How Much Does Carpet Installation Cost?
New carpet installation is an excellent way to instantly add warmth and comfort to your home. It doesn't require as much constant care as hardwood flooring and yet is easier to install as well. With that being said, knowing what it might cost you and how it can vary is necessary before you begin your new project. This way, you know what to budget for and what to expect when talking with carpet contractors.
How Much Does It Cost To Install Carpets?
There are a few different things to consider when it comes to calculating the cost to install carpets in your home (or a single room). Here are a few aspects to think about when coming up with your budget:
- carpet cost
- labor cost
- additional material and equipment
Remember, if you are going to install carpets, you should compare at least 3 quotes from professionals in your area. It's the only way to ensure you get the best deal possible. Professional contractors will be able to maximize your savings right from the start of the project.
Carpet Costs
With so many different kinds of carpeting and manufacturers, the cost to install carpets can vary drastically. Now, it does greatly depend on the overall space you want to be carpeted, but a slight variation in a per-foot cost can boost the price significantly. If you have 260 square feet to be carpeted you can expect to pay around $1,000 on the low end and closer to $1,400 on the high end. Most American homeowners spend an average of $1,200. Keep in mind this is just for the carpeting itself.
Labor
Having a professional install the carpet is a wise decision. You don't want cuts and imperfections scattered throughout the carpet. An experienced professional can install carpets quickly, usually in less than five hours (for the 260 square feet), although it can vary based on the layout of the room. Based on how quickly the renovation professionals can install the carpet, you can expect to pay anywhere from around $250 to around $330 for 260 square feet of carpeting. Traditional rectangular rooms are the easiest to install and shouldn't take as long. However, if you have angular designs in the flooring, built-ins that stick out or tile around a fireplace, it does take some more time to cut around this area.
Additional Supplies and Equipment
Naturally, the carpet is not just laid down flat and job done. For starters, an underlayment is installed under the carpet. This provides some absorption properties should something spill on the carpet, not to mention it can help insulate the floor and reduce the amount of noise the floor underneath hears. Beyond this, adhesives and surface glues are required. Generally speaking, for a 260 square foot job, you can expect to pay anywhere from $125 to $150.
Additionally, some carpet equipment is needed. This includes:
- stretcher
- edge tripper
- hot melt seaming tool
All of this is a must for a professional carpet installation. If you are going to attempt to install the carpet on your own, you must rent out this equipment. The contractor is going to already have the equipment on hand when installing the carpet and it should be fixed into the cost of labor. This is another reason why it is a wise decision to bring in a professional to install carpets instead of attempting to do it yourself (unless you have your own extensive experience). Attempting to install the carpet on your own and trying to find all of this equipment is difficult, not to mention that using a hot melt seaming tool may prove challenging.
From the kind of carpet to the materials and labor costs, comparing quotes to figure out what it costs ahead of time is a must. By entering your zip code in the space provided, you'll be connected to the very best, local carpet installation professionals for a FREE, no-obligation quote.
