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Practicality and style when making carpeting choices1 \VIither tliy J L', wdli Ii dý t[0 d IICv 1ook i if's a necessary home improvement, selectsng carpef- ing is a challenge most people face at one time or assother. However, the choice is flot as easy as if would seem. Not only is carpeting a decor decision, serving1 as a backdrop to fumiture and artwork, it also plays a practical role, subjected f0 muddy feet and enthusias- tic pets. Thse following points should be considered when carpet is selected: Color and style: Consider the funtionality of thse roomn in question. Will if be a high-traffic ares accessi- ble f0 pets and children? Or, will if be a formaI room, used only for enferfaining and holidays. No maffer what the fabrication of the carpet, a lighter carpet is going f0 be more susceptible to stains. However, while deeper colors are a wonderful design element, if thse high-traffic roomn you are decorating calîs for lighter caspeting, you needn't despair. There are many fashionable choices in textured and blended carpets that can give you t he look you want wifhout the worry. Durabilîty: For mosf applications, nylon is thse car- pet of choice. If is prevalent because if combines a resiiency flot found in other man-made fibers and is more soil-resistant than polypropylene, another popu- lar choice in home carpeting. Nylon does require stain freatment, but once if is treated. if has stain resîstance that is comparable f0 polypropylene. Examples of popular nylon carpefs include brands like DuPont Sfainmasfer, Anso Cmushresister and WearDated. A different fibre, polypropylene is ofien used in "herber" (loop) carpets. If is inherenfly stain resistant, bas a sighfly lower soul resistance than nylon, and is slight- ly more prone f0 matfing or crushing. Warranties: In considering warranfies, there are fwo key questions f0 ask: Who is providing thse coverage, and is if valuable and reason able? There are four or stain/soil warranty, crushlmaf warranfy, and instal- lation warrassfy. A wear warranty is only valid if the carpef literally falîs apart, which almosf neyer hap- pens. Be sure to take note, wifh both stain and/or soil warranties and crush/mat warranfies, offen what is excluded from thse poicy is more important than whaf is included. An installation warranty is important in case, at a later fime, tIse carpef wrinldes or becomes unattached. Some installation warranfies are backed by tIse retail- er. Some offer a lifetime warranfy on installation. Installation: One offthe key carpet purchase prob- lems cited by consumers is addiional cons at thse time of installation. In order to gef an accurate quote and guard against surprise charges, an in home consulta- tion is recommended to obtain an estimate based specifically on tIse dimensions of your rooms, includ- ing stairs. Consumera should be warned against quotes based on estimated measurement s. If is also important f0 get a wriffen description of what is included in the installation. Can you expect the installera f0 pull up existing car- peting, move and replace your fumiture, or dlean up and vacuum the newlyr installed carpet? Also, are they thse cheapest installera or-ôJ the most qualified ones? Proper installa- tion can be the mosf important part of the ~ job. Thaf's why it is very importanit to check the installation warranty. Check out our web site ai http:linew-all.com for ail the Iatest listings and sales Information. Haton's only complete source for onfine information. IAN OLIVER Pubishar Gênerai Manager: 8111 Begin Real Estate Rep: Kathy MoLean Pubilihed by: The Canadien Champion, 191 Main St. E., Milton, Ont., L9T 4N9, 878-2341 Fax: (905) 876-2364 Advertisin i s accepted ton the condition fliat, in the event of a typographical error, tiiet portion of thle advertising space occupiert by tlhe erroneous item, togettier with a reasosiable alloicance for signature, will flot be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will b. paid for at the applicable rate. Thie pablisher reserven fthe righf bo categodize and reitct advertising. In the ment of typographical error, advertising goods or services a the wrong price, goods or services may flot be sold. Adverfising ns merely an offer to oeil and may be withdrawn at any ime. Produceit on belialf nf tht OakvillIeMlton and Dsrnct Real Estate Board.