Buying new carpet? Be prepared when you go to the store.

The University of Illinois Extension Service offers these tips.

Questions For The Salesperson:

• Does the price of the carpet include padding and installation?
• If not, how much extra is the charge for padding and installation?
• Is there a guarantee or warranty on the carpet/padding/installation?
• Will the installers come out to the home to do an accurate room measurement at no charge?
• Can you borrow large samples of several different carpets to take home to analyze colors?
• Where will the seams fall? Avoid seams against the traffic direction.
• Does the price include metal stripping at the thresholds and wrapping the carpet around each stair step?
• What is the charge for removing old carpet and padding and hauling it away?
• Will it be possible to reverse carpet on stair treads and risers for extra wear?
• What is the charge (if any) for moving furniture?

Tips For Carpet Shopping:

• Select a neutral color if furniture has a distinctive pattern.
• Tweeds and medium colors show less soil.
• Patterned carpets will show less staining.
• Check the color in both store light and daylight, then at home in lamplight. Each time place carpet on the floor, not at eye level.
• Put the sample on the floor over the padding you have selected and step on it very hard. It should spring back when you lift your foot.
• Check pile density by bending back a corner of the carpet to see how much of the backing shows. The more backing seen, the less fiber to walk on and the less durable the carpet.
• Make an estimate of the amount of carpet you will need before you go to the store. Is the store's measurement similar to yours?

Before Closing The Deal, Make Sure You Have:

• A written estimate of the total price and a complete description of carpet.
• A written copy of the guarantee for the carpet, the installation and the stain resistant finish, if present.
• A sample of both the carpet and padding ordered to compare when the carpet is delivered.

Source: University of Illinois Extension Service