A carpet fitter is a tradesperson who installs carpets in homes and businesses. They measure, cut, and fit carpets to the floor, taking into account the size of the room, the type of carpet, and the desired finished look.

Carpet fitters ensure the carpeting is properly stretched, secured, and smooth. They also remove old carpets and install carpet padding.

Carpet installers typically charge $2 to $8 per square foot, for materials and labor, depending on the carpet quality, fiber material, room size, and prep work required. Common preparation 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 be installed with the carpet to keep the warranty intact.

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

Yes, most carpet fitters will move furniture for you as part of the new carpet 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. Always check with the specific company you contract on their furniture moving policy.

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, ask them to take special care or consider removing those items yourself.

Most carpet companies remove the old carpet as part of the carpet installation process. The cost to remove old carpet is $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot, on average. Some companies may refuse to remove old carpet if it is in poor condition or if it is attached to the subfloor with glue. Always check with the carpet fitter you are working with to confirm their carpet removal policy and costs are.

Fitting carpet takes 4 to 8 hours for an average-sized room. In some cases, preparation adds another day to remove the furniture, take up the old carpeting and padding, pull off the baseboards, and make any subfloor repairs or replacements.

Installing carpet in oddly shaped rooms and staircases takes longer. Carpet in these areas must be cut and fit for each corner or step.

First, check out HomeGuide for a full list of experienced carpet fitters near you. Then, follow these recommendations:

• Get 2 to 3 estimates with the same carpet material and quality to compare.
• Read online reviews for their previous work on HomeGuide and Google.
• Select carpet fitters that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for several years.
• Avoid the lowest estimates that use poor-quality carpet or workmanship.
• Ask for a written contract that details all costs before starting the project.
• Avoid large deposit payments upfront, instead work out a payment plan with the final payment due upon completion.

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

• Are you licensed and bonded with liability insurance for carpet installation?
• Have you been installing carpeting for at least 5 years?
• Can you provide references for previous work?
• Which carpet padding do I need to maintain the manufacturer's warranty?
• What other expenses are common?
• Can you do subfloor work if you find damage?
• Does your quote include moving furniture, removing old carpet, and installing new padding?
• Do you provide a warranty or guarantee of your work?
• What payment options or financing do you offer?
• Do you have a floor diagram with measurements and seam locations I can approve first?