Though we often ignore it, flooring is a major part of our everyday lives. We’re pretty much in contact with it every moment we’re indoors. So when your carpet needs to be replaced, here are some helpful tips!:

Signs your Carpet Needs to be Replaced

Sometimes, all a dingy carpet needs is to a nice strong power-cleaning. But there are signs that you should just give up on the floor beneath your feet and opt for an upgrade:

• You just had your carpet professionally cleaned, and it still smells like cat pee, old coffee, or something unidentifiable.
• Every time you walk through a doorway, you trip over the carpet that’s no longer attached to the ground.
• You notice no difference in foot comfort when walking on your carpet and walking in your garage. Actually, the garage floor might be more pleasant.
• Your carpet is older than your kids, who now have kids and carpet of their own.

Good Times to Replace your Carpet

Having your carpet replaced is a big project. You have to choose a company, pick out the flooring you want, and then get your house ready for the installation-meaning all the furniture will have to be moved. It’s a big task, and there are definitely some optimal times to complete it.

• After your kids become less accident prone. If you have a toddler, there’s no point getting your carpet replaced. Children spill, tear, and otherwise abuse the floor no matter how new and pretty it is. Once your kids are older, it will be easier to get them to respect the investment your put into carpet replacement. This way, you won’t have to get new carpet every two years.
• After your pets are housetrained. Accidents happen, but if you have a puppy or kitten, wait til they’ve learned where to do their business and that scratching the carpets and couches is not okay. Likewise, after you get a new carpet, you might want to refrain from bringing untrained animals into your home.
• When the weather is nice. If a lot of furniture needs to be moved, you’ll appreciate the space that outside has to offer. This isn’t really an option if it’s the middle of hurricane season or there’s a snow-storm going on. Conversely, the carpet installers will appreciate not having to break their backs on a super-hot day.

Finding the best deal

There are a lot of things to consider when you’re deciding on new carpet. You want something that is durable, while also matching your design preferences. You might have limited days that you’re available for contractors to work, or a deadline by which you want the carpet installed. All of these factor into who you will choose. But how do you find these companies in the first place?

• Word of Mouth: Ask your friends and family who they’ve had good experience with in the area. When people are unhappy with service, they’ll let others know. People you know are probably the most reliable way to get honest reviews.
• Get Estimates: Not only will getting estimates from several companies help you figure out your budget, but it will also enable you to get a preview of what each company is like to work with. You can get local carpet estimates for free at websites with a strict vendor review process.

New carpet is a big commitment and investment, but with the right considerations and planning, you can replace your worn-down, torn-up, smelly floor in no time. And when your feet are happier, the rest of you will be too.

Thomas Greeley writes about home renovations, real estate, and home design. He has never lived in the same place for more than five years, and plans to continue this trend so that he can experience even more cultures, people, and scenic views.