How to Choose the Right Carpet

Jan. 3, 2011 - PRLog -- Homeowners today are more worried about the impact of a carpet purchase on their wallet than on their home decor. The cost to carpet even a modest sized bedroom today can quickly rise to $1,000 or more when including the cost of the carpet, padding and installation.

While there are many smart ways to save money when buying carpet, consumers often mistakenly try to save money the wrong way, says Alan Fletcher, who has more than 30 years experience in the carpet business, and the author of "The 2011 Complete Carpet Buying Guide."

Consumers frequently ask Fletcher for carpet buying advice through his website at Http://www.AbcCarpets.com. From verifying a carpet measure to how much a good quality carpet should cost, consumers turn to Fletcher for honest answers.

One of the most common ways consumers try to save money is by buying from carpet dealers who have rolls of carpet on display, or "in stock" carpet. According to Fletcher, often these rolls may be factory seconds and may have inconsistent coloring or other unknown defects. The carpet manufacturer may not provide a warranty for the carpet, although the retailer may still offer a limited warranty, Fletcher says.

"My advice here is to be very cautious when buying carpet off the showroom floor," Fletcher said. "You should have them roll it out for you so you can inspect it, and be sure to get a written guarantee that will cover any unseen defects, even if they are discovered after it has been installed."

When discussing the carpet warranty, ask if it will include coverage for any additional installation and furniture moving costs, Fletcher suggests. Ordering carpet from a carpet sample will insure you receive "first-quality" goods and a manufacturer's warranty to cover defects, wear and stain resistance.

Brette Sember learned the hard way when shopping for carpet not knowing what to ask about the warranty and to get it in writing. Sember bought stain resistant carpet for her home’s stairs, hallway and bedroom. One of the reasons Sember became sold on the carpet was its warranty. It was only after the carpet became matted down that she learned the warranty didn’t apply to carpet used on stairs.

More than a year later, Sember is not completely pleased with her purchase. The mother of two says she is happy with the stain-resistance but the hallway and stairs are taking a beating.

"Homeowners know to look for carpets that offer a high level of stain resistance," Fletcher said, "But knowing what grade of carpet to buy is just as important if you want your new carpet to last a long time."

To save the most money, Fletcher suggests carpet buyers should comparison shop. "Don’t be afraid to take carpet samples from one store into another store to compare price and quality" Fletcher said.

"If you intend on staying in your home for many years to come, then I suggest you invest in the best carpet you can afford," recommends Fletcher. "Nylon carpet is often the best buy, even though it may be a bit more expensive than other choices like polyester (P.E.T.) or olefin (polypropylene)." There are several new fiber options worth considering and I discuss them all on my website."

With proper care, a good quality nylon carpet can last 10 to 30 years or more, making it well worth its cost of $20 to $60 per yard, Fletcher said. "You have to be realistic about the level of foot traffic you have in your home and choose a carpet that is designed to tolerate it"

"If you have young children or active pets, it may be wise to use a less expensive carpet in the rooms where they spend the most time and plan to replace it more often," Fletcher said.

Padding plays a major role in the longevity and durability of your new carpet. Selecting a pad of the wrong quality or thickness could result in voiding the manufacturer’s warranty and possibly shorten the lifespan of your new carpet.

To learn more insider tips and tricks on how to buy carpet wisely, visit Fletcher’s web site at: Http://www.AbcCarpets.com. His ebook, "The 2011 Complete Carpet Buying Guide" is available for instant download on his website or for your kindle at Amazon.com.