How to Buy a New Carpet

Decide which areas of your home you want to carpet.

Measure the rooms that you want to carpet.

Go to several vendors. Try both carpet-only showrooms and general home centers. Ask about installation costs unless you plan to lay the carpet yourself.

Consider the various grades of carpeting available. Are you carpeting a high-traffic location or a less frequented area of your home?

Consider your long-term needs. Is it worth paying more for carpeting that will last 10 years instead of 5? Do you expect to move or remodel within that time?

Take samples of any carpet you are considering so you can view them with your walls and furniture.

Expect carpet prices to vary considerably with quality and style. Typically sold by the square yard, carpeting can cost from $10 to $15 per square yard for basic carpet and upward of $30 per square yard for luxury carpeting (not including installation).

Make your selection after considering cost, style, color and durability.

Decide what type of padding you want under the carpeting. Often, a certain level of padding will be included in the installation price, and you will have the option to upgrade.

Have the vendor send someone to your home to measure the area to be carpeted.

Clean and empty the room before the installers arrive.

Check the carpet to make sure that it is clean and properly installed before signing an invoice.