We all search high and low to find just the right dentist, doctor and hair dresser. We look to the professional for advice. Words of wisdom would be to know your carpet installer or trust the retailer who is sending them into your home. You might get by with installing a carton product like tile or pre-finished hardwood but carpet is another animal. Carpet is sold by the roll and is usually 12 foot wide or wider. It is very heavy and hard to handle. Two strong people are usually required just to get the carpet into your home and start moving your furniture.
Everyone is looking for a deal including me. But try to find a carpet installer in the phone book. HGTV makes it look simple but truly the life of a carpet begins the day it is installed. If the installation goes poorly it is very costly to repair and finding a professional installer willing to take the risk of repairing your work is nearly impossible. The fear of being responsible for the material will stop any carpet installer from coming to your rescue. It truly is a big project to install carpet for one room or a whole house.
According to the World Floor Covering Association…
Go Pro
These days, everyone with a carpet staple gun thinks they’re an installer. Don’t be fooled. A business card and a pick-up truck do not a professional carpet installer make. It takes years to develop the skills for professional carpet installation, skills like minimizing and hiding seams, matching surface transition heights and using specialized tools. Do it right the first time. Your retailer is your best source. Hire a pro. www.wfca.org.
So if you decide that you are going to tackle your carpet installation here is a list of tools required just to get started for the big day…starting with a strong back and knees.
- Tack strip
- Stapler
- Hammer
- Utility Knife
- Chalk line
The list goes on and on. I actually counted 18 off the top of my head, so you get the idea. Carpet + Do It Yourself = Not Fun!
The best advice for the day is to “Go Pro” save your investment, precious time and have it installed right the first time.
Renee LeCroy is the Flooring Expert at Don’s Carpet One in Birmingham, AL. For 18 years, she’s been the consumer’s in-store advocate, decoding the flooring industry and offering insider advice. Contact Renee via email.
