CRI-105: Guidelines for Consumer Responsibility

[Jim McClain]

Carpet & Rug Institute's document CRI-105, published 2002 is a document that sets the standard for residential carpet installation. Many consumers may not be aware of this document, its importance and the fact that there is a section there that provides for consumer responsibility:

Excerpt from: CRI-105 Consumer Responsibility Discuss with the dealer/retailer and approve the location of all seams that may be required. Determine with the dealer/retailer who will move furniture and reach agreement on any charges for this service. It is recommended that cherished or fragile items be removed prior to the installer’s arrival. Discuss with dealer/retailer the removal and disposal of the existing carpet and cushion. Determine who will perform these functions, and agree on applicable charges. Discuss with dealer/retailer and reach an understanding of the guarantee/warranty – what is covered/not covered – and the procedure if a service call is required. Vacuum old carpet prior to the arrival of installer. If possible, retain for future use an uninstalled swatch of carpet. With the installer, inspect the completed installation. Provide and maintain indoor temperatures between 65ºF (18ºC) to 95ºF (35ºC) and relative humidity below 65% in the area where carpet is to be installed. Continue operating the ventilation system at normal room temperature for up to 72 hours after installation. If possible, open doors and windows to increase the flow of fresh air. Maintain temperature of indoor carpet areas above 50ºF (10ºC), regardless of the age of the installation.

My intention is to help make the consumers of carpet aware of the Standard for Installation of Residential Carpet. I want to encourage any discussion of this document, and specifically this portion of CRI-105 as it pertains to the consumer. If you are a flooring professional, have you had discussions with your customers regarding these responsibilities? Do you have a pamphlet or check list for the customer to follow as they prepare for the installation of their new carpet?

If you are a consumer, do you have any questions or comments pertaining to this. We want to help you make the whole process of buying and installing carpet less stressful, less worry and a lot more fun and satisfying. It's part of the reason we are here at The Floor Pro Community.

There are members from nearly every segment of the flooring industry here at TFP, along with a large number of consumer and DIY members. I would like anyone interested to participate in this discussion. Guests who are not registered or logged-in also have an opportunity to join in this discussion, although registration is free and has more benefits.

Thank you all for your participation,

Jim

[DJ]

when i worked for a shop i rarely saw that the old carpet had been vacuumed. actually it was worse. after moving furniture they would find things crayons, bobby pins etc. then just leave them for us to roll up. other than that it was all good

[Tandy Reeves]

I realize this standard is being discussed in the pro forum only. It has already been stated in one of them that builders/general contractors have no idea they exist. I agree with this because the publication has never been allowed to see the light of day.

In my opinion (which is not worth much) these discussion should be taken out of the private forum and put in the public forum. It is possible that by it being public with public input far more could be accomplished than all the private discussions we could have.

CRI 104 and 105 have been talked to death among the pros, and has gone no further in improving the industry.

All of the pros here are knowledgeable and should conduct themselves accordingly when answering or commenting on the standards in the public forum.

[Jim McClain]

There are actually 4 separate discussions of CRI-105, Tandy. One for each of the subjects of the Responsibilities section. This one is about Consumer Responsibility specifically, which we all know most consumers may not have even been aware of. This particular discussion is to make them aware and involve them in the discussion about this section and CRI-105 as a whole. Consumers and pros alike can participate in this discussion.

The other 3 topics deal with separate industry responsibilities (which are no secret to the consumer, because I have linked to the CRI-105 document in this topic). But those particular discussions are in the pro forums, which are private, so that pros can hash out those issues privately, just like any other company meeting. You don't invite the general public to the company meeting and we don't do it here.

I realize there are many issues the consumer should be aware of and be able to have open discussion of. That is why I added this discussion to the Consumer & DIY forum for carpet. No question too tough to ask and we hope that our many participating pros will join in this discussion too. I have no doubt it will help the carpet buying and installation experience for all.

Thank you,

Jim

[Tandy Reeves]

Ok, I understand.

[DJ]

so, tandy.... my comment was not to be tolerated?/wrong? if so, sorry. i was trying to contribute to the public/post as asked

[Jim McClain]

DJ, I think there was just a little confusion about whether the topic here was public or private. It's understandable because I posted 4 separate, but related topics. I put all but one of them in the private, pros only forum. Tandy may have been concerned that the consumers weren't allowed to comment on the other parts of the Responsibilities section of CRI 105. I want to assure all that they can - here in this topic, or in one of the pro only topics, if the member so chooses (the pro forums are still private).

Your comments here were fine. I think we all realize the consumer isn't always told they should vacuum the carpet before it's changed. It would seem to them there was no problem with that - it's getting tossed out anyway. Most people don't steam clean their engine compartments before taking the car to the shop, so why vacuum the old rug?

This topic may be primarily about Consumer Responsibilities, but isn't it the responsibility of the flooring professional to make them aware that they do have some responsibilities?

Jim

[DJ]

ok, it does kinda suck when the old rug is not vacuumed though cause the debris gets all over me, my helpers, and the van glad i do new construction now now its just new carpet fur all over the van

[Tandy Reeves]

DJ there was nothing wrong with your post, and I was not offended by it. Good comments.

Also, regarding your last post about removing the old carpet. I have always advocated the installer should wear a dust mask during the take up and carry out. It is not the debris that a vacuum can pick up that is the most damaging. It is the micron size debris that gets air-born and we can then suck it into our lungs. Just think how close that junk is to your nose and mouth when you put the roll on your shoulders for carry out.

[Jim McClain]

Excellent advice too, Tandy. Even if the customer does clean thoroughly, the carpet holds a lot of dust and bugs.

Jim

[stullis]

So is it a "guideline" or a "standard"?

[Tandy Reeves]

The title says it is a standard.

[DJ]

i think: shifty::shifty : standard guideline:scra tch:

[Tandy Reeves]

Guideline: a line by which one is guided: as a cord or rope to aid a passer over a difficult point or to permit retracing a course. b. an indicator or outline (as by a government) of policy or conduct.*

Standard: 2a regularly and widely used, available, or supplied 3. having recognized and permanent value. 4. substantially uniform and well established by usage in the speech and writing of the educated and widely recognized as acceptable*

You be the judge.

* Websters New Collegiate Dictionary

[DJ]

yep