When you have decided that it is time to replace your old carpet with new, you may be thinking that this is a job you could do on your own to save you a little extra cash. Installing carpet may seem like an easy task to take on, and if you know what you are doing, you may be able to render the results you desire. However, installing carpet is definitely not as easy as you would think. Most homeowners picture simply laying a new sheet of carpet down on the floor and maybe a few extra steps after that. Unfortunately it is not that simple and if not done properly, will leave a great deal of lumps, bumps, creases and uneven areas throughout the carpet in your home.
 

Learn how to Remove Old Carpet

Not only are there very specific steps to take when it comes to professional level carpet installation, but it can be extremely taxing on your knees, back and other areas of your body if you are not up for the job. One of the first steps to take when installing new carpet is to first get rid of your existing carpet. You must first remove the moldings around your floor and take of the door from the entrance. You will need a place to store your base boards and doors until after you have installed your new carpet. The garage is usually a good place to store them.
 

Thoroughly Vacuum Carpet to Remove Dust, Dirt & Allergens

Before you being pulling up your old carpet, be sure to give it a very thorough vacuuming, you do not want to be breathing in the dust that has settled into your old carpet when you are pulling it up.
 

Cut Old Carpet into Strips, Roll & Remove

Use a utility knife to cut the carpet into strips, measuring about three to four feet wide. After you have cut the strips, you must roll them up tightly and bind them so they are easy to carry and take out of the home.
 

Remove Old Carpet Underlayment or Padding

Some home owners think that the underlay of the carpet (or carpet padding) is fine and does not need to be replaced, however, it is most likely worn out just as much as your old carpet and should be replaced with new underlay or padding before you install your new carpet. Cut the underlayment or padding into strips like you did with the carpet. On a concrete floor, the pad is glued in place, so large areas of underlayment or padding will remain stuck to the floor. Removing these remaining pieces is going to require a large floor scraper and a lot of elbow grease!
 

Remove old Carpet Staples & Tack Strips

If you have a wood subfloor, you are also going to need to remove all of the staples; a tedious and time consuming job. Next, those old tack strips have to go. Loosen the tack strips around the room’s perimeter by tapping a mini crowbar under the strips with a hammer until they are knocked loose from the subfloor. Use a crowbar to pry the tack strips and loosen them before throwing them away. Finally, use a shop vacuum to thoroughly clean the subfloor.
 

Professional Floor Inspection & Carpet Installation

After you have removed your old carpet and the underlay, it is a great time to inspect your floor, making sure it is dry and that all the floor boards are tightly secured and not loose. The best and most effective way to install new carpet successfully is to hire a professional. This will save you a great deal of time, energy and money when it comes to the proper tools and materials that must be used in order to install the carpet correctly. Contact Carpet Care 2000 today for professional carpet installation done right.