Did you know that eliminating an old carpet yourself could save you anywhere from $3 to $5 per square yard? By removing the carpet from a 12’x15′ room, you could save between $60 to $100 for an hour’s work (depending on the installer and where you live.) Following these few steps can make removing carpet a little easier. 

–Start in a Corner with a Sharp Blade

If you can locate a seam in the carpet, that would be a good starting point. If you can’t find a seam, use your blade to cut into the carpet. Start in a corner and use a pair of pliers to pull the carpeting off the tack strips- be careful because they are sharp!

–Cut Carpeting Into Strips

It is easier to carry if you cut the carpet into approximately 4-foot-wide strips. 

–Pull Back and Roll Up Strips

Pull up each 4-foot strip. Roll up the strips and then carry them out of the space. 

–Remove Padding

Once all the carpeting has been removed, remove the padding. If the subfloor under the padding is plywood, the padding was likely stapled down, and it is best to remove all of the staples. If it was glued down, you may have to use a glue scraper to remove the glue from the concrete. 

–Remove Tack Strips (If necessary) 

If you are having new carpeting installed, you may be able to reuse the tack strips if they’re in good shape. If the strips need to be removed, use a mini crowbar and hammer to pry the strips loose from the subfloor. Make sure to vacuum the floor once everything is removed. 

Have a plan for disposing or recycling your old carpet. The website carpetrecovery.org lists carpet collection sites across the country. Before throwing it away, consider options like having the edges bound to use as an area or throw rug, using pieces to make a cat scratching post, dog mats or doghouse liner or even place pieces under your washer and dryer to quiet their vibration.

Sources:

https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/design-101/how-to-remove-wall-to-wall-carpet

https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/home-repairs-you-can-do-yourself/