Carpet Installation questions, answered by experts
Installing carpet padding is mostly a matter of measuring the room and cutting the carpet pad to size with a utility knife. You can save some money on carpet installation costs by doing it yourself. Before installing the carpet padding, you should install the tack strips around the room’s perimeter and prepare the subfloor by cleaning and making any necessary repairs. Then, unroll the carpet pad and cut sections as needed. Staple the carpet pad to the subfloor along the edges, leaving the tack strips exposed.
Yes, you can negotiate the purchase price of new carpet. You may also be able to negotiate installation costs or other fees in addition to the per-foot pricing of the carpet itself. You may have better luck negotiating with an independent retailer (as opposed to a big-box store), as they may have more discretion in pricing, but it’s always worth asking.
Some flooring companies recycle old carpet after replacing it. The broader flooring industry has been moving toward recycling more carpet material. However, whether an individual carpet gets recycled is up to the flooring company that removes it. When gathering quotes for new flooring in your area, ask each company about removal options and what they do with the material.
The costs range from $3 to $10 per square foot, depending on the carpet type, labor, and subfloor preparation.
Deciding whether to clean or replace your carpet depends on its condition and age. If cleaning no longer resolves issues, it's time to consider a replacement. Key signs that you need to replace your carpet include:
Stains that are impossible to remove.
A persistent smell that lingers even after cleaning.
An increase in allergy symptoms.
The age of the carpet. Most manufacturers state that carpets should last about 10 years with proper care.
When cleaning is no longer effective, you should replace the carpet with a new one or consider other flooring options like vinyl or laminate.
The The Hammocks, FL homeowners’ guide to carpet installation
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
If your carpet has seen better days, it might be time to give it some TLC. These questions to ask your carpet installer will help you prepare for the project.