Carpet Installation Cost
By ProMatcher Staff
Cost of Carpet Installation
The average cost of carpet installation is about $5.34 per square foot (includes mid-grade carpet and padding). If you are ready to get started on your project, get a free cost estimate from ProMatcher now.
1. Regional cost differences. Your geographic location will be a major cost factor. For example, if you live in New York City, the average cost of carpet installation is over $7 a square foot. In Phoenix, AZ, the average cost of mid-grade carpet installation is under $5 per square foot. If you want to find the cost in your town, take a look at the ProMatcher Carpet Cost Report.
2. Have you already purchased the carpet? Will the contractor be purchasing carpet on your behalf, or do you already have the carpet? If you have the carpet on hand already, this will cut down significantly on the cost.
3. Are you replacing old carpet? If your existing carpet needs to be removed, this will be added to the overall cost of your project. The installer will tear out the carpet and dispose of it properly.
4. Condition of subflooring. Before installing carpet, the condition of the subflooring must be evaluated. Are the subfloors level? If not, the carpet pad may wear unevenly. For an additional cost, the contractor can install a level plywood base. Are the subfloors squeaky? Installing carpet over creaking floors will not solve the problem. The subfloor should be repaired first.
5. Carpet grade. Is the carpet going to be installed in a high-traffic area? While some carpets have great resiliency, others (like polyester) are not ideal for busy areas like family rooms. Commercial-grade will almost always cost more than residential carpeting. Higher grade carpets typically have longer lifespans and they will not need to be replaced frequently.
6. Carpet fiber. The type of carpet you choose will have a significant impact on the cost. Wool carpeting is expensive. Acrylic carpets are much more affordable, but they will not last nearly as long. Additionally, plush and nylon carpets are very popular choices.
Learn More: Types of Carpet Fiber
7. Square footage. How much carpet do you need? Most carpet installation companies will charge a fixed fee per square foot for most projects. This price should include the materials and the labor required to install it. Make sure that there is enough extra carpet to account for waste, and maybe even a little bit more leftover for future repairs.
8. What is the shape of the room? It is more affordable to install carpet in rectangular and square-shaped rooms. Awkwardly shaped rooms or rooms with many corners are much more expensive to carpet.
9. Type of carpet padding. There are many different types of carpet padding. They vary in density and thickness, and they can be made of a number of different materials. Pads made with recycled fibers tend to be cheaper, whereas rubber pads are the most expensive. You should always make sure that the carpet padding is compatible with the carpet. You’ll want the pad to hold up as long as the carpeting.
10. Where will the carpet be installed? Will the carpet be installed indoors or outdoors? Indoor-outdoor is designed to withstand moisture and exposure from the elements. It is commonly installed in mudrooms, enclosed patios, and sunrooms.
11. Do the stairs need to be carpeted? You will likely pay an additional cost to install carpeting on stairs.
12. Does heavy furniture need to be relocated? Before the carpet can be installed, heavy furniture will need to be moved out of the way. You can save money by moving the furniture yourself or enlisting the help of a few friends.
13. Are all the necessary materials included? Tack strips, basic trim, and transitions should be included in the cost estimate. Decorative moldings or other customized work will be more expensive.
14. Will your doors open properly once the carpet is installed? Once the carpet is installed, it may be more difficult for you to open and close the doors. The door may need to be trimmed in order for the doors to swing properly. Ask your installer if this will be an additional cost.
15. Is cleanup included? The cost of cleanup should be included in the itemized cost estimate. The installer should leave your home as they originally found, if not better.
Related Articles:
+ ProAnswers: Does Carpet Help Insulate a Home?
+ Carpet Cleaning: Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
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| ProMatcher Staff, ProMatcher
Orlando, FL 32803
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