At Baker Bros., the place “Where Fashion Meets Flooring,” we have a
reputation for always being there.
A history of helping customers through all the steps involved in shopping for and
buying carpet.
With us you never go it alone. And we have over 60 years of customer relationships
to underscore that fact.
We also believe our support, and presence, doesn’t end at our showroom doors.
It continues all the way through installation, and well after.
But the topic here is installation. And it’s another flooring area where we
shine like few others.
We handle hundreds of flooring installations every week. Week in and week out. The
fact is, nobody knows or does installations better.
That’s why, when it comes to installing your carpet, Baker Bros. offers you…
More answers per square foot.
All the answers you need to be knowledgeable and prepared for the big day when new
carpeting will transform your home.
Being ready for the installation of your carpet will make the entire process go
faster and more efficiently.
Knowing what to expect and being prepared will also be a lot less stressful on you,
your family and your home.
So check out the information below, be flexible and anticipate, then look forward
with confidence to the day your new carpet comes home.
It goes without saying, go with the pros.
Carpet installation is a skill that is developed through years of experience, so
using our professional installers is just plain smart.
Also, understanding the basics of carpet installation will increase your knowledge
of the process and enhance your confidence in the professionals working in your
home. Some of these basics follow.
Baker Bros. installers use a seaming diagram as their “blueprint”.
This shows the overall layout of the carpet, the correct placement of seams and
transitions, and assists them in the preparation and cutting of the carpet.
Our professionals know the fine art of seaming.
While seams are inevitable, our professionals excel at minimizing and hiding seams.
They call on years of experience and tried and true industry methods.
Case in point: they’ll insure seams are placed away from areas subjected to
pivoting traffic, and not run seams perpendicular to doorway openings.
You should keep in mind that, occasionally, additional carpet must be ordered to
better match patterns at the seams, which will add to the cost.
We do our very best to insure a smooth transition.
When two different flooring products meet – say, carpeting and a hardwood floor
– it’s called a transition.
Our professional installers will try to match the surface heights of various flooring
products to minimize transitions.
It is a good idea to review this with them prior to the installation.
What to know and do before installation day
Relocate your furniture.
Remove all furniture and other objects and materials from the areas to be carpeted.
Before moving, you’ll also need to empty the contents of china cabinets, closets
and the like.
Remember that our professional carpet installers are not professional movers.
They will assist in every way possible, but larger pieces, such as pianos, large
hutches and entertainment centers will be the customer’s responsibility to
move.
What’s to be done with your present floor covering?
Please consider how your old floor covering will be taken up and disposed of. This
can be a time consuming and messy task.
We will be happy to discuss removal options with you.
If you prefer to remove your present floor covering yourself, do it at least one
day prior to installation to allow for cleanup and floor preparation.
If removing old carpet, please leave tack strips in place and pull the staples out
of the floor from the original pad.
Now turn your attention to the trim.
Please note that in rare cases, moldings and baseboards need to be removed
for carpet installation.
Our installers will do this for an additional charge but will not be responsible
for damage or breakage due to dry or brittle wood.
Painted baseboards, woodwork and paint may need retouching after the installation
is complete. If necessary, this is your responsibility.
Get expert council on your sub flooring.
While typically not necessary for carpet installations, your existing sub floor
may need to be prepared to receive the carpet, or a new sub floor may be required.
This is a job best left to the professionals and, again, we can help you with these
decisions.
Include a door plan in your preparation.
When carpeting is installed, there’s always the possibility that the doors, especially
closet doors, basement and bedroom doors, may not clear the new carpet and swing
free.
Our installers may remove doors in order to install the carpet and re-hang them.
If there is a clearance issue you may want to arrange for a qualified carpenter
to shave or cut down your door(s) after the installation of your new carpet.
Don’t let clean-up be a toss-up.
Installing new carpet will produce waste. These materials will be collected and
disposed of by our installers.
What to know and do during installation day
On installation day be home and handy.
Be prepared to be at home the day of installation and be available in case our installation
crew has questions.
Your presence will insure that the correct carpet is installed in the right areas.
Because it is difficult to estimate the length and circumstances of each job, we
may not be able to give you an exact time of arrival but we will provide a time
frame.
Your family is our concern.
Our installers will use a variety of tools and techniques that can make the work
area hazardous.
Please make sure that your children and pets are kept out of the work area on installation
day.
Follow through with a walk-thru.
We recommend that, prior to the completion of the installation; you walk thru the
job with our installation team.
This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and be clear on any final details..
What to know and do after installation day
Prepare for a healthy environment.
If you are sensitive to odors, good ventilation should be established. Some of the
chemicals used in the construction of carpet, as well as the adhesives or hot melt
seaming tapes, can have an odor for as long as 48 to 72 hours after installation.
So be prepared to provide the room with adequate ventilation.
Address post-installation issues.
Shedding is a natural part of a new carpet. Frequent vacuuming for the first few
days should remove any loose fibers from the carpet’s surface.
Sprouting refers to small tufts or loops of carpet that become visible after the
installation.
Use a small pair of scissors to carefully trim the loose fibers flush with the surface
of the carpet.
Finally, if wrinkles or ripples appear in the carpet, it may be necessary to re-stretch
the carpet. Please contact us to have this done professionally.
Being prepared is the result of being informed.
We want you to be as well prepared as possible for the installation of your new
carpet.
To that end we’ve assembled the most knowledgeable sales people and the most experienced
installers to provide you with solid information, reliable resources and proven
solutions.
Since 1945, Baker Bros. has helped thousands of customers prepare for carpet installation
day by offering them…
More answers per square foot.