Education

Estimating, Fitting & Accessories

Once you have decided upon the flooring you like you are well advised to have it professionally fitted. Before this you should obtain an estimate of the cost.

Estimates

An estimate is more accurate when your carpet supplier visits the location to measure the room and to assess the situation and the time it would take to lay the carpet.

The National Institute of Carpet and Floorlayers train all their members to exacting standards the highest of which is "Master Fitter".

When you receive an estimate ensure that it includes:

• Advice on appropriate underlay - including pads on stair treads and risers.
• Extra work such as clearing the room, easing the doors, type of fixing accessories, door plates and stair nosings if required.
• Removing carpet and underlay waste.

Check which method of fixing is recommended by your supplier. Options include, tackless fitting, tacked down, rings and pins and stick down.

Remember, the total cost of any job is what matters. Offers such as free underlay, free fitting and other inducements are sometimes negated by the cost per unit of the carpet.

Some carpets are wasteful if fitted in some rooms due to the fixed widths that carpets are usually made. However, there are carpet ranges that are produced in several widths, which reduces the waste carpet.

Fitting

When your carpet has been fitted inspect it with the fitter and check for any loose edges and that it is stretched sufficiently.

For the most intricate fitting jobs, especially matching design repeats and complicated border work, insist upon a fully qualified fitter.

Accessories

There is a wide range of underlays, felt, door plates and stair rods.