Carpet Source USA does not install floor covering nor do we contract with anyone who does. If we provides phone numbers for local installers it is solely the responsibility of the consumer to verify references and any insurance issues. Since we are not in your home or business actually measuring for floor covering, we can only provide an estimate based on your measurements. Floor covering should only be ordered in the quantity your installer has determined. Responsibility for shortages and consequential damages caused by shortages lies with the consumer. Pattern repeats that are necessary in some floor coverings should be determined by the installer before ordering.

Although most installers will remove furnishings from the room, you should remove all breakable items--like vases, lamps, collectibles, and dishes--before the installer arrives. You should detach wiring from TVs, VCRs, stereos, and computers. You should also clear desktops, tabletops, and bookshelves.

The complimentary removal of furniture is often limited to those items that two men can easily handle. There may be an additional fee for large, cumbersome items, including pianos, pool tables, aquariums, and oversized furniture.

Some doors may need trimming to accommodate the thickness of your new flooring. Doors that do not open and close properly due to the new floor may be removed during installation, and it will be up to you to have the doors cut and re-hung.

It may be necessary to remove moldings and reattach them during installation. Because some moldings, particularly quarter round, are fragile, breakage could occur. If it does, you will be responsible for replacing them. Scratches or nicks to baseboards are also a possibility, and you will be responsible for the touchups. Shaw's revolutionary soft carpet backing, SoftBac, virtually eliminates damage to walls and baseboards during installation. To learn more about it, click here.

Professional installers aren't typically skilled in plumbing or electrical work. They will remove appliances from the room to install your flooring under or around them, but they do not typically disconnect or reconnect gas, water, or direct-wired appliances. Most installers also won't disconnect computer systems.

All sheets, blankets, and spreads should be removed from beds before the installers arrive. All items from the tops of dressers and from closet floors should also be cleared.

All floor coverings need to be installed over a structurally sound and properly installed subfloor. Any wood that has been damaged by insects, water, or other factors should be repaired prior to carpet installation.

The removal of existing carpet on the day of installation is typically a part of an installer's service, but you should ask to make sure. Hauling the old carpet and padding away may require an additional fee.

Installers provide the know-how, the equipment, and the muscle; you provide the power. Installers will need to use your power for their electrical tools, and they will typically use such areas as porches or patios to store equipment.

Either the night before or the morning of your installation, vacuum the old carpet to minimize the airborne dust and particles that removing it will cause.

Also vacuum the subfloor after the old flooring and padding have been removed and before the new floor is installed.

Ventilate the room well by opening doors and windows and running exhaust fans.