Five Things That Affect the Cost of Carpet Installation
For most home improvement projects, you can calculate the expense simply by multiplying the cost of materials by the area of your space. The installation of carpets, however, is not so simple. In fact, professional installers look at several key factors when calculating an estimate.
Removal and Disposal of Existing Carpet
When you get an estimate, one thing that will affect the total cost is the removal and disposal of the old flooring. Depending on the age and difficulty of removing the existing material, most professionals charge between $0.45 and $0.90 per square foot for removal. If you want your handyman to get rid of the old flooring, you can expect that fee to double. Alternatively, you can cut costs by finding local recycling facilities that accept rugs.
Stairs are always extra
Stairs make carpet installation difficult. That’s why you’ll see a higher estimate if your home has stairs. Each step must be precisely cut and placed for safe stepping. Depending on your stair, charges can range from $4 to $15 per stair and landing. Even if you only include a runner on the steps, there will be a bigger bill because each edge requires special treatment.
The total number of rooms
If your carpet installation project includes multiple rooms, it will affect your bottom line. It takes a lot more work to install 300 square feet of carpet in a couple of bedrooms and a hallway than it does to cover a large living room. Installers have to carefully plan, measure, cut, and nail each of these areas. The extra time and effort will make the job cost more, even if you don’t use more materials.
Other project considerations
If your project is a single rectangular room, your costs will be quite low. However, if your project involves a more complex space, you will see an additional charge. Some examples include placing rugs in odd-shaped rooms, working around objects like support posts, and even transitioning rugs to hard surfaces. Those wishing to create a pattern to their flooring, such as a checkerboard pattern or a solid color perimeter around a patterned center, will also see their costs increase.
floor preparation
Floor preparation will also have a big impact on the final cost. Even if you remove the old carpet yourself, the flooring below may require maintenance before the new surface can be laid. This includes removing staples or tacks, filling gaps and holes, or replacing damaged subflooring. The cost will increase according to the amount of time and effort required to prepare the floor.
Carpet installation can be expensive if your project is large and complicated. However, the cost for professional installers is well worth it when you consider how difficult it can be to do it yourself. No matter the scale of your project, it’s always best to get multiple quotes and request a detailed cost analysis so you can determine the best contractor for the job.