While do-it-yourself home improvement projects are increasingly popular, installing carpet is a specialized skill. At Mohawk, we recommend finding a professional installation team to make sure your new carpet is expertly installed so you'll be satisfied with it for years to come. Once you find a professional installer, there are a few ways to prepare for your new carpet's arrival.

When you purchase your new carpet, ask your flooring retailer if they have professional carpet installers on staff. If not, ask them to recommend an independent installer for your area. In most cases, the retailer will handle all the details of arranging the installation.

Be sure to ask about additional fees or carpet installation costs for things like old flooring removal and disposal, and moving larger furniture pieces.

Aside from moving furniture, you can make sure things go smoothly on installation day by taking care of the following beforehand:

• Remove all breakable items, like vases, lamps, collectibles, and heirlooms.
• Detach and store wiring from TVs, VCR/DVD players, stereos, and computers.
• Clear desktops, tabletops, bookshelves, tops of dressers, and closet floors.
• Remove all sheets, blankets and bedspreads from beds.
• Before the installers arrive, vacuum the old carpet thoroughly to minimize the airborne dust and particles

Your professional installers will arrive with the knowledge, tools, and supplies to lay your new carpet. They'll need access to electrical power outlets and an area to store their electrical tools, so be prepared to help them set up.

After the old flooring and carpet cushion have been pulled up, vacuum the subfloor before the new carpet is installed to minimize dirt and dust. Keep in mind that your new floor coverings need to be installed over a structurally sound subfloor. Any damage from insects, water, or other problems should be repaired prior to carpet installation.

In the months following installation, you may notice some shedding or sprouting. This is normal and won't affect the carpet's appearance or longevity in any way. Shedding is when loose fibers become undone from carpets made with staple.

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