This last week, I had 4 places come and measure for carpet to get estimates. (Home Depot, Empire, and 2 local places) They were all free except for Home Depot. They charge $30 but deduct it off the bill if you get carpet from them.
Lowes was suppose to come out to measure too, but the company they use dropped the ball so I cancelled it. They called me on Tuesday when we were painting and wanted to come measure right then. I told them that won't work. They said they would call me back within an hr to schedule another time. After 3 days, they never called me back so I called Lowes and cancelled it. They refunded my $35 for the measure.
My buddy had an Angie's List subscription so he checked out the 2 local places for me. Many negative reviews for both of them. Empire wanted an arm and a leg for an olefin fiber (cheap quality) berber carpet. After researching berber carpet and types of carpet fiber, 100% nylon berber is the way to go for me. Wool berber is the best but too pricy for the room.
We are going to HD tomorrow morning to pick a berber and schedule the install.