Allan and Sons

If you are buying carpet, please follow the general advice below;
1. Consider the room it is for – and how much wear it will receive. A hall, stairs and landing, for example, will need a heavier wearing carpet than a bedroom.
2. Are there any particular fabrics or existing décor to be matched? What are your future decorating plans? Remember to choose the carpet first and install it last!
3. Do you want a plain carpet, patterned carpet, one with texture or a border? You have a large choice so experiment with colour and design.
4. How long do you reasonably expect your new carpet to last? Is it a ‘quick fix’ or a long term purchase?
5. How much do you want to spend? Don’t forget to include the cost of fitting and underlay and other materials.
Having answered these questions, you are ready to buy. When you do, always remember to:
6. Get your room professionally measured. Doing it yourself, you could order too much or too little.
7. Ask your retailer for a sample to take back home to see in your own environment and in your own natural light.
8. Buy new underlay. It will prolong the life of your new carpet by up to 40 per cent as well as giving added comfort.
9. Always have your carpet fitted professionally and always use a reputable retailer like a Registered Specialist who operates under a Consumer Code of Practice approved by the Office of Fair Trading. Keep any surplus carpet – you never know when it will come in handy!
10. Buy the best carpet you can afford. As with everything else, you get what you pay for and carpet is no exception.
You should expect to pay from £20m² plus underlay and fitting for a good quality carpet.

Here are some common-sense tips on how you can protect your interests when buying the carpet you have selected.
1. Beware Offers of Generous Discounts
Some retailers inflate the "normal selling price" so that their discounts appear more generous than they really are.
2. Obtain a Written Quotation
Before you place the order (especially if you are asked to leave a deposit!)
3. Make Sure Your Deposit is Protected
By using a retailer with a deposit protection scheme or paying it by a credit card.
4. Beware Hidden Charges
That are added on without explanation e.g. delivery charges, waste removal, furniture moving etc.
5. Ask About Cancellation Rights
Which might apply should your circumstances change.
6. What Happens if Things Go Wrong?
Make sure the retailer will sort things our on your behalf. Is there a procedure for dealing with complaints e.g. Conciliation and low-cost Arbitration?
7. If you buy carpet with known minor defects i.e. 'seconds' What are your product liability rights?
8. Pay by Credit Card wherever possible!