Carpet removal costs $140 to $320 per room on average or $0.70 to $1.60 per square foot. Glued-down carpet costs $0.75 to $1.80 per square foot and is the most challenging to remove. The final price depends on the carpet type, removal method, and room size.

Additional cost factors include:

• Carpet condition and age
• Presence of hazardous materials
• Local disposal fees
• Difficulty of access
• Location and local labor costs
• Extra services such as floor preparation or repairs

The decision to either repair, clean, or replace your carpeting depends on how old your existing floor covering is and the condition it's in.

• Repairing carpet saves time, money, and extends the carpet's lifespan but won't hide extensive damage. If the carpet is old, it may be more cost-effective to replace it.
• Cleaning carpet is a cheap and quick solution but won't remove deep-set stains and odors. While cleaning reduces allergens and improves the indoor quality, it won’t restore worn-out carpets.
• Replacing carpet is great for updating the room design and increasing the home's value but is an expensive and time-consuming job.

The process of carpet removal takes 2.5 to 4.5 hours per room, assuming the average room is 100 to 150 square feet. Smaller rooms generally require a minimum of 2 hours.

Doing old carpet removal yourself can be worth it if you possess the necessary tools and have some experience with DIY repairs. The average expense for procuring the correct tools and supplies for the job typically ranges from $100 to $150. Removing stretched-in or tacked-down carpeting is easy.

On the other hand, removing glued-down carpet tends to be significantly more challenging without professional assistance. Plus, older carpets are typically too cumbersome to handle single-handedly.

The following tools are essential for the job:

• A floor scraper
• A dust mask, safety glasses, and gloves
• Pliers of 6" to 9" with a strong grip
• A pry bar
• A utility knife
• A carpet staple remover

The fastest method to remove a carpet from a basic stretch-in installation involves using pliers to pry up a corner of the carpet and then pulling it off the tack strips. Most of the carpet can be manually torn up. Remember to wear gloves for hand protection during this process.

Alternatively, you could lift a small corner of the carpet, fold it back, and cut it into sections that are 2' to 3' wide. These strips are then easy to roll up, tape, and dispose of easily.

You have the option to recycle your carpet at dedicated local recycling centers. Be aware that an additional fee applies due to the work of shredding, washing, sorting, and processing the fibers. You can also ask local carpet manufacturers to determine if they accept drop-offs.

Another option is donating your carpet to Habitat for Humanity to repurpose it for use in their charitable home-building projects.

Before hiring a carpet removal service near you, be sure to:

• Compare at least 3 estimates from different businesses and contractors.
• Read their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
• Select licensed, bonded, and insured companies with 5+ years of experience.
• Avoid selecting the lowest quote that typically indicates lower job standards.
• Ask for a written contract and warranty before the project starts.

Talk to contractors about these important job details before they start:

• How many years have you been removing and replacing carpets?
• In case the local area allows carpet recycling, what does it cost?
• Is dumpster disposal for the discarded carpet allowed, and how much is it?
• What are your charges for removing glued-down or stapled carpets?
• Does your bid include the removal of the carpet padding underneath as well?
• Are there additional charges for the disposal and hauling of the carpet?
• Will you remove and reinstall doors obstructing the carpet removal process?
• Can I reduce charges by moving furniture before the crew arrives?
• What's the fee for furniture moving before carpet removal?
• Can you guarantee undamaged carpet removal for reuse?
• How many crew members will perform carpet removal?
• What precautions will you take to prevent wall damage?
• Is carpet removal cost part of the carpet replacement fee?
• Is there an extra fee to fix squeaky floors after removal?
• Can you protect my baseboards for reuse with the new carpet?