Installing new carpet costs $2 to $8 per square foot, depending on the carpet quality, fiber material, room size, and prep work needed. Common prep work includes removing the old carpet and replacing the carpet padding for an additional $0.50 to $2.50 per square foot. Most carpet manufacturers require new padding of a certain thickness to keep the warranty intact.

Other factors that influence the cost of installing new carpet include the labor rates in your area, the installer's experience, and the installation complexity. Rooms with stairs, corners, or irregular shapes take longer to install and require more carpet due to the higher percentage of waste when cutting to fit the space.

Yes, most carpet companies will move furniture for you as part of the installation process. However, there are a few exceptions. Some companies will not move furniture that is too large or heavy, such as pianos or pool tables. Others may charge a fee for moving furniture. It is always best to check with the specific company you are working with to see what their policy is on furniture moving.

When asking a carpet company to move your furniture, be sure to let them know what kind of furniture you have and how much of it. Also, if you have any fragile items, you may want to remove those yourself or ask them to take extra care when moving them.

Yes, most carpet companies remove the old carpet as part of the installation process. The cost to remove the old carpet is $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot. However, companies may not remove old carpet if it is in poor condition or if it is attached to the subfloor with glue. Always check with the specific company you are working with to see what their policy is on old carpet removal.

Installing carpet takes 4 to 8 hours for an average room. In some cases, preparation adds another day for removing the furniture, the old carpeting and padding, the baseboards, and making any subfloor repairs or replacement.

Installing carpet in oddly shaped rooms and staircases takes longer, since the carpet must be cut and fit for each corner or step.

Carpet lasts 5 to 20 years, depending on the carpet and padding quality and the foot traffic in the room. Carpets should be replaced when they start to shed or unravel at the seam. Carpets are also replaced sooner when there is water damage, staining, matting, or odors.

When you are looking to replace your carpeting, be sure to ask the installer these important questions:

• Are you licensed and bonded with liability insurance?
• Have you been installing carpeting for at least 5 years?
• Can you provide references for past work?
• Which carpet padding is required to maintain the manufacturer's warranty?
• What other expenses are common in a carpeting project?
• Can they do subfloor work if they find damage?
• Does their quote include moving furniture, removing old carpet, and new padding?
• Do you provide a warranty on your work?
• What payment options are available?
• Does your quote include clean-up afterward?
• Do you provide a floor diagram with measurements and seam locations?

HomeGuide has a full list of experienced carpet installers near you. To narrow down your options, follow these recommendations:

• Get several estimates with the same carpet material and quality to compare.
• Read reviews for their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
• Select carpet companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for at least 5 years.
• Avoid selecting the lowest quote that often results in poor quality carpet or workmanship.
• Ask for a written contract and warranty with a full description of all costs before starting the project.
• Avoid large payments upfront, instead work out a payment plan with the final payment due upon completion.