Lender · San Antonio, TX · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
10y
@George P. They do a good job installing carpet, but not much else. I had them install carpet and they pulled the van in the backyard and backed it on to the patio and broke a bunch of pavers and rutted up the yard. Just imagine that you are going to be hiring the cheapest guys in town to do it, because that's essentially all home depot is doing.
Real Estate Broker · Chicago, IL · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
10y
I mentioned a deal like this to my carpet guy a year or so ago. He said hd/lowes can sometimes beat him on the carpet + install initial price, but where they get you is the "Specialty Items" like tack strips and transitions that aren't included and are grossly overpriced. All my carpet jobs have been small and either wouldn't have qualified for the specials or hd couldn't get me scheduled fast enough, so I haven't actually used them to know if this is true. I'm definitely interested in hearing someone's experience on this.
Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
10y
I used them a while back and was overall pleased. They charge $99 for a measure. Installation is free for normal rooms. Stairs are additional. Also if it's 3rd floor or higher, there may be an extra fee - but admittedly, I might be confusing this with their appliance delivery.
I don't recall there being an extra cost for tack strips or anything additional (other than the staircase).
The installer did a good job. They made it easy and cheap.
The only thing I don't like about HD/Lowes installation is everything is a few levels of communication. You never actually talk to the installer until they are at your house. Any scheduling concerns, or installation issues, you talk to an operator who refers it to a manager, etc.
That's the one reason I'd often rather use a local carpet place. It's a small company who's willing to work with you, and you're one call from the store owner if needed.
Contractor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2015 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
10y
George P. I applied for a similar thing like that, being an HD installer. They actually make money on materials, but they pay the installer at certain amounts of line item bids. Their actual material cost are 20%, this is also a straight install, if you have too many corners, flight of stairs, use glue, tacks strips, floor preparation of any degree, etc, they are always extra; they rely on those factors to regain their money too. As you go there, on normal days, they will not sell you direct carpet and pad only, they know if customers know the real price of carpet, they will just buy the carpet without installation. Most of their carpet is "exclusive" for HD from the manufacturer too so you'll have issues finding the same carpet elsewhere and can't compare pricing. We can lay down carpet with 2 guys, 120 square yards minimum a day, demo and install. If you hire mediocre employees that'll cost only around $250-300 out the door in labor, most houses are only 1 day work.
Engineer · Nashville, TN · Member since 2016 · 10 posts · 5 votes
10y
Parent own a floor covering store. They're small, but can significantly beat Home Depot price every time. Usually 75% on their price or more. There's no such thing as free installation, it's a lot easier to know the costs up front. Find a good local dealer, see if you can get contractor price, 5-10% off. Contingent that you expect to bring them repeat business.
Lender · San Antonio, TX · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
10y
@George P. They do a good job installing carpet, but not much else. I had them install carpet and they pulled the van in the backyard and backed it on to the patio and broke a bunch of pavers and rutted up the yard. Just imagine that you are going to be hiring the cheapest guys in town to do it, because that's essentially all home depot is doing.
Rental Property Investor · Pawleys Island, SC · Member since 2014 · 87 posts · 17 votes
10y
I used the same offer worked out well. Only catch is it took near 3-4 weeks from measure to install due to so many people taking advantage of the offer. In the offer we had in our area, the stairs was included. Hope this helps.
Investor · Wendell, NC · Member since 2014 · 189 posts · 54 votes
10y
I know a lot of people have weighed in here, however, i wanted to say i used them and i was beyond satisfied!
They charged $39 for the measure that was credited towards the install. They scheduled my install about a week out. I completely forgot to
ask about tack strips and the transition pieces but they came prepared with everything and installed it seamlessly!
The only downside to them, and i don't know if it's typical or not, is the fact that they have to sell the carpet in rolls of 12x12. So, if your room is awkward like mine is, then you will have to pay for more carpet than you use. But they will let you keep the carpet and you can do what you please with the extras. We will use it to do a whole room in the future!
Put some photos in to give you examples, enjoy the dog, that was the only close up photo we had of a seam (you cant even see it!).
Investor · Wendell, NC · Member since 2014 · 189 posts · 54 votes
10y
@George P. Sorry I'm taking this off topic! Buttt...... She loves to rub her back on the carpet and literally run as fast as she can and slide on the carpet!
Bellevue, WA · Member since 2016 · 14 posts · 1 vote
10y
Tried Lowe's deal like this once. Obviously the real price of installation is baked into the carpet price. I got what I paid for, a cheap job. Installer complained about the peanuts he was paid.
Contractor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2015 · 4k+ posts · 1k+ votes
10y
Colton Shaw I'll never accept anything that has a seem on it, not on all my jobs. If it were me and HD puts a carpet with a visible seem, i'd call in then cancel the cc charge.