- 1). You may want to stay away from carpets with dark colors (think dark brown or dark blue), primarily because they will show their wear quicker, and can fade at a much faster rate than lighter-colored carpets. This holds especially true in rooms that allow for a lot of sunlight.
- 2). Make sure that you don't select a carpet that has a high pile (shag, plush, etc.), because these types of carpets are dirt magnets, and are much more difficult to keep clean. They will also show signs of wear quicker, especially in rooms that have frequent foot traffic.
- 3). Not only is the pile of the carpet important, but also the actual composition of the fibers. A good quality carpet fiber is essential to its longevity, and you will find that carpets with low-quality fibers can dry up and become brittle over time, to where the carpet looks like it's "shedding".
- 4). Make sure to get sample swatches of carpet from your local home improvement store, and actually lay the swatches down in the room that you're going to be installing the carpet. It's always good to see first-hand how the carpet actually looks within the context of the entire room.
- 5). It's never a good idea to install carpet in bathrooms or kitchens. These areas are much more subject to water damage and dirt. Offer the option of placing small, washable rugs in those areas, and opt for tile or linoleum flooring instead.
- 6). When it's time to install the carpet, make the investment and hire professional carpet installers. It is a nightmare to deal with incorrectly installed carpet; it can accelerate the rate of wear and tear, and can actually end up causing a safety hazard if the carpet begins to get uneven or lumpy. The last thing you want is a lawsuit from a tenant who tripped and fell due to poorly installed carpet!
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