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HOW TO FIND A GOOD CARPET INSTALLER

©2002-2006 Alan J. Fletcher

Finding a good carpet installer can be difficult. Especially when you consider that some carpet installation jobs are more difficult than others and require a more experienced installer. For example, installing expensive carpet in a custom home requires much more expertise than does installing apartment-grade carpet in a rental unit. Of course everyone wants his or her carpet to be installed correctly, and hiring an installer with minimum of 5 years experience is where I would draw the line with a simple installation job. So, if you buy a more expensive carpet or the job is difficult or tricky, than you should find an installer with more experience. I personally believe that it takes at least 10 years before any flooring installer can truly begin to master their trade.

There is another little-known factor to consider when looking for a good carpet installer. The question you need to ask is "what type of experience do they have?" Here is what I mean:

There are four basic levels of experience with carpet installers.

Property Management. The experience of this type of carpet installer is obtained from installing lower grades of carpet in unoccupied apartments. They have limited experience with installing carpet on stairs, and limited experience with difficult or tricky installations. They generally use lower quality installation products (glues, seam tape, tack-less strips, transition metals) in order to save money. Property owners and managers often do not thoroughly inspect the quality of work performed by installers doing apartment work. Many have become carpet installers as a result of being hired as a carpet layers helper and few are formally trained or have completed an apprentice program. This is not to say that you should not hire them, but you need to be aware that many may lack the experience to perform all types of carpet installations. Installers who do apartment work are generally paid the least amount per yard.

New home construction. Installers with the bulk of their trade experience from new construction will have increased knowledge of installing different types of stairs. (carpet can be very difficult to install on some types of stairs) They will have more experience with various styles and grades of carpet as well. They always have to satisfy the builder and the new homeowners with their performance, which make them pay closer attention to detail. Builders usually pay less than the standard rate for this type of installer but there is usually a greater volume of work available.

Custom Homes and Residential Remodels. By far, installers with experience derived from doing custom homes or residential work have the widest degree of expertise. They are the most qualified to perform the most difficult installation jobs using all types and grades of carpet. Most of these installers have had some type of formal training or were trained by someone who was a master craftsman. You can expect to pay more to hire this type of carpet installer, but the quality of work you receive will be well worth it.

Commercial carpet installation. Installers that have experience in commercial applications are accustomed to working with large quantities of materials and having a shorter amount of time to get the job done. Many commercial jobs require working night and weekends to keep the construction schedule on track. Installers with this type of experience generally prefer this type of work and may be reluctant to do residential carpet installations.

By determining the type of experience that a carpet installer has, you can better gauge their ability to handle completing your carpet job properly and the range of prices they may charge for their services. You can also lower you installation costs by hiring a less experienced installer if you have a simple job that a less experienced installer could easily perform.

Finding a well-established installer could help you get a really good price on your carpet, pad and installation!" Hiring an experienced carpet installer can offer you a lot more than just a good installation job. Installers usually know which carpet dealers are fair and who are not. Some carpet installers can buy carpet at near-wholesale prices and may be willing to help you save money on materials. Finding a well-established installer could help you get a really good price on your carpet, pad and installation.

Finding a qualified carpet (or vinyl) installer As with any trade, some installers are just not worth hiring. In fact, the good ones are the hardest to find. They often have a busy schedule due to a great word-of-mouth reputation. These professionals may not need to advertise in order to keep busy, so the only way to find them may only be through someone who knows them or who has hired them in the past. Ask your friends, relatives or co-workers who they would recommend.

Who to call

Local carpet stores generally will not allow you to hire their installers unless you buy the carpet from them. Carpet retailers often have a difficult time finding and keeping good installers because the best installers are busy enough due to their reputation alone, and don’t need or even want to work for a retail carpet store. Many carpet stores make a profit on the installation charge. Here are 5 places you may find a good carpet installer:

You might be able find a good carpet installer in the yellow pages, under the heading of "Carpet". There is sometimes a sub-heading for "Carpet Layers".

You can find qualified Installers in the service directory of your local newspapers. Look under the heading of "Floor Coverings", or "Carpet Services".

Larger cities may have a Local Carpet Layers Union. Union workers are paid by the hour, not by the yard. This may be a great way to find a qualified Installer.

On the Internet, you can search the web for installers in your area by accessing the yellow pages online. There are also web sites that list pre-screened contractors. Do a keyword search for carpet installers, carpet installation or contractors.

Call a local flooring Supply Company. Carpet Layers have to buy supplies from businesses that sell flooring supplies. They might be able to give you a few names to call. They often have a corkboard where carpet installers can place their business cards. Find these businesses in the yellow pages under Carpet- sub heading of Carpet Sundries, Flooring materials or Carpet Equipment and Supplies.

To see the 10 questions you need to ask every carpet installer before you hire them click here.

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How to Order Alan's Books

Alan J. Fletcher has more than 30 years experience in the carpet and flooring business, He has authored five books on the subject and is available to Speak at apartment association meetings and property management conventions.

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