by Nicolette Montano

Created on: June 12, 2008   Last Updated: June 18, 2008

Having a pet can really determine whether or not having a carpet installed in a room is even worth the maintenance and money. If you have children, forget about it! As a home buyer, I really do look for these things and while everyone is different, having a carpet installation can decrease the value of a home. It's easy to see this when watching home flipping shows or simply getting an appraisal on your home. The truth is people do not want to worry about whether or not that grape juice will ever come out or if that funky smell in the room is from that urine stain from your dog that just won't come out!

In a recent conversation with my husband, we talked about searching for a cheap carpet steamer that was both affordable and effective. Most likely, we're considering renting a steamer ourselves but we know that there are TONS of services out there willing to do this for you. Take a glimpse on craigslist and you will note of several such services. Other ways include driving on the road hunting down vans with Stanley Steemer or browsing the Yellow Pages.

In this fast-paced world, people like to have a quick fix and a sparkling home all in one. With hardwood, tile and laminate it is very easy to clean and make a house look presentable. Carpets don't have a quick fix. Cleaning carpet takes a lot of time and money to do so. And the longer you wait the harder it is to clean.

Let's not forget about moving your furniture to another room (or outside if you plan on carpetting the whole residence) during carpet installation. That's a lot of labor involved and if this is not your cup of tea, that's another hundred dollars for the labor. With other flooring options, you will most likely just need to maneuver your furniture around the room to lay your tile, hardwood, etc.

Also, having a carpet alone increases the likelihood of an asthma attack or any other respiratory illness. As is with any clothlike substance, it sucks in dust bunnies, pet hairs, DANDER, fleas and germs in general. Vacuuming does not pick up these unwanted guests. If you can't maintain your carpet, that's another hike in your next doctor's bill.

With home sales going up (mostly foreclosures), it is definitely a buyer's market out there. The best solution to flippers when increasing the value of their home is adding tile or hardwood in the living room, not carpet. It is more modern, up-to-date and looks great also. Save the carpet for the bedrooms. Reason being you don't spend most of your time in there (if that's your thing!) and the living room is a place where guests gather, if you don't have a guest room.

Combining the maintenance and financial issues, it's clear to note that before investing in carpet installation, weigh out the pros and cons before shelling out thousands of dollars. Singles and roommates might think otherwise but if you have a family, be sure you have invested in a good steamer. Otherwise, the vacuum cleaner will become the best invention man has ever come up with.

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