Carpet installers add finishing touches to the construction trade. They
lay and repair carpets in every sort of building imaginable.
First they inspect the floor to determine its condition, and fix any imperfections
that could show through the carpet. They measure the area to be carpeted and
plan the layout, making sure they hide seams for appearance and to avoid high-traffic
areas.
Installers work regular daytime hours. But when they have to re-carpet
stores or offices, they try to avoid disturbing customers or employees during
business hours.
Most installers work under better conditions than construction workers.
Carpets are installed in finished buildings, so conditions are clean, well
lit, safe and comfortable.
But the job is physically demanding. Installers kneel, reach, bend and
stretch frequently. They also have to move heavy furniture. Safety regulations
may require that they wear kneepads or safety goggles.
You'll need to be in good physical shape if you're going to do this job.
You need to be strong enough to bend, lift and work in tight spaces.
Steve Hula is a carpet installer. He works 40- to 50-hour weeks most of
the year -- whatever time of day and whatever hours are necessary for special
jobs.
There is more to carpet installing than simply laying material, according
to Wally Hassan. "You have to be creative in some form," says the businessman.
"Especially when you work on area rugs. It takes a lot of thought."