Any information would be greatly appreciated.

A: After more than a decade in the contractor referral industry, I have a strong bias towards hiring professionals to get most jobs done right. Some projects can be handled by inexperienced do-it-yourselfers, but carpet stretching is a tough job that requires skill, practice and strength.

So, I recommend you contact the rental company for advice, or maybe visit a home improvement store to see if they offer classes or sell books on doing it yourself. You can also try to find some instructional books or videotapes online.

If that doesn't work, I suggest you visit Home Advisor, type "Carpet" into the search box and fill out a service request. Explain that you are supplying your own carpeting so you can be matched with the ideal service professionals in your area.

by Kathy Maynard, reprinted courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com