Carpet, installers vs, big stores and more! (Worcester, Newton: sales, appliances)

[NY'er lost in MA]

How is that Title! Plans, trains, and automobiles!!! ha

We are moving the beginning of July to a great single family home in Metrowest. It's about 1500 sq. ft and was built in 92. It will need some basic cosmetic changes: carpets and possibly tile in some areas along with other personal choice upgrades like some hardwoods and newer appliances. Ok- ready for the questions..

1) Is searching for installers on craigslist too risky?

2) Any experience with Empire Today? (heard mixed reviews- good product and sales, but installers are not experienced etc.)

3) Would it be better to just hire a general contractor and have him sub it all out? Or would that be expensive?

4) Any carpet outlets or recommendations?

5) Home Depot or Lowes? (heard product is good, but installers are greatly overcharge)

6) Appliances- Best Buy seems to have the best prices. What would be the difference between buying at Lowes, Home Depot, or Best Buy? Mom & Pop retailers seem great, but also carry more hefty price-tags and cannot match the extended warranties sold at the big stores.

7) anything else?


Thanks All. I've googled enough for a few days- not much info I can gather. Things are much different in NY. here are some big name flooring retailers that in the tri-state area that are really good, but I haven't been able to find any up here.

NY'er moving to the burbs!

[scarletfire]

I've heard that Empire Today is fast but very pricey. I agree, Home Depot, etc overcharge for install. They sometimes run specials though. They just had a $99 carpet install special running in May. You might want to call one of the local stores and see if they're offering any specials, or get a recommendation from someone on the list for a smaller contractor.

For appliances, check out the "scratch and dent" store (Sears Outlet) on Rt 9 on the Westboro/Shrewsbury line. It's in the same little strip mall where the Christmas Tree Shop is, near the Rt 20 interchange.

[NY'er lost in MA]

thanks! Keep the suggestions coming

Looks like there is a place called iFloor in Seekonk that is very good- they offer all types of flooring and installation. Anyone have experience using them?

[2KidsforMe]

Check to see if any of the big stores have a price match guarantee for appliances. We found that to be the case at Lowe's. Also, check Sears. They often have great sales or even floor models that they are clearing out. For carpet, I would reccoment Post Road Carpet on RT 20 in Marlborough. We found that they had pretty good prices, and also alot of remenants to choose from. Good luck!

[NY'er lost in MA]

Originally Posted by 2KidsforMe

Check to see if any of the big stores have a price match guarantee for appliances. We found that to be the case at Lowe's. Also, check Sears. They often have great sales or even floor models that they are clearing out. For carpet, I would reccoment Post Road Carpet on RT 20 in Marlborough. We found that they had pretty good prices, and also alot of remenants to choose from. Good luck!

Thanks 2kids!

I also was referred to the Sears Outlet in Westborough- apparently they have scratch and dent appliances that are discounted. Good stuff.

Keep the tips coming

[CaseyB]

Check Poiriers's Appliance. I they have a store in Norwood and also Newton, I believe. When we bought our house, they put together a package deal for me that saved me hundreds. I recently remodeled my kitchen and used Lamco Appliance in Attleboro, bought all new appliances, same type of deal.
There is a New England buying group that most of these stores belong to that can get you the kind of pricing that you see at the big box stores, but you will get much better service from the local guys.

[NY'er lost in MA]

Originally Posted by CaseyB

Check Poiriers's Appliance. I they have a store in Norwood and also Newton, I believe. When we bought our house, they put together a package deal for me that saved me hundreds. I recently remodeled my kitchen and used Lamco Appliance in Attleboro, bought all new appliances, same type of deal.
There is a New England buying group that most of these stores belong to that can get you the kind of pricing that you see at the big box stores, but you will get much better service from the local guys.

Great- I will check them out and see what they can do for us..

[maggiekate]

check out sears for appliances, you can go to their web site. I have always liked the kenmore brand. check with the better business bureau with regards to carpet. you can always buy what you like and get in installed by somebody else. I think you really need to have somebody who does know how to install carpet. they need to strech it etc., in fl we dont pay a sales tax on fixed appliance if sears does the install. like a dishwasher or microwave. i looked on the web then called the store direct, and had them deliver and install. on the web you do pay the sales tax.

[jad77]

we needed 3 bedrooms carpeted and we got Empire to give us an estimate - it was ridiculous! They were going to charge us $2500 for the cheapest carpet. Needless to say, we did not go with them. We've had absolutely great experiences with Rotmans (a furniture store in Worcester that does flooring). They charged us $1100 for the 3 bedrooms. We then had our basement carpet redone and again, had a very good experience.

Appliances - we've had good luck at Better Electric in Worcester.

Good luck!

[NY'er lost in MA]

Originally Posted by jad77

we needed 3 bedrooms carpeted and we got Empire to give us an estimate - it was ridiculous! They were going to charge us $2500 for the cheapest carpet. Needless to say, we did not go with them. We've had absolutely great experiences with Rotmans (a furniture store in Worcester that does flooring). They charged us $1100 for the 3 bedrooms. We then had our basement carpet redone and again, had a very good experience.

Appliances - we've had good luck at Better Electric in Worcester.

Good luck!

Thanks! What was the approximate square footage of the 3 bedrooms?