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[chihuahuamom]

I have two bedrooms that need new carpet. Both are around 10 by 12.  I was hoping to keep it to under $1,000, but it looks like I can't find anything under that.  I went to Home Depot today and it will run me about $1200 with tax.  Other places I have looked are more. If you have recarpeted lately, what tips can you share?

[Carmie]

Go to a place that sells flooring only, not a big box store. Often they have rolls of carpeting in their showrooms that are in stock and left over from mill ends. They are remnants and purchased directly from the factory.  The carpet is first quality and you can see it on the roll so there are no surprises like when you choose and order from a small sample.

The downside, is that if you have your heart set on a certain color or style, you may not find it, but you may find a very expensive good quality carpet at a great price.

The carpet store will install the padding and carpet for you.

These remnants are great for smaller rooms, like bedrooms.  

[webbgarner1]

@Carmie  totally agree, I have done that as well

[AuntG]

Keep shopping. 240 square feet of carpeting is not a lot. Inexpensive carpeting should be available for $1000.

[ID2]

Hardwood with a large area rug, done, cheap.

[novamc1]

In my previous home (from which we  downsized recently), we had large bedrooms and other rooms where I always wanted large area rugs over the hardwood floors.

My favorite carpet store did lots of commercial and large-scale carpet installations, and every five or 10 years, when I needed a fresh rug for a room, I would go to their main warehouse and choose a big piece of carpet remnant in a nice neutral color and good quality.  I would buy the whole remnant and have them cut and bind it and install it to suit the room size that I wanted.

Carpet retailers have a lot of remnants that they can sell.  You have to ask to see them in the "back room" or in their warehouse.  Otherwise, they would prefer to sell you non-leftovers at a higher price. It  stands to reason that they already charged the original purchaser the full price of all that extra carpet left over from the previous installation. 

You can probably get the bargain price of the leftovers if you ask.

[Carmie]

@novamc1  At one time, carpet places saved remnants from past sales, but most likely what they offer now they purchased directly from the mill.  

The mill sells  off these remnants when they have about 20 feet or less left on the roll.  The carpet stores buy them in bulk and if the showroom is large, they are no longer in the back room anymore. They are not leftovers already paid for by someone else.

My cousin’s husband ( Mike) drives a tractor trailer truck and he picks up carpet from the mills “ down south” and brings them up north for many carpet stores.  

My brother who owns many apartment buildings and homes he rents out, has Mike.        “ make a personal deal” with the mill and  pick up neutral colored carpet for his rentals. Mike has good taste and some of this carpet is exceptional. Sometimes the mill just gives the carpet away too.

There are deals to be had, you just have to shop and ask for them. 

[panda1234]

Just did dinning room and livingroom yesterday, both 13 x 17. They moved furniture, removed old carpet all for $1,200. This was middle of the road grade carpet. I would NEVER go to a box store to have a service done. They contract it out and add a % on to the price for themselves. 

[homedecor1]

agree with others go to a carpet store.  The stores like Lowe's & Home Depot contract with outside contractors and rides the price up!  Plus, even though they tell you FREE installation, etc. its in the price somewhere!

I am in the process of having my carpeting replaced because of "stains".  3 years ago I carpeted the entire house with StainMaster carpet through a flooring store.  

I get it professionaly cleaned every year (this year not yet til other work done).  They sent a Monsanto rep out to look at the various stains and since I did have it professionally cleaned and they didn't come out they are honoring the lifetime warranty to  replace the DR/LR.  

[KateE]

I replaced carpet in my living room/dining room and it is expensive, very expensive. I went with an actual floor covering company, their employees are employed by them and were more caring about my newly painted walls. Box stores, use sub-contractors and there always different. If you go with a box store, make sure the guys are licensed and bonded.