Get matched with top carpet installation pros in Los Alamitos, CA

Experts advise that replacing carpeting can bring a 50% to 80% return on investment. However, new carpeting doesn’t necessarily add value to your overall home value. Because flooring value heavily depends on taste, it can be tricky to determine whether new carpet will increase your home sale price. Carpeting tends to be a renovation that increases overall comfort and aesthetics for your home, but it’s not a big factor in value.

When it comes to flooring installers, licensing laws vary from state to state. Even if your state doesn’t require your flooring installer to have a license, your municipality or city might, so it’s a good idea to check with your town before getting started. Be sure to check our state licensing tool to review the local general contractor guidelines. 

Hiring an unlicensed flooring installer could lead to poor quality work, costly future expenses, and potential code violations. 

As you browse our pro listings, take note of the “Angi Approved” badge. Angi Approved businesses meet our standards for certification which include:

• The owner, principal, or relevant manager passed a criminal background check

• Required to have applicable state and local licenses

• Maintain an average star rating of 3.0 or better on our network, if they have at least one review

• Paying to advertise their services

• Meeting any other eligibility criteria required by Angi

Keep in mind licensing is different from certifications. A license is a legal requirement to operate a business, while certifications are voluntary.

If the stairs are already covered in carpet, you will need to remove the old carpet and possibly the carpet pad. Any damage to the stairs like cracks, loose boards, or creaky treads may also need to be repaired. You may also want to sand and refinish or paint wood stairs before installing a carpet runner.

While it is possible to install carpet yourself, it is a challenging DIY project that requires precise measurement, proper cutting skills, and knowledge of correct installation techniques. The process involves multiple steps, including removing old flooring, installing underlayment and tack strips, and stretching the carpet to prevent wrinkles, which can take several days to complete.

Before starting, consider these factors:

• Warranty: Many manufacturers' warranties are voided if the carpet is not installed by a professional.

• Tools: You will need to buy or rent specialized equipment like a knee kicker, carpet stretcher, and seam roller.

• Complexity: DIY installation is most suitable for simple, straightforward rooms. Projects involving stairs or floor vents are significantly more difficult.

• Cost: While you can save on labor, the cost of tools plus the risk of expensive mistakes—which may require re-installation—can make hiring a professional more cost-effective in the long run.

Given the potential for errors, voided warranties, and the need for special tools, hiring a local carpet installer is often recommended to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.