Installing carpet in Denver is an exciting time for any Mile High homeowner. Carpet improves the look of a home, the feel of the floors, reduces noise from foot traffic (a big plus if you've got kids or multi-story homes), and it just feels good underfoot, especially on cold days in the midst of a Rocky Mountain winter. As with any home improvement, however, the decision to install carpet, or more succinctly, deciding who should do it, rarely fills homeowners with so much joy. Your options for carpet installation in Denver are threefold. You can do it yourself, use the installation services of the retailer you purchased your carpet from, or purchase your carpet separately and have an independent carpet installer put your carpet in for you. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option? Read on.
Denver Carpet Installation for the Average Homeowner
If you're a proven home handyman, have any experience working with carpet, or are just looking to keep costs as low as possible, you can certainly install carpet on your own. Don't make the mistake of thinking this is as easy as rolling out your new carpet and hammering it onto some tackless strips, however. There's a reason most homeowners choose to hire this job out to the pros. You'll need to follow precise installation procedures, and learn how to use everything from a knee kicker to a power carpet stretcher.
The Benefits: Saving money. Carpet installation can cost as much as $5 to $10 per square yard, which can add up quickly if you're carpeting an entire home.
The Downside: Hidden costs (equipment rental, gas for runs to the hardware store, etc.), lost time, and poorly installed carpet. As for the latter, you probably won't notice it right away, but if you don't stretch and attach your carpet properly, you'll be calling in a repairman to re-stretch and attach it again just a few years down the road.
Denver Carpet Installation: One-Stop Shopping
A second option is taking advantage of the installation services offered by the carpet retailer you purchase your carpet from, if they offer it. Most large carpet retailers keep a small army of carpet installers in their employ, and there's certainly nothing wrong with taking care of the entire business, from purchasing through installation, with one easy stop at the carpet warehouse.
The Benefits: One-stop shopping. It doesn't get any easier than this.
The Downside: Carpet retailers don't always offer the best rates when it comes to installing carpets, and while it's not unheard of to have carpet installation thrown into the deal if you purchase a luxury line of carpet, the bargain bin rarely comes with such generous offers.
Denver Carpet Installation: Hiring a Professional Carpet Installer
Purchasing your carpets and installation services separately is more work for the homeowner (with the exception of doing it yourself, of course), but it can save you money in the end. If you're into shopping around in order to get the best deal possible on your carpet, you'll often find the best rates at retailers that don't offer installation, or who charge higher installation prices than you can find by shopping around for an independent contractor. In addition to that, finding a company that installs carpet as their specialty often results in a hire that takes a little more pride in their work than a large carpet retailer where the installation division is second fiddle to sales.
The Benefits: Purchasing carpets and installation services separately can save you money, and if you're careful about who you hire, the installation can be superior, as well.
The Downside: It requires more of the homeowner. Not only will you need to shop around for carpet to make this strategy pay off, but you'll want to get bids on installation from at least three contractors, and check references to ensure you'll get the service you deserve.
Final Thoughts
In keeping things short, deciding which route to take hinges on two things: budget and time. If money is no option for you, then this is an easy call. If you're like the rest of us, it's important to find a balance between time spent and money saved, and more often than not, taking the middle ground and hiring an independent installer to do the job for you is as good a compromise as any.
Matt Goering, formerly a carpenter and house painter, is a freelance writer for the home improvement industry who has published over 600 articles.
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