Installation Day
If you are sensitive to odors, establish good ventilation. Some of the chemicals used in the construction of carpets, as well as the adhesives or hot melt seaming tapes, can have an odor for as long as 48 to 72 hours after installation. So make sure to provide the room with adequate ventilation.
Common post-installation issues
Shedding is a natural part of a new carpet. Frequent vacuuming for the first few days should remove any loose fibers from the carpet’s surface. Sprouting refers to small tufts or loops of carpet that become visible after the installation. Use a small pair of scissors to carefully trim the loose fibers flush with the surface of the carpet. Finally, if wrinkles or ripples appear in the carpet, it may be necessary to re-stretch the carpet. Please contact us to have this done professionally.
We want you to be as knowledgeable and well prepared as possible for your professional carpet installation. It will make that day easier on you and your home and provide you with an enjoyable floor covering experience for years to come.
