Your new flooring will last for years, which is great. But...for the same reason, you probably haven't shopped for flooring in years, which makes it a little daunting.
Don't
worry. Here are the tips you need. With this information, you can
spend all your energy on the fun part: selecting your great new
floor.
What the salesperson may ask you
The more you're willing to share when asked questions like
these below, the better your flooring selection will be.
- How is the room used?
- What is the activity level of the room?
- Is there a door to the outside in the room?
- Do you have indoor pets?
- What are the room's lighting sources?
- What types of furnishings do you have?
- What's the style of the room? Traditional? Contemporary? Rustic?
- What's the feel of the room? Casual? Formal? Somewhere in between?
- Are you living with this new flooring or planning to sell your home?
- What is the size of the room?
- Will people have food in this room? Will kids play in this room? Will kids play with their food in this room?
What you should ask the salesperson
You probably shop for flooring so rarely, you shouldn't be expected
to have all the answers. But it's great to have the questions:
- Do you charge for an in-home estimate? If so, does it apply to the cost of purchase?
- Does the price include installation?
- If not, what are the charges and procedures for installation?
- What are the strengths of this particular choice versus another?
- Are there guarantees or warranties on the flooring? On the padding? On the installation?
- What features does this flooring have that makes it easy to maintain?
- Can I take a sample home to check how the flooring color will look in the room?
- What kind of padding or underlayment does this flooring require?
- How quickly will my flooring be installed after I place my order?
- If I buy an additional amount, could I minimize the number of seams in my room?
- To have fewer seams, is this carpet available in a 15-foot length?
- Who is responsible for removing and disposing of old floor coverings? Is there an additional fee for that?
Here are a few other things to know or consider before, during, and after your flooring purchase.
Before
When you go to the store, feel free to take fabric samples, pillows,
carpet cushions, or bedspreads. Don't be embarrassed to take whatever
you need to help you make the choice.
Your flooring installation shouldn't be scheduled until all your painting, wallpapering, or construction is complete. Your flooring should be the last element of your remodeling project.
Check the sample in your home, and be sure to check it during the day and at night. The lighting in the store could give you a completely different look than you'll find at home. Also, look at the sample on the floor, not just at eye level.
During
At the time of your purchase, a qualified "estimator"
will come to your home to measure exactly how much flooring you
will need. After that, make sure your cost estimates include everything,
including padding and installation.
Many estimators also determine the layout of the carpet itself. If you are interested in where the carpet seams will be, feel free to discuss it with the estimator.
Keep a complete record of your flooring purchase using the form here. You will have all the information you would ever need if you have questions for The Floor Store throughout the life of your flooring.
After
Either the night before or the morning of your installation, vacuum
the old carpet to minimize the airborne dust and particles that
removing it will cause.
Make sure you get what you ordered. Save your flooring sample, and when the installer arrives, match the sample to the new floor. Verify the color, style, and texture. If it's not what you ordered, it's easier for everyone if you catch it immediately.
After the old carpet and padding have been removed, vacuum the subfloor.
Ventilate the room well during installation--open doors, windows, and run exhaust fans.
Vacuum the newly installed carpet immediately to remove loose fibers...and to get the perfect "first glimpse" of your beautiful new floor.
Maintaining the complete record of your flooring purchase will help you if you ever have questions for your dealer or your installer.
