"If you have large windows you might need a fade-resistant carpet. Or you may want an eco-friendly or hypoallergenic carpet."
A landlord should look at durability first, whereas a homeowner will have look and feel at the centre of the decision making.
Once you've decided on the properties you need, the next step is to choose between polyester, solution dyed nylon, wool or a blend, says Ghai. Each has its pros and cons.
Modern polyester carpets, which come in at the lower end of the price range, are plusher than they used to be. Thanks to the price point developers and renovators sometimes favour them.
Solution dyed nylon is the carpet of choice for many Kiwis, says Ghai. It's soft, good looking and hard wearing and lasts longer than polyester.
For some Kiwis, nothing but wool will do. That doesn't make it superior to the other carpets, says Ghai. "But it is seen as luxury."
Then there are blends such as wool/bamboo mixes, she says.
New Zealand is famous for its wool carpets, says Flint and wool has a whole host of benefits. It's natural, sustainable and renewable. It's also warmer, cooler, and drier.
"Wool is thermally smart and a temperature stabiliser," says Flint. It is also non-allergenic, soft to touch and walk on , naturally resilient, easy to clean, and naturally fire resistant.
The next question is what type of pile: cut, loop or cut and loop. A cut pile carpet generally has a more luxurious feel than other styles of carpet, says Flint. Variations include resilient hard twist cut pile, which is a bit like a perm, softer plush pile, where the fibres stand up straight, or a deeply sensuous shag pile, she says. On the downside cut pile carpets show footprints, and can bend and catch the light differently, which not everyone likes. "This is a standard characteristic of cut pile carpets and you need to be aware of this before you buy," says Flint. "It is not a manufacturing fault."
Loop pile carpets are easy care, don't show footprints. They are particularly suited to busy homes or those with young children, says Flint. Loop pile carpets can offer a classic or casual look depending on the style. Be aware that some loop pile carpets, particularly ones with uneven loop heights, can be attractive for cats and dogs to get their claws into.
Cut and loop pile carpets combine both of the above and create interest, says Flint. The cut pile contrasts with the loops to create a distinctive pattern which will retain its crispness on the floor.
Colour is the main decider for many people when choosing carpet. Things to note, says Flint, include: darker colours will make a room feel smaller and cosier and lighter colours create a sense of space and light.
"Make sure you take a sample home and look at it in both daylight, under artificial light, and in different areas of the room. Carpet can appear up to 20 per cent lighter when laid on the floor so what appears dark in a sample may end up looking more mid-tone when installed."
Underlay also needs to be chosen carefully says Ghai. Too lightweight and it will flatten and too heavy and the carpet and underlay together might be too thick, says Ghai. This can cause a problem when you want to close the door.
The two other main questions to be considered are quality and price. The weight and grading of the carpet are the most reliable indicator of its ability to perform well, irrespective of the style, says Flint.
Carpets graded extra heavy duty contain more fibre per square centimetre, and being denser will last longer. Generally speaking, the heavier weight the carpet is the better quality it will be.
Not everyone's budget is the same, says Ghai and carpet for the average three bedroom home can vary from $3,000 to $12,000. If you are in the house for the time being, spend as much as you can afford. Your decision might be different if you plan to sell the home imminently.
