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.

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.

Costs depend on carpet quality, labor, underlayment, and furniture moving requirements.

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.