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"Homeowner Beware: All Carpet Installers Are Not The Same!"
I've seen it over and over again, homeowners choose installers based on price alone. Hopefully after scanning this educational website, you notice the recurring theme; "Price is what you pay, value is what you get!" There is no short cut around this. Much to my displeasure, I have seen soo often the disappointment of homeowners just like you who tried to 'save a few bucks' only to find out that it cost them twice as much in the end.
Hiring professional installers, like King of Kings, is not difficult at all. Here are some things you need to know prior to hiring a carpet installer:
Carpet Performance Depends on Quality Installation
Bring in the professionals
Even if you are good at home improvements, know that installing carpet requires a specialized skill. A quality installation is critical to the performance of your carpet and will help protect your indoor air quality. The Carpet and Rug Institute recommends hiring an installation contractor who adheres to the Standard for Installation of Residential Carpet, CRI 105, for all aspects of the installation.
» Read more  (PDF 122 KB) Need Help with PDF?
Also, know that there are actions you can take to make sure things go smoothly with your carpet installation:
Preparing for installation
Make sure that you know what services your installer will provide and what you might need to handle yourself. For example, with King of Kings there is an additional charge to move furniture.
- Remove all breakable items from area being carpeted and detach and store wiring from TVs, stereos, VCR/DVD and computers.
- Determine who will remove and dispose of the existing carpet and cushion. Check recycling options in your area.
- Think about carpet placement. Ask that seams be placed in less visible areas, but don’t expect seams to be invisible.
- Understand that carpet installed over a separate cushion must be power stretched to prevent bubbling and wrinkling later.
- Insist that the installer follow the instructions from the carpet manufacturer and/or those set forth in the Standard for Installation of Residential Carpet, CRI 105 (PDF 122 KB) Need Help with PDF?
Before installers arrive, complete other remodeling projects intended in the room, such as painting and wallpapering. Vacuum the old carpet to avoid the possibility of airborne dust and dirt. After the carpet and cushion are removed, vacuum the sub-floor.
When carpet is delivered
Check your new carpet (texture, color and style) to make sure there are no visible defects before installation. Be sure the installer will adhere to the Standard for Installation of Residential Carpet, CRI 105. (PDF 122 KB) Need Help with PDF? Among other things, this standard requires that carpet must be power-stretched for proper installation to minimize wrinkling and rippling. Seam edges must be sealed with an appropriate adhesive to prevent delamination and edge ravel.
Also, bear in mind that your new carpet needs to be installed over a structurally sound subfloor. Any damage that has been done by insects, water or other problems need to be repaired prior to carpet installation.
During installation
New, thicker carpet may prevent doors from swinging clear and free. Your installer may remove the doors and rehang them if possible. If the doors do not clear, arrange to have them trimmed. It is your responsibility to provide an adequate supply of fresh air during installation. Open windows and doors, use an exhaust fan or operate the fan of your heating or air conditioning system. The “new carpet smell” will clear very quickly, usually in less than 72 hours.
After installation
In the months following installation, you may notice some shedding or sprouting. This is normal and will not affect the carpet’s life or beauty. Here’s what to do:
- Shedding— The shedding of loose fibers is normal and should subside with regular vacuuming.
- Sprouting— If a single tuft extends beyond the carpet’s surface, simply clip it off. Do not pull it out.
- Pile reversal or shading— This seeming color change may occur in various parts of the carpet, caused by light being reflected in different ways as pile fibers are bend in different directions. This is not a defect but a characteristic of plush carpet.
- Wrinkling— If ripples occur, call your retailer. It may be necessary to professionally restretch the carpet.
All of King of Kings installation warranties come with a written 2 year guarantee on all workmanship. King of Kings clients also receive a 50% discount on their first cleaning and on their one year anniversary of the areas that were installed by King of Kings. Why do we do this? Because of our industry knowledge and awareness of carpet mills desire to hold consumers responsible for the up-keep of their newly purchased carpet, which most consumers don't know what their warranty states, that if there can be no proof with receipt on behalf of the consumer that they had their carpet cleaned by a certified professional carpet cleaner within 24 monts after installation, the manufacturers warranty is automaitically void.
Do it yourself, over-the-counter rug cleaners will void the manufactures warranty as well. By hiring King of Kings to perform the installation of your carpet, you are hiring an IICRC certified installer who can 'go to bat' for the consumer if they ever needed warranty claims assistance. An uncertified, untrained installer would never be able to assist you in such matters.
So, if you are deciding if you desire to use our services or to use the services of another, you might want to consider these facts and do your own due-dilligence.
Remember, we're here to assist you! Questions? You can reach us @ 614-783-6140.
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