Congratulations on nailing down your flooring choices to carpet. It can be challenging to make it this far. The fun is not over, however! Shopping for carpet can be difficult due to all the choices from colours, to styles, to everything in-between.
Learn from the seven mistakes people typically make when purchasing carpet. Avoid them and you will be able to enjoy your purchase without wondering if you made the right choice.
Mistake #1 - Putting Too Much Emphasis on Face Weight
Face weights have a similar impact on buyers as thread counts. We automatically assume that the higher the number, the better the quality must be.
While this figure can factor into the quality of carpets, it is far from the only determinant involved. The density and twist can play into the overall quality, as well.
Do not fall into the trap of assuming a 50-ounce carpet is automatically superior to the 40-ounce option. Press your salesperson or flooring expert for more information!
Mistake #2 - Going Cheap When It Comes Time for Underpadding
The fastest way to ruin an otherwise perfect carpeting choice is to decide to cut corners on underpadding. Underpad gets ignored during the buying process because it has no aesthetic value to the homeowner.
We would argue that your mattress has no aesthetic value either but you certainly consider its quality and not just the sheets, right? There are plenty of cost-effective carpets available and there are other ways to cut costs during your purchase.
The underpadding makes your carpet comfortable to walk on. Additionally, it takes some of the impact off of the carpet itself - reducing wear and tear over time. You are better served cutting costs on the carpet itself than being a cheapskate with the underpadding.
Mistake #3 - Only Evaluating Carpets by Their Appearance
Of course, comparison shopping is the key to finding the best deal possible when buying new carpets. Unfortunately, we often get caught assuming that two light brown carpets that feel the same must be comparable.
When comparing carpets for the purpose of price, consider three things: fiber, style, and quality. One way to hone in on the quality of a carpet is by the length of its warranty. Longer warranties typically indicate better quality.
Mistake #4 - Messing Up the Math
DIY projects can ruin the best intentions. We frequently see homeowners measure their room (which is a fantastic idea) and then take those measurements as the end all-be all of their square footage.
While the math for determining square footage is fairly simple, there are many considerations that must be accounted for when deciding on your final measurements. What is the width of the carpet roll? Which way is the carpet pile going? These are factors that flooring experts take into account when deciding your carpeting needs.
The best suggestion is to have your installer visit your home once you have decided what type of carpet you want. They can then take appropriate measurements and ensure the appropriate amount of carpeting is ordered.
Mistake #5 - Falling for the Promo Deals
A good deal is hard to come by these days. So when you see the ads on television offering to carpet your entire home for $199, you should take pause.
Most of these “too good to be true” offers are made possible by hidden charges on the back end. Companies that offer these sales often charge for every tack strip or staple they use to install the carpet.
In most cases, you are better off simply paying per square foot installation fees and buying from a reputable, stable flooring expert. Do not fall for the promo!
Mistake #6 - Not Leaving It to the Professionals
We understand the temptation of saving a lot of money by installing your carpets yourself. If you are putting carpet into a perfectly square room and feel confident, by all means go ahead.
If you intend to have carpet installed in various rooms of your house with a variety of corners, shapes, and other challenges, we strongly suggest paying up for professional installation.
All the money you “save” by going it alone will be wasted when your carpet looks terrible. Further, your carpet could wear faster than it should if it is not properly installed. Call for help - it is nothing to be ashamed of.
Mistake #7 - Making the Wrong Choice
This seems like an obvious mistake but people make it all the time. Think of your needs as you shop for carpet versus what you want. You must weigh all the factors rather than just walking into your flooring store and pointing to the one you want. Some things to keep in mind:
- Traffic
- Durability
- Stain-resistance
- Color (for pet hair or potential stains)
- Fade-resistance
- Mold and mildew control
There is a line in a song that says, “You can’t always get what you want…” This holds true in the world of carpeting. Sometimes, you have to choose what you need.