Carpet Installers

Getting a good carpet installer

Certification and licensing is not generally required by most states for carpet installers. However, the installer you hire should supply copies of licensing or certification if required, insurance and bonding information, and Workers´ Comp, if necessary. Verify that everything is current. If licensing is required, call the licensing agency to verify that the installer´s license is in good standing.

The experience an installer brings to the job can make a difference in the installation quality. Five years is considered to be the minimum length of experience necessary before an installer can be considered a qualified craftsman. For more complex installations even more experience is needed.

Many carpet installers specialize in different types of installations. A home project can be very different from an installation in a commercial building. If an installer has all of his experience in office projects, you may want to qualify him further. If his background is solid in residential and custom installs, you´ll probably have no problems. Because home and office projects can be very different, it´s important to choose the right contractor.

Getting references is your best means of qualifying a carpet installer. Once you get them, check them. Make sure you get references for jobs that are similar to your project. Also, make sure you get a few references that are at least six months old. Installation problems that may not be apparent at first can surface after a couple months.

Find out about the warranty your installer offers. If a problem develops in the future, you´ll want someone you can count on. When you check references, ask specifically whether there were any problems and how promptly the issues were corrected.

Once you´ve qualified your carpet installer, the chances are pretty good the only maintenance you´ll need will be routine vacuuming and cleaning.

Get an estimate in writing that specifies the exact type of carpeting, the estimated number of square yards, the grade of padding, and installation costs. Make sure each installer provides the same information so you can make a valid comparison between estimates. Research carpet grades to ensure getting a quote on a reasonable quality of carpet. Don´t assume that the lowest estimate with the cheaper carpet is the better deal. (And if you can afford it, upgrade the padding. The carpet will wear better and be more comfortable for a longer period of time.)

Working with your installer

Once you´ve selected your carpet installer, get everything in writing. All materials and labor should be specified in the contract as well as a start and finish date. Ask, before the project starts, how many assistants your installer will be using on the project and how much experience they have. Make sure that the terms of the warranty are clear, so you understand exactly what is covered and what is not.

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