Questions to Ask

Questions To Ask Your Carpet Salesperson

• Does the price of the carpet include carpet padding and carpet installation?
• If not, how much extra is the charge for carpet padding and carpet installation?
• Is there a guarantee or warranty on the carpet/carpet padding/carpet installation?
• Will the salesperson come out to the home to do an accurate room measurement at no charge?
• Can you borrow large samples of several different carpets to take home to analyze colors?
• Where will the seams fall? Avoid seams against the traffic direction.
• Does the carpet price include metal stripping at the thresholds and wrapping the carpet around each stair step?
• What is the charge for removing old carpet and carpet padding and hauling it away?
• What is the charge (if any) for moving furniture?

Check The Following In The Store Before You Buy

• Select a neutral carpet color if furniture has a distinctive pattern.
• Tweeds and medium colors show less soil.
• Patterned carpets will show less staining.
• Check the carpet color in both store light and daylight, then at home in lamplight. Each time place carpet on the floor, not at eye level.
• Check pile density by bending back a corner of the carpet to see how much of the backing shows. The more backing seen, the less fiber to walk on and the less durable the carpet.
• Make an estimate of the amount of carpet you will need before you go to the store. Is the store's carpet measurement similar to yours?

Before Signing On The Dotted Line Always Get:

• A written estimate of the total price and a complete description of carpet.
• A written copy of the guarantee for the carpet, the carpet installation and the stain resistant finish, if present.
• A sample of both the carpet and carpet padding ordered to compare when the carpet is delivered.

Did you know: Various carpet retailers may charge different carpet prices for various services. Some may charge extra for services that others may include at no charge. In shopping for carpet and eventually buying carpet, make sure you ask the right questions related to your carpet installation.

Did you know?

Carpet installation is the single biggest problem with new carpet purchases. Often, once the installation goes bad, the entire purchase begins to sour. Carpet installation should be carefully researched to make sure the carpet installer uses CRI 104 -CRI 105 Carpet Installation Standards. Failure to follow recommended installation procedures can allow for a shoddy installation. Always preserve about 1 square foot piece of the original uninstalled carpet. Some manufacturing defect analysis only can be performed on unused (untrafficked) carpet. Also, should the carpet fail (which is rare), it is helpful to evaluate a new piece versus a sample that has been trafficked. Attic stock (preserved carpet) also can be used to plug damaged areas or heavily stained or soiled areas.