Carpet installation mistake - am I being unreasonable?

[Anonymous]

We paid about 3k to replace our bedroom carpet with this: http://kanecarpet.com/product-view-all.php?category=6&page=68&id=4583.

The installers didn't ask before installing and installed in the wrong direction, with the length of the diamonds crossing the short width of the room, instead of the length. Because the carpet was already cut, they needed to order a bit more carpet in order to switch the direction of the pattern. It was supposed to cost around $300 extra.

Three weeks later, after calling to see what was taking so long, the guy told me that the company couldn't guarantee the colors would match on the new carpet since it was from a new roll, and we needed to re-purchase the carpet for the entire room so that the colors are consistent. Which will cost another 3k.

Is it unreasonable to think that the carpet company should cover at least half of the additional cost? I'm incredibly annoyed not just that it's costing us money, but also that three weeks have passed without us being able to use the room. And now probably several more since the carpet order was only now put it.

[Anonymous]

I would just live with it going the other way or with the colors being inconsistent.

[Anonymous]

I would expect them to absorb the extra cost.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would expect them to absorb the extra cost.

This. It is there error. They pay.

[Anonymous]

They didn't ask but you also didn't tell them. How is it only their fault?

[Anonymous]

Your comment that the carpet was installed in the wrong direction is a preference that was not stated by you, so "wrong direction" is not really accurate.

I'm not sure you can have them pay the entire cost, as you would if it was a true error.

I would offer to split the cost and hope my generosity and understanding promoted them to be reasonable as well

[Anonymous]

Well, dye lots change and just about every carpet company communicates this. So it's not their fault if the "same" color isn't the same.

It sounds to me like you never thought to specify a direction and when you changed your mind they obliged with free labor. That's on you. If the dye lots don't match anymore you should deal with it, risk it, pay the $3k, or pay them the labor to switch it back to the "wrong" direction again. I don't think it's fair to call it "wrong" when you never specified- they were probably trying to save you money by choosing a direction the required less material. They're not designers so you have to tell them what you want...upfront.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They didn't ask but you also didn't tell them. How is it only their fault?

This is where I fall, too. I'd either live with it or split the cost 60/40 with them paying more because they should've realized something was up when the precut carpet didn't fit, like maybe they should turn it.

[Anonymous]

This type of design decision needs to be specified at the quotation phase, because it absolutely affects how they roll the carpet and how they cut the carpet. both of those affect the final quantity/yardage to be ordered. So if you didn't mention it back then it is on you. Sorry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This type of design decision needs to be specified at the quotation phase, because it absolutely affects how they roll the carpet and how they cut the carpet. both of those affect the final quantity/yardage to be ordered. So if you didn't mention it back then it is on you. Sorry.

I agree with the first statement but come to the opposite conclusion. This is their business - they should know to confirm this with you. They should absorb all the cost of getting it right.

[Anonymous]

Why can't you just spend the 300 and see if it matches? I agree that carpeting is their business so they need to get questions like this squared away so they're mostly responsible. This is a business and u r just a dumb customer.... And aren't they always right? I'd think they'd try harder to make you happy. Check your papers.... They probably specify the dimensions and orientation of the run, and if this is the case, it's all on you.

[Anonymous]

Can you get a swatch of the new roll?

I think the company should be responsible. How is the consumer supposed to know that the direction of the pattern would affect how much is ordered? The person who came to measure should have asked. But at the same time you voiced a preference they weren't anticipating.

I'd call and talk to a manager. I'd be very polite and ask them to help you come up with a fair solution.

[Anonymous]

Like many businesses in the area, they probably hired cheap dumbasses to do the install, and these folks never realized the discrepancy in size before they installed the carpet.

I would call the manager and describe the situation. Carpet is their specialty, right? There is no way a trained carpet-person could have missed the sizing issue. It was an installation error on their part, so I would offer to pay for the new carpet from an all-new roll, and they would cover the ripping up and new installation labor costs.

[Anonymous]

... and they should refund the first carpet costs, since it's useless to you now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Like many businesses in the area, they probably hired cheap dumbasses to do the install, and these folks never realized the discrepancy in size before they installed the carpet.

I would call the manager and describe the situation. Carpet is their specialty, right? There is no way a trained carpet-person could have missed the sizing issue. It was an installation error on their part, so I would offer to pay for the new carpet from an all-new roll, and they would cover the ripping up and new installation labor costs.

this.

Also, on the back of the carpet it may actually have said which way to install so it might be worth going to look at the new roll they got in and find out. If it does and it's installed incorrectly then they would have to pay