This is a short summary of the various places you can go to purchase carpet.
Factory Outlet:
It is a direct factory outlet you could well be getting a good bargain except not too many REAL factory outlets exist (regardless of what they call themselves) because there really aren’t a ton of factories that make carpet.
Home Fix It Center:
Many building supply places carry carpet on the roll and can offer roll pricing like any other carpet store. There is difficulty to do a price comparison between stores because most places have their own in-store ‘names’ for carpeting. Same as mattresses (if you have ever tried to comparison shop mattresses). Best thing to do is take as complete notes as you can, ounce weight, fibre style, stain resistant treatment, backing, and fibre type.
If you do decide to get an estimate ensure its free (most carpet stores will offer free estimates) and ensure the place you are buying your carpet from is also guaranteeing the installation. There are several things that can go wrong with an installation and separately there are sometimes manufactures defects. You don’t want to be in a position where the carpet supplier says its a problem with the installation and the installer says its a problem with the carpet. Buy from the company that guarantees it all.
The Carpet Beggar:
Here’s a freelance opportunist that has ‘end of roll’ pieces in a back of a truck or is selling it in the local directory or newspaper for really, really cheap prices. Worst case the carpet is used. Some of these people are great and will give you a nice carpet for a great deal. But if you need more than a 10×12 room its possible they won’t be able to match up dye lots so the bedroom won’t match the hall. And that’s OK if it doesn’t matter to you.
Family Owned Carpet Store:
Here is a person or persons who have put their lives into making their neighbours happy. Best way to check them out is to ask the people who have been their customers before you. A store like this doesn’t last long if they don’t have a legacy of satisfied customers. They will make sure you know everything you need to know to ensure a quality carpet that suits your needs and will be backed by the fullest warranty.
Because they have a stake in their community where you live they likely do not charge for an estimate, they take responsibility for their installers and fully back the product they sell. You never have to go far for their service and you will find professional and excellent old-fashion service from thought to finish.
Specialty Flooring Stores.
These guys have a huge stock to choose from. This means they have to pay for a large retail space plus employees, and electricity and warehousing and on and on. Again, shop carefully because the bigger the company does not necessarily mean the bigger the deal.
Buying Carpet Online:
There are some places you can purchase direct from a website. Just make sure you know exactly what you want to purchase – type, style, ounce weight etc. Plus if they are not recommending an installer in your area, the likelihood is your carpet may be void of all warranties. If you do choose to purchase carpet online make sure you cover all your bases.
Shop at home:
This is a combination of shopping online and shopping in-store PLUS you can often get factory direct pricing. This is where you can call someone to come to your home with carpet samples. The advantages to this is you get to see what the different styles and colors look like up against your own furniture and home decor as well as under the natural lighting of your home.
Often in-store lighting alters the actual colour of carpeting. The shop at home carpet guy will have a selection of carpet for you to look at and feel and all the carpet is best pricing. The reason for this is there is little to no overhead for a shop at home style carpet company. Make inquires though as there is potential that a shop at home company could possibly be a carpet beggar or a back door to a large specialty flooring store.
For more information for the best places to buy carpet in Burlington Ontario call The Carpet Guys at (905) 802-4791
