The American Dream Comes True for My Best Friend, Revisted

Hello, Dear Readers,

I originally published this post on Friday June 27, but it was only up for a couple of hours before it was superseded by the hot breaking news story of the Jack In the Box Taco Debacle. I wanted to make sure that this post got the attention is deserves because I think my friend has such a great idea for frugal living here. On another frugal blog, a smart shopper managed to carpet their bedroom with used carpet purchased for around $100.00 (carpet only, which is also a fab deal), so my friend’s deal is absolutely outrageous! My sis visited the new homestead this weekend and called to give me a brief update. She says the house is beautiful, and that all concerned are going full-steam ahead with frugal do-it-yourself projects. I can’t wait to hear more!

My best buddy and her fiance recently closed on their first home together. They got a great deal in a great neighborhood (they have a swimming pool, those lucky kids!). In the best First-Home tradition, they are looking forward to lots of do-it-yourself projects to make their new house into the home of their dreams.

Since remodeling is enormously expensive they are looking for ways to cut down on some of these costs. But some of the things that need to be done just can’t wait. One of the areas of their home that needs attention are the carpets. They are not so great, and the only thing that can really be done for them is to be completely ripped out. Sue Ellen tells me that the entire house needs to be recarpeted.

I have had this done in one of my homes, and I know just how expensive it can be. Still, it is possible to find great sales on carpet at places like Home Depot and Lowes. But my clever friend was able to go one step beyond these retail outlets. She went right to the source - a carpet mill very near her home.

Cutting out the “middle-man” is always a great idea for frugal living, whenever possible. But she went even further -turns out that this particular place was also having one of its twice-yearly parking lot sales where they sell the remainders of their huge spools of carpets. She says that she found that usually there were 18-75 feet left on each roll.

The carpet manufacturer was selling these remainders for $1.00 per foot, so she was able to purchase enough new carpet for an entire room for $20.00 or less. The new carpet for her entire house comes in at well under $200.00. And if I know Sue Ellen (which I do) this is good stuff; I’m sure it’s very handsome and stylish. Even for such a great deal, Sue Ellen would not put up with anything less than gorgeous (especially for her first home!). Of course, she will have to buy the padding, and also hire someone to install the carpet, but even so she’ll no doubt still come out ahead. She could also attempt to install it herself. I’ve known people (my Dad) who have done this, and a very good job he made of it, too.

If you happen to live in Southern California, this particular company is Bentley Princestreet Carpet in The City of Industry. Industry has lots of factories that manufacture lots of different things. Sue Ellen tells me that she often stops by to check out their Parking Lot sales. They use these sales to get rid of surplus inventory, so you can often pick up fabulous bargains.

Congratulations on your new home, Sue Ellen! I can’t wait to see it, you & your sweetie, and the new carpet!