Installing new carpet in a room is best left to the professionals in my opinion. There is, however, a lot you can do to make your room just as fresh and new as the carpet. Doing the prep work yourself can save you time and money on the installation.
Picking Your Carpet
When you walk into the carpet showroom, don't be surprised if you find yourself moving frantically from one sample to the next. So many textures and colors to choose from can make you feel like a kid in a candy store. Take your time. Eventually you will find yourself gravitating towards similar shades of color and textures. Be sure to take the time to get all the information you need to make an educated choice.
There are several questions you may want to ask;
- What is the twist?
- What is the density?
- What is the warranty?
- Which is best for the amount of traffic in my room?
- What is the best I can get and stay in my budget?
All this information can be found on the flip side of the carpet sample. Talking to a knowledgeable associate can put this all into perspective for you, helping to narrow down the choices even more.
Take several samples home. Checking colors against your furniture, walls, even a stone fireplace can prove to be enlightening. The natural light of day can bring out instant likes and dislikes. Keep in mind this can be a relatively expensive addition to your home. one that will be there for years to come. Changing a wall color to coordinate is a cheap fix. Buying new furniture, however is not. Throw your sample against sofas, chairs and the wood in your house. See what it does or doesn't do for them.
Padding
Choosing a pad is just as important as the carpet itself. Most often an installation quote will include the pad but be sure to verify this. There are new upgraded pads out there that have spill barriers. A good idea if you have little ones or a pet. Some new pads will also absorb odors, such as pet and smoke. Prices can run about a dollar more per square yard, but may be well worth it in the long run.
Prep Work
Doing the prep work yourself can save you both time and money on the installation.Tearing out carpet is a little work, but not as hard as people may think. A carpet cutting knife, needle nose pliers and knee pads should do the trick. Cutting the back of the carpet on the weave is easier than cutting on the nap.If you are removing the carpet alone, I suggest keeping the pieces 5'x5'. Rolled up carpet may is heavier than you think. Removing the pad is a piece of cake. The hardest part of that job is getting all the staples and nails out once it's done.Make sure to leave the carpet strips along the floor boards unless they are in bad shape and need to be replaced. This will save you time on the install.
Once your carpet is up and out you can take advantage of the bare floor and trim and paint your walls a new color or just freshen the old color with no worries. Doing this BEFORE the new carpet is in is the best way to go. If carpet is going in your closet, take this opportunity to give them a fresh coat of paint. Try choosing a soft shade of yellow inside. A bright closet tends to stay more organized than a dark, dingy one.
When your carpet is in you can sit back, relax and enjoy a fresh new room.