Is it cheaper to install carpet yourself?
If you’re thinking about getting new carpet installed in your home, then you might be wondering, “Is it cheaper to install carpet yourself?”
New carpet can be a great addition to any home; however, the cost can be a major determinant for some people. From the carpet itself to the carpet padding to the carpet install to miscellaneous project fees, the costs of new carpet can quickly add up.
Of course, you might be able to cut back on costs if you install the carpet yourself. But is the cost of a DIY carpet install actually cheaper than a professional job?
Let’s break it down.
The average cost of a carpet install
Carpet installation cost will vary based on how much square footage you’re working with. On the low end of things, a 1-room, 100-square foot job can cost on average around $700, and a 1-room, 1000-square foot job can cost on average around $7,000.
Other factors that can increase the cost of installing carpet:
- Moving furniture
- Stairs
- Removing pre-existing flooring
- Fixing inadequate subfloor
- Installing carpet in multiple rooms
On top of the carpet install cost, you also have to include the price of the carpet and padding. This can cost anywhere between $1 and $12 per square foot — all depending on the quality, thickness, and brand of the carpet. Carpet padding will cost around $1.50 per square foot.
Keep Reading: Do you really need padding under carpet?
The costs of installing carpet yourself
Right off the get-go, you’ll need to include the same costs for padding and carpet. This obviously doesn’t go away just because you’re installing carpet yourself. What does go away, however, is the price of the carpet install and any miscellaneous fees associated with it.
This being said, there are going to be other costs you’ll encounter during a DIY carpet install. While a carpet installer will come with all the necessary carpet installation tools, you likely will not
Some of the accessories that you’ll need to install carpet yourself may include:
- Cutting tools
- Seam roller ($50 – $150)
- Carpet tape ($14 – $50 per roll)
- Carpet stretcher ($65 – $400)
- Hammer
- Staple gun
- Trimmer ($30 – $100)
Many people who want a DIY carpet install think the only costs will be the carpet and padding. And as a result, they don’t budget for the tools and miscellaneous items they need to actually install the carpet.
Is it cheaper to install carpet yourself? Yes, it can be. But it’s important not to forget that there are additional costs associated with a DIY install. This being said, make sure you budget appropriately.
Keep Reading: Is it hard to install carpet yourself?
The cons of a installing carpet yourself
Sure, you can save thousands of dollars on a DIY carpet install; however, other costs may start to creep up on you in the future. Let’s take a look at a few of the reasons you may want to save up for a professional carpet install.
Why you may not want to install carpet yourself:
- You don’t know what you’re doing, and you’ll need to spend a few days, weeks, or even months researching and learning how to install carpet.
- You’ll miss important steps of the carpet install process, and you’ll end up with improperly installed products. This can result in visible tack strips, carpet that moves around, carpet that doesn’t tuck neatly into the baseboard, and other problems.
- You’ll void your carpet’s warranty, due to improperly installed carpet. This means, if any issues come up with the quality of the carpet you installed, then you may not be able to get it replaced.
Debating between a DIY and professional carpet install?
Then you’ll want to check out these additional resources before moving forward in your carpet install.