Preparation is Essential
Our team at Carefree Carpets & Floors want you to be as well-prepared as possible for your carpet installation day. Knowing what to expect before during and after your carpet installation will make it easier on you and your family. This way, you’ll have a good start to truly enjoying your floor covering experience for years to come.
Before Installation Day
At Carefree Carpets & Floors, we recommend removing all furniture and other objects and materials from the areas to be carpeted. Some installers will move your furniture, but there may be an additional charge for doing so. Before moving, you’ll also need to empty the contents of china cabinets, closets and the like.
Decide what to do with your old floor covering.
It’s worth considering how your old floor covering will be taken up and disposed of. This can be a time-consuming and messy task. Our flooring specialists at Carefree Carpets & Floors will be happy to discuss removal options with you.
If you prefer to remove your present floor covering, do it at least one day prior to installation to allow for cleanup and floor preparation. If removing old carpet, please leave tack strips in place and pull the staples out of the floor from the original pad.
Consider your trim options.
In many cases, moldings and baseboards need to be removed prior to carpet installation. Your installer may do this, but at an additional charge. What’s more, they will probably not be responsible for damage or breakage due to dry or brittle wood. Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching after the installation is complete. If necessary, this is your responsibility.
Seek advice regarding your subflooring.
Your existing subfloor may need to be prepared to receive the carpet, or a new subfloor may be required. This is a job best left to the professionals and, again, we can help you with these decisions. So contact us at Carefree Carpets & Floors!
Prepare a door plan.
When carpeting is installed, there’s always the possibility that your doors, especially closet, basement and bedroom doors, may not clear the new carpet and swing free. Some installers will remove doors in order to install the carpet and re-hang them if possible. They probably won’t shave or cut down doors to ensure clearance. If that’s the case, you may need to arrange for a qualified carpenter to provide this service after the installation of your new carpet.
Be clear about the cleanup.
Installing new carpet will produce waste. Usually these materials are collected by your installer and left at your trash collection site. Check with us before the day of installation, so you’re clear about the cleanup and if there will be added costs. Also be sure to ask about the plan for carpet remnants.
During Installation Day
Installation day requires your presence.
On the day of installation, be prepared to stay home. This way, you’ll be available in case the installation crew has questions. Your presence will ensure that the correct carpet is installed in the right areas. Since it is difficult to estimate the length and circumstances of each job, some installers may not be able to give you an exact time of arrival. We suggest that you remain flexible and keep in touch with us and/or the installation team.
Keep your family safe.
Your installers will use a variety of tools and techniques that can make the work area hazardous. Please make sure that your children and pets are kept out of the work area on installation day.
Don’t forget the walk-through.
We recommend that, prior to the completion of the installation, you walk through the job with the chief installer. This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and be clear about any final details
After Installation Day
Be ready to clear the air.
If you are sensitive to odors, good ventilation should be established. Some of the chemicals used in the construction of carpet, as well as the adhesives or hot melt seaming tapes, can have an odor for as long as 48 to 72 hours after installation. Be prepared to provide the room with adequate ventilation.
Here’s how to handle post-installation issues.
Shedding is a natural part of a new carpet. Frequent vacuuming for the first few days should remove any loose fibers from the carpet’s surface. Sprouting refers to small tufts or loops of carpet that become visible after the installation. Use a small pair of scissors to carefully trim the loose fibers flush with the surface of the carpet. Finally, if wrinkles or ripples appear in the carpet, it may be necessary to re-stretch the carpet. Please contact us to have this done professionally.
