How Much Does Carpet Removal Cost?
Carpet removal costs are between $100 and $300, with a national average price of $200. Contractors can charge from $1 to $1.50 per square foot for carpet removal service for a 12-by-12-foot room. This average already includes labor costs, cleanup and carpet disposal costs. Carpet removal services are necessary when changing an old carpet, whether to put on a new one or change the flooring type.
What Factors Affect Carpet Removal Cost?
The carpet removal process includes many processes and tasks that can influence the final cost. Some of these factors include the clearing of the room, the way the carpet adhered to the floor and its position in the room.
Labor Costs
The average price of labor for carpet removal is $1 to $1.50 per square foot. This average usually includes the removal and disposal of the old carpet. However, the total price can increase depending on local disposal fees.
The cost will also depend on the layout of the room. When budgeting, contractors prefer rectangular rooms. Labor costs rise if the room has an odd shape with more corners.
Material Costs
Labor costs tend to include material costs in their prices. However, some special projects can require additional materials. For example, carpets directly glued to the subfloor or have adhesive applied during installation need special solvents, tools, and techniques, which can increase the overall price.
Type of Carpet
While thin carpets are easier and cheaper to remove, thicker ones made with heavy materials are more costly due to effort, time and materials needed. Here’s a list of prices for removing different types of carpets:
- Wall-to-Wall Carpet: $0.70 – $1.60 per square foot
- Glued Carpet: $0.75 – $1.80 per square foot
- Basement Carpet: $0.95 – $1.55 per square foot
- Carpet and Pad: $1 to $1.50 per square foot
- Carpeted Stairs: $7.00 – $10.00 per stair
Size and Complexity of the Room
The average price of carpet removal is based on measures of rectangular rooms. Contractors may lower prices when removing a carpet from many rooms because more work is involved. Rooms with irregular shapes, bay windows, built-ins, or odd corners and staircases can pose challenges during carpet removal and increase the project’s price.
Additional Costs to Consider
Carpet disposal and additional labor can increase the final cost of carpet removal.
Carpet Disposal Cost
Contractors usually include the disposal fee on their carpet removal budget. However, if they don’t, extra hauling and dump fees cost $0.45 to $0.60 per square foot on average. The prices can vary depending on the driving distance. Also, junk removal costs $150 to $350 per average load.
Furniture Arrangement
Everything, including furniture, personal items, doors, and baseboards, may need to be removed for specific carpet removal projects. In such cases, homeowners might need to hire professional movers. This service can cost $0.20 to $0.25 per square foot, but some contractors charge up to $2 per square foot.
Repairs
The floor, from which they removed the carpet, may need some repairs. The same contractors that remove the carpet can do it. However, repairing a subfloor can cost around $500 to $700 for a single room, depending on the room size. Other services like replacing a subfloor or installing floor trim can increase the project’s cost.
How to Calculate Carpet Removal Cost
To do a carpet removal cost calculator, you’ll need the room size or the space you are removing the carpet from. Then, you’ll need to calculate the cost per square foot depending on the type of carpet.
Remember that carpets with padding attached and removing carpeting from stairs can have the highest cost because of their difficulty. Unless there are additional services, such as floor repair, the amount your contractor gives you should already include materials and carpet disposal.
DIY vs. Hiring a Carpet Removal Company
Carpet removal is not a recommended DIY task. Removing an old carpet is an intensive and time-consuming labor. Doing the carpet removal yourself represents a significant investment in materials such as a pry bar, utility knife, pliers, vice grips, respirator mask, safety goggles, gloves, heavy-duty trash bags or claw hammer.
The job isn’t done when the carpet is out. Homeowners need to dispose of the old carpet. If they don’t own a car or a vehicle big enough, they’ll have to consider renting one. Homeowners must know how to fix the floor before installing new carpet or tiles if the floor is damaged.
When hiring carpet installers, you pay for the materials, their experience, and a faster and well-done job. You can find carpet removal services near you if you want to remove yours.
How Do I Know If I Need Carpet Removal?
Regular maintenance and carpet cleaning can extend the life and looks of carpeting. However, there are some signs you may need to consider removing your carpet. Here are some of them:
- Stains, matting and fading: Stains can be difficult to remove altogether, even for professional cleaners. Matting affects the carpet’s aesthetic, texture and comfort. Fading, caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight or wear, can lead to an uneven and dull appearance.
- When selling or moving: When selling a house, removing old carpets allows for exploring various flooring options, such as installing new hardwood or tile or even opting for a fresh, luxurious carpet, which can increase the property’s value on sale.
- Constant odor: Odors can be eliminated by professional cleaning companies only to a certain point. If the smell has penetrated the padding and subfloor material, you may need to remove the carpet.
- Worsening allergies: Carpets trap allergy and asthma triggers such as dirt, debris, bacteria, mold, and pollen. Maintenance through vacuuming and cleaning can only do so much for a while. The accumulation of allergens can worsen the symptoms of individuals in the house with asthma or allergies.
Carpet removal offers an affordable renewal of your house flooring. Removing an old carpet lets homeowners choose new flooring, like tiles, hardwood, or a new carpet, for style or hygiene reasons. Removing old carpets can revitalize your living spaces, enhance visual appeal, and add value to your property.