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How To

Order Your Carpet

The Bid Process

Carpet can be purchased one of two ways, either directly through a mill, or through a flooring contractor. In general you should be prepared with the following information regardless of whether you purchase through a mill or a flooring contractor:

  • Carpet style and color
  • The full scope of the work involved
  • Approximate square footage or square yardage requirements by product
  • The project site contact
  • What your specific role is in the product selection process
  • A general timeline for the project
  • Whether the project will be handled through a general contractor or negotiated directly through you, the building owner, or end user

The challenge in purchasing carpet is not so much in the product purchase as in the details of the service component. The process will differ depending on whether you work with a mill or with a flooring contractor.

Mill Direct:

There is an assumption when purchasing directly from a mill that the "middleman" is being eliminated, and thus costs are lower. If you choose to purchase directly from a mill be sure to find out the following:

  • Can the mill coordinate the installation and project management for you? If so what is the additional cost for this service? Is the service guaranteed? If you coordinate your own labor, can the installer you select provide you the complete details needed to complete the installation? See How To - Install Your Carpet.
  • Be sure to compare the product and service costs of purchasing mill direct, versus purchasing through a flooring contractor. Often the total price may be equivalent to or higher than the price you would have been quoted for the entire project from a professional flooring contractor.

Working with a Flooring Contractor

When you purchase carpet through a professional flooring contractor, the contractor takes care of both the product and service providing you with a complete installed package.

Selecting a Flooring Contractor

When you decide to work with a flooring contractor early in the process, you gain from having an expert on your team who can handle all the details of the installation and project management process.

Ask for referrals, check references and look for a flooring contractor who:

  • Has trained estimators with state-of-the-art equipment to do all take offs· Uses the best possible installation methods with the most efficient use of materials
  • Uses a team approach with the sales person, project manager, and installation service manager working together to assure that the installation is properly managed
  • Confirms all take offs with actual on-site measurement
  • Performs ASTM calcium chloride moisture vapor transmission testing and has solutions to problems with moisture vapor transmission
  • Can manage all aspects of product delivery and materials handling
  • Can detect visible manufacturing defects in the carpet and address them prior to beginning the installation
  • Uses trained installation craftsmen to assure that all critical installation tasks are completed
  • Uses adhesives and adhesive application systems that exceed the manufacturers specified performance requirements· Manages each step of this process to deliver the best possible installation at the most competitive cost
  • Uses lift systems for office furniture, retail and library shelving
  • Has an integrated carpet maintenance program available· Has a comprehensive service excellence process and timely resolution of customer concerns
  • Has an excellent safety record