CARPET INSTALLATION FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Once you’ve selected the perfect carpet for your space, it is time to determine who will install it. In many cases, your flooring retailer will provide installation, or make a recommendation for a good installer in your area. Either way, consider asking the following questions to ensure you get the installation you want.

Q- Can I install new flooring over existing flooring?

It depends. There are many factors to consider before placing any type of flooring on top of another. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Some will say the flooring can be installed over existing flooring, while others will have more detailed specifications. They will know their flooring best, so be sure to follow what the manufacturer says.

Q- Can I re-use the existing carpet pad?

Technically, you can, but the real question is if you should. Not all carpet padding is created equal in thickness and density. Plus, carpet cushion can retain spills and odors from previous use. Depending on the age and use of the carpet pad, it’s usually best to replace it, but there are some instances when it may be okay to keep it.

Q – What do I need to do before my carpet is installed?

A- The best way to prepare for carpet installation is to make sure that all of your small loose items are packed up, the tops of dressers cleared off, your electronics are disconnected, the bottom row of clothing from your closets is moved, everything is removed from your closet floors and that nothing is left under your bed. All furniture must be moved out of the room to properly install carpet. But don’t panic or call a moving company just yet! As long as you move all small items such as breakables, knick nacks, electronics, etc. we can move most larger furniture items such as beds, tables, sofas, dressers, etc.

Q- Will my carpet off gas after installation?

A: If any off gassing happens, it will dissipate within the first two days. Most of the dust and dirt brought up into the air from installation will be from the removal of your existing carpet. To help reduce the dust in your home during tear out, vacuum before installation.

Q- When will the installation start and how long does it take?

Typically, first jobs of the day begin between 8:30 and 10:00 am, but sometimes, because of your living city’s weather and traffic, jobs can be delayed. Every job is unique in terms of how long it will take. Even one bedroom of carpet can take a few hours and any job over 500 square feet could take the better part of a day depending on whether old carpet is being removed and furniture needs to be moved. Bear in mind that the most important consideration is the final result, so please be patient regarding the time an installation takes. It isn’t always predictable.

Q- What should I expect during the installation of carpet?

Your carpet installers will perform several tasks to lay your carpet. They will place carpet glue around the room to hold the carpet padding, and they will nail down strips of wood with carpet tacks along the edges of the room. Both of these steps will keep the carpet secured against your floor for a comfortable feel. This process may be loud and create a lot of dust, so you may want to be out of the house when the carpet is installed. It can also be a good idea to board pets during the installation process to reduce their stress and keep them out of the way.

Q- Is carpetting a good choice for homes with pets?

When it comes to carpeting and pets, a cut pile is the better choice. Looped pile carpets can snag on pets’ nails, causing yarn to fray, tear or pull out. Looped piles can also be a chewing temptation for some pets.

Q- Should I paint before or after the carpet is installed?

This is really up to the painter to decide. If you do paint first, arrange with the painter to come back to touch up the baseboards and perhaps some spots on the walls. Carpet installation requires the use of tools to stretch the carpet that may touch the walls and baseboards. Also, the carpet will touch the lower portion of the walls when it is cut into place, which sometimes can scratch the paint. Paint, typically, takes thirty days to cure so during that period it is even more susceptible to damage. When walls or baseboards have been painted multiple times, it is also prone to chip or crack during carpet installation and may need to be touched up afterwards.