Carpet Installation Installation is as important when buying new carpet as choosing the right size is when buying new clothes. A proper installation can add years to the life of your carpet, protect your air quality - and make a world of difference to the look of a room. For most homeowners, the biggest question will be: should I do it myself or hire a pro? The temptation to install your own carpet is often hard to resist, since professional installation can boost the overall cost of your carpet purchase by as much as 20 percent. But be warned - many homeowners have turned to professional installers only after finding themselves surrounded by a room of lump-filled, wavy carpeting that they couldn't install properly themselves. Carpet Installation Tips Even if you've hired a professional carpet installer, there's lots you can do to ensure the job goes smoothly - and with no lasting problems afterward. Advance Preparation Before the installer arrives, here are some things you can do to make the job easier: Vacuum your old carpet to minimize dust when it's removed. If you've removed the old carpet, ventilate the room and vacuum the floor thoroughly. Leave nothing hanging over the area to be carpet, such as plants or drapery. Open windows and doors to provide good ventilation. Remember, carpeting should be the LAST step in a remodeling plan. So make sure any painting, repairs or small construction jobs are completed FIRST! Before Installation Begins When the installer arrives, there's a new checklist of chores to keep in mind: Make sure the carpet is the same one you ordered at the store. Check the label and sales receipt. Ask your installer to inspect the carpet and backing for defects. Keep the label, receipt, warranty and a scrap of carpet for your records. That little scrap will come in handy if you ever want to buy more of the same style and color! Decide whether you want to keep any leftover carpet to use as doormat or for future repair jobs. After Installation Installing carpet can be a dusty, dirty job. If you have allergies or are sensitive to odors, you might want to leave while the job is being done. After the installation job is complete, here's a few things to watch for: Fibers may shed or sprout for a few days. Vacuum up the loose fibers, and clip the sprouts with a pair of sharp scissors. (Don't pull, or they'll unravel!) Trim and re-hang any doors that do not swing freely. Keep an eye out for wrinkling, and ask the installer to return and re-stretch the carpet if it doesn't stay tight and flat. Carpet Installation Methods There are three different ways to install home carpet, each of which has is best under certain circumstances. Stretch installation is the most common approach for residential situations. Carpet is placed over top of underpadding and held in place by tack strips. A knee kicker and power stretcher is used to pull the carpet tight. Stretch installation is an excellent way to ensure seams match, and it makes carpets easy to repair and remove. Stretch installation is not appropriate for rooms with moving furniture such as office chairs, or on ramps or stairs. Glue-down installation is the best way to put carpet in areas of heavy rolling traffic and on inclines. Glued carpet is affordable and prevents carpets from shifting or buckling. Perfect for office environments. Double glue-down installation involves gluing your carpet to a cushioning underpad instead of the floor. A popular choice in offices, this method adds to a carpet's durability and comfort and makes carpet removal a breeze.