Carpet Installation Costs & Prices - ProMatcher Cost Report

The cost of carpet installation will increase or decrease based upon a number of factors. Here are a list of factors that will impact the cost:

1. Carpet grade. The cost of carpet installation will vary depending on the grade of carpet you choose. There are many different colors and styles to choose from, including plush, shag, wool and Berber. The most affordable options are often made out of synthetic materials or acrylic and usually have an anticipated life span of 5 years. Mid-grade and premium carpets are more durable and tend to be made with nylon or polyester. They can be expected to last upwards of 10-15 years.

2. Room features. Installation prices will vary based on the shape of the room. You should expect to pay more for custom installation that can accommodate for staircases and odd-shaped rooms. Rectangular and square rooms with only 4 corners tend to be more affordable.

3. Moving furniture. Most carpet installers will expect you to relocate heavy furniture before they arrive to install carpet. You should not expect this service to be included in the price of installation.

4. Stairs. You should expect to pay more when carpeting steps and staircases as it requires more time and labor to install. The cost will vary depending on the number and type of steps, in addition to the type of carpet being used.

5. Padding. Padding is usually included in the cost of carpet installation; however, there are a variety of options to choose from with varying degrees of density, thickness, and comfort. Padding can be used to minimize creaking of the subfloors or to simply make the carpet more comfortable to walk on. Generally, the more expensive options are denser and more durable. They also have the potential to extend the life of the carpet.

6. Waste removal. The removal and disposal of existing carpets is generally included in the cost of installation. Installers may be able to recycle your old carpet, but this can vary by company or geographically.

7. Subfloor preparation. If there is damage to the subfloor, it should be repaired before the carpet installers arrive. A carpenter may need to replace floorboards or make other adjustments to ensure that the floors are level prior to carpet installation.

8. Tack strips, trim and base moldings. Tack strips, used to stretch and fasten the carpet to the ground, are usually included in the price of installation. However, it may be more expensive to install these strips on non-wood subfloors like concrete. Consumers should also expect to pay an additional fee for any custom or specialized moldings. Floor and wall base moldings are typically not included as part of a standard quote.

9. Door trimming. It is possible that existing doors may not open and close properly after carpet installation. They may need to be trimmed at the bottom in order for the doors to swing correctly again. The cost can vary depending on the material of the door, but it is a job for a professional and it should not be done without the proper tools.

10. Transitions. Transitions occur wherever one type of flooring meets another. The carpet may meet hardwood floors or simply another type of carpet. Basic transitions between rooms should be included in the cost of installation, but any custom work may incur an additional fee. Some may only cost a few dollars whereas more ornate options may run a little higher.

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Carpet Installation Cost Estimate Checklist

When evaluating a cost estimate from carpet installation, here are some items to consider:

1. What is included with installation? Each company will have its own menu of services. The important thing is for you to know exactly what will and will not be included in the price of installation. Such as:

- Removal and disposal of existing carpet
- Tack strips and trim installation
- Door cutting
- Padding
- Clean-up
- Extra carpet for future repairs
- Subfloor preparation
- Furniture relocation
- Surcharge for stairs

2. What should basic installation include? Basic carpet installation usually includes the removal and disposal of existing carpet, the installation of new padding and carpet, and cleanup. Tack strips and trim installation are included, but consumers should expect to pay extra for stairs and uniquely shaped rooms.

3. What is the life span of the carpet? Economy-grade carpets are more reasonably priced, but may only last 5 years. Premium carpets will last 10-15 years.

4. How much foot traffic will the carpeted area see? It is important to choose a carpet that fits the needs of the room. High density, durable carpets that are much easier to clean and work well in high traffic areas like hallways and living spaces. Additionally, good padding can add years to the life span of your carpet so upgrading may be a viable option. A more expensive, designer carpet may be better suited for a formal dining room that experiences light traffic.

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