Installing a carpet can be a complex task if you aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of 
carpet installation. While it’s probably a pretty good idea to hire a contractor or handyman to complete the task – and make sure it’s done right – a lot of homeowners want to try it out for themselves. For those who do, these helpful tips will make the process of pulling up the old carpet a little bit easier.
Do remove moldings around the floor and doorways. This will help get out the old carpet before putting in the new ones.
Don’t forget to vacuum the carpet before pulling it up. It will rid the old carpet of any excess dust that you might breathe in while pulling it up.
Do cut the carpet into strips before you begin to pull it up. This will make it easier to pull out sections, rather than trying to pull it all up at once. Use a utility knife to quickly cut strips that are 18” – 24” wide for ease of use.
Don’t forget to make sure the floor is clean and dry and tackless strips are removed. This needs to be done before you begin rolling out the new carpet on the floor. This is also a good time to double check floorboards for any loose boards or errant nails that need to be hammered down.
Do lay down new tackless strips around the edge of the room. Refrain from laying them down in front of doorways, and leave a space of ½” between the walls and the strips. Make sure that the tacks face towards the wall.
Don’t forget to lay down the under-pad in strips over the tackless strips. Trim additional underlay along the inside of the tackless strip – you can use duck-tape to seal seams.
By following these simple do’s and dont’s, you’ll be ready to lay down your new carpet in no time. Remember, home DIY is usually fun and rewarding, but sometimes you may need some additional assistance. The expert craftsmen at Handyman Matters can always help you replace and lay down new carpet. Call us today at 1-866-FIX-MY-HOME or enter your zip code above to schedule a phone consultation.
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