Carpet is an investment, not because of its high cost but because installation of new, good carpet is a long-term asset. A well made carpet will look and perform well for several years, which means a return on investment should you decide to sell. Here are six things to consider before purchasing new carpet to maximize your budget and minimize the potential for problems.
Where to carpet
Your house may be 2000 square feet in size, but that doesn't mean you'll be carpeting 2000 square feet. Not only does the infrastructure of the home reduce that number, so does the square footage of rooms you don't necessarily want to carpet.
Carpet in the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry rooms increases the potential for stains and mildew. These rooms, along with entryways, forays, and mudrooms should be done in tile, laminate, or engineered wood.A Rough Measurement
Most likely, you'll want to carpet your living room, family room, bedrooms, and hallways. You can measure these spaces, and this will give you a rough idea of how many square feet of actual space will need coverage.
To measure, use a steel tape measure. Measure the width and length of each space individually. As you measure a space, write down the width and length, being sure you identify the set of numbers by the space measured. Multiply the width and length to find the square footage.
For example: Bedroom 1 - 12 feet by 10 feet 12x10=120 SF
Do this for each space. Add up the square footage and that yields the actual space that needs coverage.
Carpet is usually sold by the square yard. To get the total square yardage of coverage, multiply the square footage by nine.
For example, if your total square footage is 958, divide that by nine. 958/9 = 106.44 SY Budget
The rough estimate is for budget development only. Remember, that figure of 106.44 is based on actual space that needs to be carpeted. It doesn't account for necessary overage, which can be as much as 20%. Nor does it account for rooms that will require the carpet to be seamed, or for patterned carpet that may require matching.
The rough estimate gives you a place to start to build your budget. There are many types and styles of carpet. On average, the cost of a good carpet in any style will be around $25 to $30. Higher end carpet can run as high as $40 or more. Assuming, though, that you want good carpet at a reasonable price, the $25 to $30 range is suitable.
This price range does not necessarily include padding and installation. It is possible, though, to find retail outlets that offer carpet, pad, and installation within that price range.
With a 20% overage your 106.44 SY figure goes to approximately 128 SY. By placing the cost of carpet, pad, and installation at approximately $40 a square yard, you yield an estimate of $5120.00
128 SY x $40 = $5,120.00
Now you know you need to invest about $5200 into new carpet for your home.Field Research
It's time to go shopping. Visit your local home improvement stores, and flooring specialty stores. Engage the associates to find out everything you can about the type of carpeting they offer, and what kind of special offers they may have.
Be certain to ask about the process for installation. Ask if there is an upfront cost for having someone measure for carpeting, and is that cost refundable should you decide to not to use that store's services. Ask how long, after the purchase is complete, before the carpet is installed. This can be important when planning for vacations or holiday parties. You also want to find out if the installers move furniture and if they will remove the old carpeting or existing flooring, and if there are charges for these services.
Also, ask what kind of padding is available with installation. Padding differs by thickness and weight. Ask the associate if it's possible to see samples of the padding.
Ask for samples of any carpet you may be interested in. It's very important that you see the color and texture of a carpet in the lighting and overall environment of the rooms the carpet will be in. What looks blue in the store may look gray in your home.
Associates may be willing to give you a guesstimate of cost for your carpeting project based on your measurements. Keep in mind this is a courtesy. It is not a quote, and you shouldn't expect to hold the associate to that cost. The actual cost can only be determined after the professional measure has taken place.
There are carpeting retail outlets that will do in-home sales presentations. These generally offer a quicker turn around time, but the cost is usually higher. Such outlets don't usually charge for a presentation, but be prepared to experience high-pressure sales tactics for the privilege.Deciding on Carpet
During your field research, it's best to take home several different types of carpeting as well as varying colors. The more common types of carpet are plush, texture, looped or Berber, and patterned.
Common choices are a plush or texture type, in a neutral tone or color. This is because these types of carpet are comfortable, tolerate family traffic well, and blend well with most interior design styles.
Ultimately, after all your research, the choice comes down to three things: the style you like best, the color you like most, and the cost that fits your budget.
The most important thing you can do for yourself is be certain of your decision before you begin the process of purchasing. The second most important thing to do is have a second choice. Why? You don't know the true cost yet. If you're first choice is just too expensive, you have an alternative for consideration. Getting Started
You've decided which rooms you want carpeted. You measured to get a rough idea of how much carpet will be needed and you talked to sales people about types of carpeting and padding. After visiting several outlets and looking at samples, you've decided on the carpet you want for your home.
At this point, you will need to have your home professionally measured so the store from which you are getting your carpet can create a quote or estimate for you.
Be certain you can be at home when the measure is being performed. If you haven't done so in your field research, ask if the installation company provides a warranty on their labor, and if there is an issue, do you, as the consumer, contact the store or the installers.
At this point, you either need to go forward with the project or go home. Getting your home measured to obtain an accurate quote is the last step in preparation, and the first step toward installation of brand new carpeting in your home.
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