Is your old carpet looking tired and worn? Or maybe you're moving into a new home and need a fresh start? Either way, hiring a professional carpet installer is the best way to ensure that your new carpet is installed perfectly.

Carpet is a significant investment, so it's important to get it right. A professional installer will have the experience and expertise to measure, cut, and fit your carpet precisely, ensuring that it looks and feels its best for years to come.

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about carpet installers, including:

• What they do
• Common carpet issues
• What to consider when installing carpet
• The cost of hiring a carpet installer
• How to hire a reputable carpet installer
• Getting quotes

What does a carpet installer do?

Carpet installers are responsible for measuring, cutting, and fitting carpet in homes and businesses. They have the skills to ensure the carpet is secured to the underlay smoothly and wrinkle-free. They also work with a variety of carpet materials and styles, so they can help advise you on the right carpet fibre, pile and pattern to suit your needs.

Most common carpet issues

Here are some of the most common carpet issues:

• Fading: Carpet can fade over time, especially if it's exposed to direct sunlight. This can make your carpet look dull and dingy
• Stains: Carpet is susceptible to stains, especially from food and drinks. Spills can leave unsightly marks on your carpet, even after you clean them up
• Rips and tears: Pets and heavy furniture can rip or tear your carpet. This can create unsightly holes and gaps in your carpet
• Mildew and mould: If your carpet isn't properly dried after cleaning, it can develop mildew or mould. This can cause your carpet to smell bad and look unsightly

What to consider when installing carpet

When choosing a new carpet, it is important to consider the length of the carpet hair (pile height). Carpet pile heights can range from a few millimetres to several centimetres.

Here’s what you should know about your options:

• Short pile carpet: Durable and easy to clean, short pile carpets are a good choice for high-traffic areas, such as hallways and living rooms
• Medium pile carpet: More comfortable than short pile carpet, but not as durable. They are a good choice for bedrooms and other low-traffic areas
• Long pile carpet: The most comfortable type of carpet, but also the most difficult to clean. Long pile carpets are a good choice for formal areas, such as living rooms and dining rooms

Other factors you will need to consider when choosing a carpet, include:

• The type of carpet fibre: Carpet fibres can be made from a variety of materials, such as nylon, polyester, and wool
• The colour and pattern of the carpet: Choose a colour and pattern that complements the décor of your room

The cost of hiring a carpet installer

Carpet installers charge per square metre, typically around $35 per square metre of carpet installed. However, the installation of more delicate carpet will attract a higher fee. Other factors that may affect installation include the removal of old carpet, furniture removal, subfloor preparation, or if you’re carpeting stairs.

This installation fee excludes the cost of your carpet, which can range from $20 per square metre to as much as $200 per square metre.

Read more: How much does carpet laying cost?

How to hire a reputable local carpet installer

To find the right professional for your job, it’s important to match their specialty to your needs. Outline your project, including the size of the room to be recarpeted, whether you need help choosing a carpet, and whether you need underlay or a new subfloor installed.

Also ask:

• What do you recommend for my specific carpet installation needs?
• What types of carpet installation do you specialise in?
• What materials do you use for carpet installation?
• What is your process for installing carpet?
• How long will it take to install my carpet?

Getting quotes from carpet installers

At hipages, we recommend comparing the quotes and specialties of at least three carpet installers. Choose the one who:

• Makes you feel confident they understand your project
• Advised you on your carpet selection
• Works with your timelines and budget

Don’t forget to also check out past customer reviews on hipages as validation of your selection.

Read more: Getting quotes from carpet layers

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.