Carpet Installation FAQ

Q. How do you charge?
A. There is an itemized price list I follow which gives a complete breakdown of services offered. As a contractor, it is necessary for me to be able to show what I charge for and also allow co-participation that allows a customer to eliminate some of the work and save money. Most carpet stores hide costs in the carpet, pad, and labor, not truly allowing you to see what their cost really is.

Q. Do you give estimates?
A. Yes. I will give a free phone consultation and discuss all particulars of the job. If a job requires an exact measure so material can be ordered, than a measure charge is applicable and varies depending on how many areas are being figured and the time spent diagramming the job. This charge is minimal when you consider I give you an accurate measurement with proper seam location. If only labor is being discussed, normally with asking the right question, I can be fairly accurate on cost of installation over the phone.

Q. Do you pick up material?
A. Yes. There is a minimal charge to pick up carpet and/or pad. These types of things are time consuming and a lot of warehouses or stores are busy. It takes time and gas to get materials picked up.

Q. Do you sell carpet or pad?
A. Yes. I am very competitive on both carpet and pad. I work closely with a carpet brokerage company wholesaler that orders direct from the carpet manufacturer, passing the savings along, thus eliminating the middle man (the carpet store). All goods are first quality name brands. Padding is something I always try to sell along with my labor, even if you purchase the carpet somewhere else. I can always beat any competitor's price and this allows me a little more profit margin.

Q. Do you give recommendations on what type of carpet and pad to use?
A. Yes. I have a vast knowledge of carpet and will always try to be helpful and honest in the selection of what is best suited for your needs. All pad recommendation is in accordance with manufacturer and Carpet and Rug Institute guidelines.

Q. Do you have references?
A. Yes. Most of my customers are always happy to receive a call if a referral is needed. It is difficult to keep updated reference letters since I do so many jobs. Some recent referrals are always available. I do not publicly list persons names.

Q. Do you have a license?
A. Yes. I have a required occupational license issued by Lee County. A contractor license is not issued for Carpet Installation and Repair. This is regulated by the county.

Q. What is your warranty?
A. I have a full one (1) year conditional warranty that fully covers any problems pertaining to installation. Carpet concerns or warranty issues depend on manufacturer's coverage.

Q. Do you handle all your own work, or do you have someone else you sub-contract to?
A. I personally do all my own work, ensuring a professional top quality job. I perform all my skills on every job as if it were my own home.

Q. What is the difference in your company from all the rest?
A. As in all phases of any job, everyone possess a different level of ability. I have spent my entire working career at this profession. I do only one kind of job and that is one that is the best I can do. All work is installed with premium supplies and all applications are in accordance with the Carpet and Rug Institute. This is an organization that is in compliance with all manufacturers. I keep a professionalism that includes communication, on-time service, quality work, fair pricing, and a guarantee. I've been an established business for years and word of mouth advertising has been my best tool. I pledge to do my very best if you choose me as your contractor.

Carpet Repair FAQ

Q. Why is my carpet wrinkled and what can be done about it?
A. Carpet wrinkles is the #1 repair complaint I receive. About 70% of all wall to wall carpet stretched over pad needs re-stretching at some point during the life of the carpet. Today's carpets have a polypropylene (plastic) backing referred to as "actionback". This backing has been around since the mid 1980's. There are several reasons for carpet wrinkling, but the main reason is installer error. This type of carpet backing requires being stretched 1 1/2" - 2" for every 10' - 12' in length and width. A lot of installers elect to only use a "kneekicker" which only allows half of the required tension that is needed to keep a carpet taut and in essence allowing to wear longer. Inadequate tackstrip, improper pad, dragging furniture, and improper cleaning can also be causes of wrinkling. If a carpet has inadequate stretch, the life of the carpet is reduced by as much as 30%. A loose carpet not only wears poorly, but is harder to vacuum and clean. With small children and the elderly it may cause them to actually trip on the wrinkles, possibly causing bodily harm. With the proper stretch, when walked on, the padding acts as a "shockabsorber" springing the fiber back up, thus allowing you to wear on the top of the fiber, as opposed to a loose stretched carpet that bends over and continues to be beaten down in the walk patterns causing damage to the fiber and wearing prematurely. Stretch is invisible but the most important aspect of the installation process.

Q. Can my carpet be re-stretched without removing all of my furniture?
A. Yes. If small objects and breakables are removed from the area, then furniture skids will be used to move heavier items. Anytime lightweight furniture is out of the room, it is easier to get tools and larger items moved around. Move as much as possible without straining yourself.

Q. I have an area that needs patched. Can this be repaired?
A. Yes. Depending on where the patch is, carpet age, carpet type, sun location on area - these are factors as to how much a patch will show. Most seams even in new carpet show slightly, but most of the time the patch is better than the damage.

Q. I don't have any carpet to patch with. How do I get a piece that will work?
A. The best place to get a matching piece is from a closet. Sometimes fade will be a slight factor due to age, but this is going to be the same dye lot. Then I can provide a different piece to put back in the closet. If there is no closet, a piece can be taken from under a piece of furniture that is not moved, and a different piece put in its place.

Q. How do I get an estimate?
A. Since most repairs are smaller, it's difficult to physically see each job, give a bid, and then set up another time to come back and do the work. I try and give a close estimate by phone and propose this on what information is given me. If an agreement is made, then an appointment is made to perform the work and at that time if additional work is needed to complete the job, a more accurate cost will be discussed. I am always honest and fair with what needs to be done to properly fix the problem.

Q. Should I do repairs before or after cleaning?
A. Always make repairs prior to any cleaning. Do not allow inexperienced people to attempt repairs. Most carpet cleaners do not possess the experience or have proper tools to professionally repair your carpet. Like anything, always look to the "specialist" for the best job.

Q. Should the original installation last the life of the carpet?
A. There are so many variables that cause carpet to need a "tune up" from time to time. Carpet is amazing to take the abuse it receives, but occasionally something happens and the best course of action is to take care of it as soon as possible so that the problem doesn't worsen. Repairing is cheaper than replacement.

Q. Do you handle your own work, or do you sub-contract to someone else?
A. I personally do all my own work, ensuring a professional top quality job. I perform all my skills on every job as if it were my own home.

Q. Can a flooded carpet area be saved?
A. Most often times yes. The best approach is to extract as much water as possible first, either with a wet-dry vacuum or by a professional carpet cleaner. Then have a carpet layer pull back the carpet and remove the pad that was wet. Place plastic items under carpet to raise it off the floor and place fans in the room from cross ventilation. After carpet is dry, have the carpet installer put down new pad and re-stretch the carpet. Then have the wet area professionally cleaned. Never attempt to cut carpet yourself.

Q. Can you get squeaks out of floors?
A. Yes. Most generally, on a subfloor of plywood, 9 out of 10 times a "squeak" or "pop" can be eliminated. It is necessary to pull back the carpet and pad to get to the subfloor so either wood screws or nails can be driven into the floor joists. In some cases, the "squeak" might be something different causing the problem. It is not uncommon to have these "squeaks" as a home ages, due to the wood curing or home settling.

Q. What can I do in case of a plumbing leak or a flood:
A. 

1. Be cautious to avoid hazards like electrical shock, falling on wet surfaces, and bacterial contamination.
2. Shut off the source if possible.
3. Take pictures for insurance purposes before clean up.
4. Use a submersible pump, buckets, wet-vac, squeegee, old towels, etc. to get up as much water as possible.
5. Remove anything (files, documents, pictures) that might be damaged by humidity.
6. Remove furniture which may have metallic buttons on legs or contain furniture stain that may bleed into carpet.
7. If you cannot remove some furniture, place aluminum foil or plastic beneath the parts contacting the carpet.
8. Place fans and dehumidifiers in the immediate area.
9. Arrange for emergency water extraction and fabric sanitation.
10. Call Cliff Robinson of Prestige Carpet Service at 239-274-6662 or 239-823-0927 for pad removal, thorough drying and proper reinstallation.