If your carpet selection contains a pattern match, the measurer will have included additional material necessary to ensure proper installation. All patterns, though some may be subtle, should be laid out to match in doorways and at all seams for best results.
Pad, or cushion, can significantly improve the longevity of your new carpet. Be sure to know the manufacturer recommendations for the type and thickness of pad you should provide under the new carpet so as not to void your warranty.
Occasionally, depending on the height of the new carpet and pad, you may encounter difficulty opening and closing doors after the installation is complete. Typically, the installer will not rehang these doors and you can arrange to have them cut down accordingly.
Proper placement and finishing of seams is critical to the performance of your carpet. Seams, when not well constructed, and subjected to normal wear and tear, may separate, discolor and/or "peak" thereby causing them to be much more visible. While no seam is invisible, one that is done correctly looks and performs best.
Another key to the longevity of your carpet is in the proper stretching of the material over the surface of the subfloor. Power stretching, using the proper equipment, is essential. When your material is not stretched incorrectly, over time you may experience bubbling, or ripples, in your carpet. Proper stretching is dictated by the industry and required by most manufacturers for the warranty to be in effect.
Once the installation has been completed, vacuuming of the new floor will help remove excess fibers that may be visible. Note that some types of carpet fibers will continue to "shed" for some time after installation. Consult your sales associate or manufacturer information for more details. Regular vacuuming is critical to the long-term beauty of your new carpet. Most carpet will get "ugly" before it actually wears out. Industry and manufacturer recommendations for maintenance should be adhered to for warranty compliance and overall satisfaction.