The Essential Carpet Installation Checklist for Homeowners

Professional installation is a must

Putting carpet in your home correctly will help your home to look its best and ensure that you get the most use from your new flooring.

It is important that all carpet is professionally installed in accordance with the Carpet and Rug Institute’s CRI 105 Carpet Installation Standard for Residential Carpet and the recommendations set out in the Godfrey Hirst Carpet Care Tips.

What else should I consider?

• Yes, you have enough carpet for your rooms and hallways, but do you need a bit more? We recommend that you keep the future in mind and purchase some extra carpet to update area such as stairs and any heavily trafficked or damaged areas in the years to come. You can also keep left over carpet to make into mats.
• Don't forget the underlay. Carpet should be installed on underlay that is compatible with the quality and use of your new carpet. 

Preparing your home

Prepare your living space accordingly when it's time for the carpet to arrive.

• Make sure you have arranged the pickup and disposal of your old carpet.
• You'll also need to move your furniture out of the way to allow the new carpet to be installed.
• Ensure that you can provide the easiest access for your carpet delivery.
• If the outside area is muddy, it's a great idea to provide an area for cleaning dirty shoes
• If you are laying carpet in a new house, check that it is ready to go - i.e. the power is on, the floor is clean, painted surfaces are dry, tiling is complete etc.

Installing the carpet

The big day is here. The carpet has arrived, and it’s ready to transform your home. How do you make sure it is installed correctly?

1. Check the underlay, trims, color and style are what you have purchased. No point getting it all installed correctly if it’s the wrong carpet!
2. Now for the skills and artistry of the carpet installer. They should do the following:

• All carpets should be power stretched, otherwise bubbling and wrinkling will occur.
• Seam adhesive must be used for all seams.
• Carpet pile should run in the same direction throughout the house, sweeping towards the main entrance.
• Generally, seams should run in the same direction as most foot traffic.
• On stairways the pile should sweep down.
• Extra, hidden carpet should be folded back at the top and bottom of stairs so that as the edges of the tread are worn, the carpet can be moved to hide the wear.

1. The carpet installation has been completed, and, at first glance, it looks great. You need to check it over though, just to be sure. Before the installer leaves your property inspect the laid carpet for faults and check that no damage has been caused during installation.

After laying

• After your carpet is laid, vacuum lightly and frequently in the first week to remove surface lint, dust, and fluff.
• Accessorize to get the look you desire and enjoy your fantastic floor covering!