Best option to fit flooring / carpets

scarletjim

In my flat that I rent out, I'm looking to buy new carpets for the lounge, bedrooms and hallway, and vinyl for the two bathrooms. I think I've found what I want, the carpets from Carpetright and the vinyl flooring from Flooring Superstore, but before I purchase, I need to decide who to get to fit it - can anyone recommend a good way, or tell me who / what to steer clear of?

Many of the big stores say they can arrange fitting, but when you investigate it seems they just use a local tradesman - if I'm doing that, then presumably I'd be better off just researching that myself. Or is there some benefit in handing the whole thing over to them? Does anyone know if they offer competitive rates, and if so are they realistic, or do they just add lots of extras and 'problems' at the end when you get the bill?

Currently I'm thinking of using either Rated People or Check A Trade, but would welcome any other bright ideas...

Silvertabby

Many of the big stores say they can arrange fitting, but when you investigate it seems they just use a local tradesman

From my experience, it's normal for stores to use self-employed fitters - it's saves them from paying them a salary when there's no work. A decent supplier will only recommend decent fitters.

fifthofwhisky

I've used tradespeople through CarpetRight for fitting carpets and they did a very professional job. For the sake of a few Pounds why take the risk? Incidentally, I put down the gripper rods and underfelt myself so the fitter only laid the carpets.

ic

Allowing the store to co-ordinate with the fitter should make life easier when it comes to getting the carpet too - you might have to pay for delivery otherwise.

SuzieSue

There is usually a well established independent flooring shop in most towns who have own fitters. They should be able to match Carpetright's prices.

I wouldn't use a chain as you don't know what the fitters will be like. If you get your own fitters and something goes wrong Carpetright will blame your fitters and vice versa.

Icecannon

If you buy the carpet from a shop, you may find it hard to get a fitter to put it down as a lot of fitters supply carpet, they don't like fitting carpet from elsewhere (they make less money and they don't know the quality of the carpet).

I would look else where than carpet right, they are unlikely to be the cheapest, they even have a cutting charge!

@ic carpet right still charge delivery even if you get their fitter to pick it up!

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

Worth checking things like underlay online as they are pretty standard and likely much cheaper than Carpetright, same with the carpet grips.

With Carpetright I believe you pay the fitters on the day so your contract is with the fitters for the fitting aspect.

Last time we looked at Carpetright they wanted an extra £50 on top for delivery of the carpet (to their store for the fitters to collect, another way to make the headline price of the carpet cheaper and then stiff you for a bit extra).

Only advantage I can see with the big stores over online is you can go in and feel the carpet to see what it's like, if you are renting out I'd just buy everything online and find a local fitter.

scarletjim

SuzieSue wrote: »

There is usually a well established independent flooring shop in most towns who have own fitters. They should be able to match Carpetright's prices.

I wouldn't use a chain as you don't know what the fitters will be like. If you get your own fitters and something goes wrong Carpetright will blame your fitters and vice versa.

Think I'm gradually moving in this direction. On the one hand, I'd like to be able to choose my fitters, but on the other, it would be great to remove the hassle of ensuring it's delivered on the right day, fits round any corners, is all the right size etc - and it seems using a local independent may be the best way to have both...

scarletjim

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head wrote: »

Worth checking things like underlay online as they are pretty standard and likely much cheaper than Carpetright, same with the carpet grips.

Indeed - even on Amazon you can get underlay for a fraction of the price of the big boys, and with several hundred reviews recommending it...

SuzieSue

scarletjim wrote: »

Tbut on the other, it would be great to remove the hassle of ensuring it's delivered on the right day, fits round any corners, is all the right size etc - and it seems using a local independent may be the best way to have both...

I've learned the hard way that it is always best to use a one stop shop.

Yes, it can be cheaper buying online and using your own fitters and the chances are it will be fine, but if it isn't it can cause a lot of stress.