Home Improvement

How Much Does Carpeting Cost

How Much it Cost to Install Carpet

Whether you’re moving into a new home and hate the carpet or the carpet in your home is worn and ready to be replaced, there is bound to be at least one point in your life where you will need new carpet. Replacing carpet is usually one of the first renovations that a new homeowner will complete when moving into a new home due to taste preferences. Carpet can vary greatly on cost due to the many different types including nylon or wool and the different styles such as loose texture, patterned, and tightly looped. All of these variables will factor greatly on the cost along with the inevitable cost of installation.

Factors of Cost

There are many variables that will weigh in on the cost of getting new carpet such as the size of the room, the type of carpet and the installation costs. Some types of carpet are meant to last long periods of time while others are designed only to be a cheap option for new carpets. The quality of the carpet will decide the cost per square foot but typically it will be in the range of $2 up to $10. Padding will also be needed when installing carpet but depending on the store, this may or may not be included in the price of the carpet. Padding will be priced per square yard anywhere between $2 and $6. The price will be determined on the thickness of the padding. The thicker the padding, the softer your floor will be and the longer your carpet will last but it will also be more expensive.

Installation of carpet will sometimes be included in the sale price and other times it will not. If installation is not included with the carpet you will often pay less for the carpet and more for the installation costs so do not be deceived by the “free installation” advertisements as you will usually end up paying close to the same price as carpet that does not have installation included.

The cost of the carpet you purchase will factor in greatly on how long the carpet will last. Nylon based carpet that is usually found in apartment and cheap homes will range from $5 to $10 per square yard and will only last 3 to 6 years. New homes that are being purchased from a builder will come standard will builder grade carpet which should last 5 to 9 years but will cost more at around $9 to $17 per square yard. Premium carpet is for homeowners that are looking for carpet to last the longest amount of time, anywhere from 14 to 21 years but that will cost extra from around $28 to $40 per square yard.

Additional Costs

Initial measurements along with removal of old carpet will not be included in the provided quote. These are hidden costs that may not be explained to you in the beginning so be sure to ask the installation company about their policies regarding these issues.

Unusually shaped rooms along with stairs being carpeted will be more expensive as well as more time and carpet will be involved in the installation.

Carpet pads are sometimes included in the price of the carpet but this will be the thin type that will shorten the lifespan of your carpet. If you request premium carpet padding, this will also raise the price.

Ways to Save

Doing as much labor yourself can save money as this will mean less time the installation crew will need to spend. Ripping out your own carpet and disposing of it is a great way to save some money as this usually costs $1 to $2 per square yard. Also shop around for an installation company as hiring a private installer may be cheaper than using the company from which you bought the carpet from.