Carpet

When you go to buy your carpet, choose stores that specialize in this type of floor covering. Often, carpet warehouse stores will offer good carpeting at discount prices, and you will end up saving a few hundred dollars over what you would have spent at a non-specialty store. Choosing a style that is less thick than others will also save you some money, and any lost warmth can be made up with a good underlay, which is cheaper that the carpet itself. Finally, remember that your whole house does not need to have the same style of carpet throughout. Consider using a more expensive style for your main living areas, and a similar looking weave that is cheaper for less used areas such as your basement.

When it comes time for installation, you can save a lot of money by taking out your old carpet yourself. This is a very simple procedure that only involves a good knife and some delicacy in taking off the old trim. More often than not, your carpet will roll right up and the staple will pull out with it. Carpets that have been installed with the underlay glued to the floor are harder to tear out, and you will need to have some patience as the underlay must be stripped away by hand. A large putty knife works well for this messy and time consuming procedure.

Once you have installed your carpet, the key to saving money on its maintenance and adding to its longevity is proper cleaning and preventative care. You and other people in your home, as well as guests, should be encouraged to leave shoes at the door and not walk on the carpet with them. Not only will soles wear down the carpet faster, shoes will also track tiny bits of gravel and dirt onto your carpet that is almost impossible to ever fully remove. Your carpeted area should be cleaned twice a week, and the more powerful the vacuum the better. Also have your carpet cleaned professionally twice a year. Look around for the best deals, as some carpet cleaners offer much better bargains than others.