DIY: How to Remove Old Carpet

Save Money and Get Peace of Mind from Removing Old Carpet Yourself

Replacing old carpet with a new floor covering is one of the most expensive changes homeowners can make. The materials alone are costly; plus there are installation, furniture moving, old carpet removal and disposal charges. Removal charges can be as expensive as installation fees, so by removing the old carpet yourself you can easily save hundreds of dollars or more.

Professional carpet installers want to get in and out of your house as quickly as possible. They won't necessarily be as cautious about moving your furniture and personal items. After removing the carpet, there may be sub-flooring or baseboard issues you want to correct. Whatever these issues, the installers will just lay the new carpet right over them.

Carpet installation is a tricky and labor-intensive process. While it's advisable to get professionals to install new carpet, or even new hardwood floors, it can save a lot of money to remove the old carpet and padding yourself. Follow the tips below and you'll be on your way to saving money and getting the finished product you want!

Start early. Moving furniture and removing old carpet takes time, so it's important to start early enough to get the job done before the installers arrive. If you're only replacing the carpet in one room and don't expect any sub-floor issues, this may only require a few hours, but larger jobs could require a full day or two of preparation. The more furniture and personal items there are to move, and the more rooms you are removing carpet from, the more time you need to allow. Keep in mind that this process is similar to if you were moving to a new home. Every single item has to be removed from the room and stored somewhere else until the new carpet is in.

If you have a lot of shelving or display cabinets, start emptying these right away. Use boxes or plastic bins to help move items in bulk and make them easier to store. Remove drawers and shelving from cabinets to make the furniture pieces easier to move.