Lay down plastic!

Not plastic! It's slippery. Use either textured rubber or rosin paper (depending on how much traffic you expect). Maybe a combination, paper in the less trafficked areas, runners in the walkways/loading zones.

There is a product to cover carpet made by Surface Shields

http://www.surfaceshields.com/products/carpet-protection

Check their site to locate a retailer.

Ugh, I hope they do, but I'd be surprised because of the area I live in. I do have some sheets I could use and I like the cardboard idea. I'm sure I can find some old big boxes at my husband's work to use.

That brick red thick paper stuff that GCs use is really good for protecting floors and carpets. I don't know where they get it, or if Home Depot sells it. I was skeptical because it's paper, but it's durable, easy to lay down, stays put, and doesn't create a tripping hazard.

I have them lay it every day when I have workers in my home.It's not your job. As a homeowner be very clear from the start, you want them to lay it down.Some guys may try to get away with not doing this, but any professional crew will want to make the homeowner happy.

Call them, let them know, and ask if they will be laying down something to protect your floors...

Agree that you should make your expectations clear from the outset. You can provide some protection but in the end it is up to them to provide appropriate protection that will work and be safe for them.

Technically if they damage anything, their insurance should cover it I think - make sure they are insured.

And supervise as much as you can. In the end I sometimes find that subcontractors are focused on their task to the exclusion of all others. I've had great ones that are really careful and leave things cleaner than they found them, and ones who don't seem to notice that what they are doing is harming something outside of their focus. In addition to the interior of your home, watch how they treat the exterior - ie not damaging landscaping etc.

Also steer them toward the door(s) you want them to use if there is a choice. Maybe the LR carpet can be avoided altogether.

they will walk places you cannot even imagine if they are carrying in something long and need to make turns.

yes its their job to protect things, but you need to have it all understood before they arrive for work the first day.

Cardboard taped together with masking tape works best I do agree though the GC should take care of this and certainly before anyone steps into the space.

My husband and I taped cardboard together and taped it down to the floor on the path that they will be using, so HOPEFULLY this will help and I'll be there as much as I can to watch. These guys screwed up the kitchen in the first place and have to completely redo the entire room, so I'm SO nervous!!!!!!