Carpet Installation Checklist

Carpet Installation Checklist





Did you know? A carpet installation standard is published by the Carpet and Rug Institute and details the proper techniques for carpet installation. Having a copy of the CRI 104 and CRI 105 can help eliminate carpet installation problems before they occur.

This section of the carpetbuyershandbook.com covers a number of important carpet installation topics including carpet selection, carpet measuring for new carpet installation, carpet layout and facility diagram, suggested carpet padding thickness, seam location, seam visibility, carpet cushion (carpet padding), carpet padding, carpet manufacturer, carpet warranty, vacuum cleaner selection, installation date, CRI 105, power stretcher use, carpet wrinkling and buckling, carpet installation warranty, ventilation during carpet installation, carpet color selection, carpet manufacturer, carpet layout, seam placement, carpet style, carpet texture, visible carpet defects, carpet specifications, and carpet stain removal.

After the carpet selection process has been completed, several steps should be taken prior to carpet installation to communicate your expectations and to ensure future satisfaction with your purchase. The following checklist has been designed to assist you in preparing for the arrival of your new carpet. It is important that you review the following checklist and discuss any questions you have with the carpet retailer before the carpet has been installed.

Carpet Measuring - The carpet retailer always should come to your home, prior to ordering your new carpet, to confirm that the measurements are correct. Mismeasuring can delay the installation of your new carpet or increase the cost of the carpet installation. Never purchase carpet based on rough measurements that you or another retailer has established.

Drawing - The carpet retailer should prepare a drawing of the area where carpet is to be installed with exact measurements. If you choose to do your own carpet layout and drawing, which is not difficult, see the carpetbuyershandbook.com section on setting a budget.

Seam Locations - Be sure there is an agreement between you and the retailer, before the Be sure there is an agreement between you and the retailer, before the carpet installation begins, as to the location of the seams that may be required. Most carpet installations require seams. In some carpet installations, increasing the number of seams can reduce the amount of carpet required. Discuss your options with your carpet retailer. Whenever possible, seams should be run toward the primary light source. Visibility of the seams will vary with the type of carpet purchased. Carpet seams cannot be guaranteed to be invisible.

Carpet Size - Be sure you review with the retailer the amount of carpet required for the carpet installation. If yardage differences occur between retailers, keep in mind that installing the carpet in a different direction or installing more seams can reduce the amount of carpet required. Additionally, due to standardized carpet widths, the square footage of carpet ordered may exceed room dimensions. Small overages due to corners, room sizes, or pattern matches are considered normal.

Carpet Padding - Check with the carpet retailer to confirm that a specific carpet padding has not been specified by the carpet manufacturer. Failure to select an adequate carpet padding can void specific carpet warrantees.

Moving Furniture - Do you plan to move your furniture or allow the installers to move it for you? There may be an extra charge involved. It is recommended that you move any fragile or irreplaceable items yourself.

Appliances - In some cases, where appliances are involved or in new construction, a utility connect/disconnect may be required. Review this information with the retailer during the final consultation.

Removal of Existing Carpet - Who is expected to remove the old carpet? Will there be an additional charge for removal? Who will be responsible for disposal? Will there be an additional charge for disposal? Prior to removal, existing carpet should be vacuumed thoroughly.

Carpet Installation Date - Agree on a carpet installation date. Find out how long the carpet installation will take. If the carpet must be ordered, check with the retailer a few days prior to the carpet installation to confirm receipt of the carpet. It is usually a good suggestion to contact the retailer on the day prior to carpet installation to confirm the carpet installation, in case other carpet installations have delayed your installer's arrival.

Follow Industry Carpet Installation Standards - All installed carpet should be installed according to industry carpet installation standards. These can be found in CRI 105, Residential Carpet Installation Standard. To obtain a copy of these standards contact the CRI at (800) 882-8846 or visit their web site.

Stretching of the Carpet - All carpet should be power stretched. Tautness of the carpet is essential to assure a good, long lasting carpet installation. Failure to do so can allow wrinkling and buckling.

Scrap Carpet - Advise the retailer of what should be done with new carpet scraps.

Vacuuming - All newly installed carpet should be vacuumed. An additional charge may be customary.

Carpet Installation Warranty - Does the retailer offer a Does the retailer offer a carpet installation warranty? If so, request written information related to this warranty or request a handwritten warranty on the sales agreement form. List what is covered/not covered, duration, and a description of procedures if a service call is required.

Ventilation - As with most new products, new carpet may initially have a slight odor. This is normal. After carpet installation is complete, operate the ventilation system at normal room temperature with fan speed at maximum capacity for 48-72 hours. This procedure will exhaust and eliminate any lingering odors.


Installation Of Your New Carpet

  • Consumer Responsibilities
  • Consult with the retailer to determine the carpet construction appropriate for each installation.
  • Select the proper carpet, color, and carpet padding for each area and traffic transition.
  • Retain copies of all invoices and receipts showing date, quality, and quantity of the carpet purchase.
  • Obtain and review copies of all warranties offered by fiber producer, carpet manufacturer, retailer and installation contractor.
  • Prior to installation, review yardage purchased, installation layout, and seam placement with the retailer.
  • Prior to installation, inspect carpet for correct style, color, texture, and visible defects. Report concerns to retailer immediately.
  • Vacuum existing carpet thoroughly prior to removal
  • Ensure that carpet is installed according to manufacturers specifications and conforming to recommended industry guidelines.
  • Follow suggested installation checklist and installation procedures as detailed in the CRI 105 Residential Carpet Installation Standard.
  • Open doors and windows, if possible, for an adequate supply of fresh air and operated the fan system at maximum speed during the removal of old carpet and installation of new carpet. Continue operating ventilation systems for 48 - 72 hours after carpet installation.
  • Follow fiber producer and/or manufacturer recommendations for vacuuming, spot removal (carpet stain removal), carpet cleaning procedures, and carpet cleaning frequencies to properly maintain carpet.
  • In the case of a claim, submit a written notification to the retailer from which the carpet was purchased.
  • Act promptly when a defect is identified.

Important Information To Keep

  • Square Feet Purchased
  • Purchase Date
  • Carpet Retail Store
  • Phone Number
  • Address
  • Salesperson
  • Installer
  • Carpet installation Date
  • Carpet padding Type
  • Carpet padding Thickness
  • Carpet padding Density
  • Manufacturer and Brand Name
  • Manufacturer Style Name and Style Number
  • Invoice Number (optional) and Invoice Date
  • Roll Number
  • Mill Reference Number
  • Mill Order Date

Checklist For Carpet Installation

Carpet installation site inspected and measured by seller or installer before placing order

Copy of Sales receipt with style name, number, color name, number and manufacturer name, square yards or square feet, and price per unit quantity

Copy of written carpet installation warranty

Diagram of seam locations

Copy of CRI 105 Installation Standard

Inspect carpet for correct style, color, texture & defects before installation

Installer has power stretcher

Indoor temperature is a minimum of 65 degrees

Seams run the length of the area

Main traffic runs along seam rather than across

Primary light source is not perpendicular to seam

Seams are not located in pivot areas

Seams are not perpendicular to doorways

Exposed carpet edges are protected with metal strip or molding

All carpet pile is running in the same direction

All seams are sealed with a latex adhesive

Carpet padding thickness does not exceed 7/16 inch

Carpet is attached to tackless strip along wal, NOT stapled to the floor

Carpet padding seams installed at right angles to carpet seams

Carpet padding seams taped and stapled to the floor

Carpet has been power stretched 1-1½%


Article by Michael Hilton of carpetbuyershandbook.com - the Largest Online Source for Unbiased Carpet Information (http://carpetbuyershandbook.com)


Get Your Free Email Mini-Course!
"The Tricks and Traps of Buying Carpet"

Jam-packed with tips, tricks and advice for anyone who's looking to purchase new carpeting for their home!

Enter your name and email below now and get the
first part sent to you in a matter of seconds!

First Name:
Email Address:

*Your information will never be sold or disclosed to anyone. We respect your privacy and hate junk email as much as you do!

Carpet Cleaning
Carpet Buying
Carpet Types
Carpet Manufacturers
Carpet & Rug FAQ
Rug Buying
Rug Types
Rug Manufacturers
Carpet Resources
Privacy Policy
Contact Us

Sitemap

Carpet Smell
Marine Carpet
Outdoor Carpet
© 2005-2009 Copyright Carpets-Guide.com All Rights Reserved