When your carpet falls into disrepair over years of use, it can become an unhealthy thing to have around. Carpets collect dust over the years which can be agitated into the air and cause respiratory issues, itching and many other problems. Keeping your home safe and clean requires you to have your carpets regularly repaired, refastened or stretched as necessary. First, you want to be sure that the contractor isn't a hard seller who's just going to keep trying to talk you into a costly and unnecessary replacement job. In many cases, a carpet can simply be repaired or refastened and still look great. Not only is refastening carpet better for the environment than replacing it, it's also much more affordable. Next, you want to be sure that you get a quote from the contractor before work even begins. This will help you in a number of ways, most important of which is that it helps you stay on budget. In addition to getting a quote from the contractor before work begins, you should also get a contract together that lays out the parameters of the job. This gives you a definitive marker for when the job is done.