My only experience with carpet installation is a small sun room I did years back. Simple rectangular room, tack strips around the perimeter, padding, installed a low nap berber, installed baseboards. Has lasted a long time and was pleased with my DIY success. Anything more I'll let to the pro's.

So a few dumb questions on how the pro's do a much larger area and wall to wall.

) Do they precut the carpet to avoid banging up the walls during installation?
) Would I plan on painting the walls after installation?
) Baseboard installed before or after carpet installation?
) What is the typical carpet width and how are long rolls handled? Bent to fit in rooms?

If I decide to go with carpet during my remodel I'll have a lot more questions! I have a local flooring store I would use instead of a big box store but still would want to know the 'right' way to do an install.

 

Normally they rough cut the carpet before bringing it in but the final cut/trim is always done during the install. It's best to do the painting first although there may be some touch up afterwards. Normally the base goes in first raised enough for the carpet to be tucked under although many diyers install the base after the carpet is installed. Carpet comes in 12' and 15' widths.

I'm a painter not a carpet guy - we have some pro carpet guys and they'll probably chime in later.

 

Do they precut the carpet to avoid banging up the walls during installation?
It is cut to approx room size then trimmed

Would I plan on painting the walls after installation?
There will be some scuffing

Baseboard installed before or after carpet installation?
Before

What is the typical carpet width and how are long rolls handled? Bent to fit in rooms?
Typ 12' to 15', depends on the manufacturer. Length is dependent on weight, they have to man handle them!

 

Since carpet depths vary I would put the baseboards on after install.

If you have scuffs on the walls take a piece of carpet scrap and using the pile side lightly rub the scuff. Often it will disappear.

 

Actually, the base is supposed to go on first with no gap at the bottom. That is the way tack strip was designed to be used with it. Most contractors just do it wrong.Tack strip angles in on the outside edge to lock the carpet down. When you raise the base you defeat that purpose.

 

Thanks all, I appreciate the help.