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