Installing new carpet can rejuvenate any room in your home. Whether you are installing carpet in a new home or it is just part of a remodel, you need to do a fair bit of preparation work. Most importantly, you need to make sure that the subfloor is as flat and level as possible. Of course, this is not always possible when you are remodeling in old home. The process for leveling out your subfloor will depend on what type of existing floor you have. If you can remove your existing flooring and level out the subfloor on your own, you can save a lot of money on the project. However, some floors are very difficult to remove so you should leave to a remodeling contractor. This article will explain the difficulty of removing different types of flooring and then leveling out the subfloor.

Removing Carpet is Easy

Removing carpet is usually the easiest part of the process. All you really need are some utility knives and pry bars or large claw hammers. Basically, you need to cut a slit in the carpet and then pry it up with your tools. The work is simple but very hard on your body. If you're not able to handle the physical aspect of removing carpet, you should definitely leave it to the professionals. What the carpet is removed you also need to remove the carpet pad.

The hardest part is actually removing the tack strips around the edge of the floor. The installers of the new carpet will want to install new tack strips, so don't leave old ones in the floor. Removing the tack strips just takes a little bit of hammering and prying. All in all, the workload is relatively light and you don't need any special tools to remove your own carpet. Best of all, once the carpet is removed, the subfloor will basically be completely ready for the new installation.

Removing Tile is Hard

If you want to replace a tile floor with carpet, you will probably need to rely on professionals. If you do want to handle the work on your own, you will need to rent or own an electric jackhammer. If you're able to safely handle and operate a full-size jackhammer, you will probably still be overwhelmed by how hard it is to remove all the mortar and grout from the floor. The process will require a lot of helping hands, a bunch of sweat, and some sore muscles. Don't undertake this unless you are absolutely confident it is worth your time and labor.

In the end, if you can do the route work on your own, it is a great way to save money, but don't take on a project that is too difficult. Contact a carpet installation expert to learn more.

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