Carpet Palace

The experience started off OK. There were delays on our part with having to do unexpected work with the walls. They patiently waited from August to actual installation in November. The installation was very good in terms of being fitted properly. Very professional looking. The problem occurred with the carpet itself. It smelled so horribly, there was no way you could sit down there and watch television. One of the partners, Steve, came out and said that he smelled something, but couldn't tell what it was, implying that something else in our basement might be the cause. I asked if he was being serious. Bottom line: in my opinion I think he's a s*****-bag weasel who clearly was not going to help us. So I called the managing partner, Ali. I will give him credit: at least he has the guts to be an outright thug. He told me we were being over-sensitive and demanded payment for balance owed. So I paid them. I then looked on Angie's List and Wash Checkbook for someone reputable to possibly replace it. Ayoub carpet was highly rated on both lists. They suggested the source of the smell was probably the backing on the carpet. They suggested we air out the basement thoroughly for a week and that over time the smell would go away. In fact that ia what happened but it has taken three months. We have since installed carpet from Stark elsewhere in the house. We have bought carpet from them for the past 15 years and never once did we have a problem with odor, I suggest going with anyone but this group--carpet Palace and Floors of Bethesda. Go with Ayoub Carpet or Stark (remnant sale once a year out at Dulles). If Ali responds, I project he'll deny the whole incident and suggest we have mistaken him for another firm. He's a clever guy.

One of the owners had previously measured the room and saw the nature of the job which he noted in his report. I was asked to remove all small and loose items from the room, which I did. There were a number of heavy pieces of furniture in the room which I had emphasized at the time of measurement and at the time of purchase. Two workers arrived an hour late, and handled the job in a reasonable way. The carpet looks good and it was well laid except for minor edging roughness. It took them about three hours to complete the work. When I spoke with the owner later in the day to arrange for a threshold to be installed in the doorway, he became abusive. He was angry that his crew was late for a subsequent job and accused me of not removing items from the room which they said had delayed them. I was dumfounded and reminded him that the scope of work had been clear to him from the outset and all small items had been removed. He continued his tirade. It was clear to me that he had inadequately scheduled the time for my job.To blame a customer for hs own lapse and with spurious accusations is unwarranted and a foolish act for a businessman to engage in. He turned a job that was satisfactorily done into a very unpleasant experience. I would suggest any prospective customers consider my experience and find a carpet company that is more concerned with their service and it's customer relations.

There was one salesman in the store (owner???not sure). He ignored us totatlly. When I asked for the specific carpet I was looking for (Meridia - wool/sisal blend) he said he did not have it. Ten minutes later, after checking most of the stock, I found the exact carpet I asked to see. When showing it to the salesman, we just blew me off. He asked how we heard about him. When I said "Angie's List", he responded "I service all the women in this area." I asked to borrow the sample and he said that I could borrow it for only two hours -- the time it would take to bring it home and right back without my husband seeing it after he returned from work. I explained that to him and he said that he only accomodates interior designers. I responded that I surely would be paying more than an interior designer. He dismissed me and in a very condescending tone wished me a good day. I would buy nothing from this store, nor would I ever return.

I was pleased with their work and their price was also very good. I would use them again in the future.

I looked at different companies on Angie's List. This particular company had a remnant that I was interested in. I really liked the product and the service we received. I took a gamble and I am happy with the results. With 2 kids in college, I was also looking for a good deal. I feel the price I paid was very reasonable. I am very happy with my experience and would use them again.