Proper carpet installation follows several steps to deliver an attractive and long-lasting result. Below is an outline of the general process during expert carpet installation:
- Initial Inspection and Measurements - Your contractor will first assess the room where the carpet will be installed, verifying measurements to determine the amount of carpet and other materials required for the project.
- Preparation - The underlaying floor will have to be thoroughly evaluated and prepped for carpeting. This could include taking out old carpeting, padding, or debris, and examining the subfloor for any damages or irregularities that need addressing.
- Laying Down Carpet Padding - A good carpet pad or cushioning is important for comfort and maximizing the carpet's lifespan. The installer will cut and lay the padding over the prepped subfloor, ensuring it fits snugly against walls and that seams are properly sealed.
- Carpet Installation - Carpeting is then unfurled and placed over your selected padding. Your installer will straighten and secure the carpet using specialized tools to achieve a tight and wrinkle-free fit.
- Cleanup and Walkthrough - The work area is fully cleaned from debris and wasted materials. The contractor will then tour the completed project with the client, answering any questions or concerns and supply care and maintenance recommendations to help preserve the carpet's appearance and longevity.
When hiring a contractor for carpet installation, gathering pertinent information is critical to make sure you're getting the best quality and value. Examples of basic questions to ask any candidates to obtain an understanding of their ability and professionalism include:
- How long have they worked in the carpet installation business?
- Can they offer any references from previous clients or a portfolio of past projects?
- What is their general process for carpet installation, and how long do they estimate the job will take?
Consider inquiring a contractor about certifications and if they have insurance or offer guarantees on their labor for added peace of mind. Assess profiles of carpet installation contractors throughout Tacoma, WA on Thumbtack to get answers to many of these relevant concerns and more to hire with confidence.
All carpet installation contractors will prefer you have all furniture or appliances removed from the work zone before the project starts, and you might even be charged more if they need to do it themselves. You can further prepare your house by ensuring a clear pathway for contractors to enter and exit, sequestering animals and kids, and being on-hand to communicate about the project's details if needed.
It will help if you already have the square footage of the space where the carpet is to be installed so that you can get quotes from various contractors before hiring. Measure the length and width of the area and multiply the two numbers to calculate the square footage. If the space has a complex design or you're worried about making a mistake, you can give a rough estimate, and a contractor can perform a site visit to verify.
A great benefit of employing an expert to handle your carpet installation job is that you don't need to do much besides sit back and watch them bring your vision to reality. A contractor can also help you pick the carpeting material by going over their individual differences and benefits. Simply provide them a safe and open environment to operate in, and they'll handle the rest.
The cost of expert carpet installation fluctuates in Tacoma, WA, with the most significant factors being the material of carpet you purchase and labor expenses:
- Carpet Style - Carpet is available in a large selection of fibers and styles, and you'll typically pay more for high-end materials and luxurious patterns. Certain materials have special features for which homeowners will pay a premium, such as stain and moisture resistance, simple upkeep, enhanced resilience, and more. You should expect to pay around $1 to $4 per square foot on the carpeting alone.
- Padding - The padding works to enhance the longevity and comfort of any carpet you select and will usually cost around a dollar per square foot. However, you might pay significantly more if you choose high-end padding with superior density.
- Installation - Labor costs of carpet installation may vary significantly between contractors, but you can typically expect to pay around 50 cents to $1.50 per square foot. Any contractor you hire may also have a minimum price if you put carpet in a small space, or they may bill you by the hour.
Other things that might increase the overall cost of your carpet installation job include the room layout, accessibility, and if you hire a contractor during the busy season. You should compare prices by inquiring different contractors for an estimate before choosing one of the dependable pros listed on Thumbtack.