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10 Questions You
Must Ask Before Hiring Any Carpet Installer
Before you begin calling around to find a
qualified carpet installer, here are a few questions you must ask any potential
carpet
installer to be sure you find a good one.
1. Are you licensed bonded and insured? Many States now require contractor certification.
Take the time to call the State Contractor Office and verify that the
license is current and see if there have been any claims against it. If your State does not
require a license, always hire an installer that has business liability
insurance. This will help protect you in the event of an accident or
injury while they are working on your property.
2. What is your state issued registration number?
You can call the State and verify the status of his
license and see if there have been any complaints filed against the
installer.
3. How long have you been installing carpet?
Always ask for references and require at least 5 years experience. If
your job is more complex I suggest you find a carpet installer with at
least 10 years experience.
4. What type of experience do you have?
(Apartment work, new construction, custom homes or remodeling?) You want
to hire someone who is experienced doing your type of work. Installing
high-quality carpet in Custom homes requires much more expertise than
installing low-grade carpet in apartments.
5. Do you use a power stretcher?
Good carpet installers always use a power stretcher to
install carpet properly. Some might try to suggest that it is not
necessary to use a power stretcher, to them I say thank you but no thank
you!
6. How much do you charge per yard?
The going rate for apartment grade carpet varies in
geographical areas. Don't assume that the cheapest price is the best
price. It can be wise to pay a little more for a job well done. Be sure
to ask if there are any extra fees and charges that you might incur.
There is usually an additional charge for removing the old carpet and
pad, installing carpet on stairs, special transitions, and custom
work.
7. How long do you guarantee your work?
Most carpet layers will offer a one-year warranty. Better
installers will offer two years and some will even offer a lifetime
warranty. If your carpet comes loose or develops wrinkles it is nice to
know you can have it fixed or repaired at no charge. Be sure to get this
in writing.
8. How far in advance must I schedule you?
You want your carpet installed as soon as possible,
but if you are waiting for you carpet to be shipped to you wait until
the carpet arrives before setting the install date with the installer.
No installer wants to show up to do the job only to discover that the
carpet did not arrive on time. Carpet shipments are often delayed due to
weather conditions since it is shipped by truck across the country. Your
hope is to find an installer who you can depend on to show up on time and
finish on schedule.
9. Can you supply me with some references?
Ask for several from jobs similar to yours. Check these references.
Be sure to ask them what type of application the install was, since you
are looking for an installer qualified to do work similar to yours.
(custom home, commercial work, new construction, etc.)
10. Will you measure how much carpet I need?
If you don't know how much carpet you require, an experienced carpet
installer is qualified to measure for you. Some installers charge for
measuring but will refund the charge if you hire them to install your
carpet. Proper measuring and seam placement is essential to keep from
being over-charged for materials and labor.
©2002-2007 Alan J. Fletcher
e-mail me at Alan@landlordfloors.com
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An
indispensable guide for Landlords & Apartment Owners
