How to Evaluate a Carpet Quote
Once you have gotten a few estimates for you new carpeting and installation, it is time to evaluate each carpet quote. It is easy to immediately go with the least expensive price, and sometimes that is the best option. However, there are other things you should consider as well.
1. Labor Listed Thoroughly
Look over the carpet quote and see if it is thorough. See if it addresses all the problem areas in the room, and the special methods that need to be used for individual tasks within the job. The list need not explain the entire job in detail, but it should note aspects of the project that will affect the cost. If the quote is just a line of description, such as “carpet and installation,” and a price, it is not detailed enough to be worth much.
3. Materials Listed Accurately
Make sure the carpet quote lists the materials you have chosen in great detail. The product code should be included, along with the color and/or pattern number and name. Any installation materials you are being charged for should be listed, including padding. Tackless strips, staples and trims might be listed as one heading, and that is fine as long as that heading is understandable.
4. Warranty Information
The warranty for both materials and installation should be written right on the carpet quote sheet. A brief explanation will work here, as long as more detailed warranty information is available on request.
The quote should at least have how many years the product and labor is warranted for, and by whom.
5. Contact Information
You should be given complete contact information as a part of a good carpet quote. A phone number is really not enough. It is much better to have a physical address and even a website and email address can be helpful. When you want to reach them or find out more, you should not have to count on the installer answering the phone. He might be busy installing a carpet and not hear it.
6. Cost
Of course, cost is the primary reason most people get a carpet quote. Compare the costs of all your quotes to find the most reasonable one. If one of the quotes is unbelievably low, you have to question whether it is accurate. It is a good idea in this case to at least call the carpet contractor and ask how he is able to give you such a great quote. If his answer is valid, you may have found your answer. In any case a careful evaluation of any carpet quote makes sense.
Shawn Hickman is the Search Marketing Manager for Sears Home Improvements . If you would like more information on gettimg a Carpet Quote, visit the Flooring Services section of the Sears Home Services website or call 1-866-238-5142.