Installing new carpet is one of the best ways to add value to your property.  Old carpet can fade, become smelly, harbor allergens and make the rooms look older. If you do have carpet floors, you can actually do some of the work yourself to save money on the overall installation costs. This article explains how to remove carpet from your floor in preparation for the installation of a brand new carpet product by a flooring contractor.

Tools You Need for Carpet Removal

You probably already have all of the tools necessary for removing carpet. A utility with several replacement blades is necessary for cutting carpet into strips. You will also need several flat screwdrivers and/or pry bars to help pull the edge of the carpet away from the wall. A hammer with a claw back will be needed throughout the project. Also, make sure you have protective eye wear and leather gloves.

Removing the Carpet

First, you need to find an edge or corner that you can peel up and away from the floor. This might be hard is the carpet is buried underneath the baseboards. However, you should be able to dig out an edge of the carpet with a screwdriver. Once you have a corner that you can grab onto (remember to wear leather gloves for extra grip), you can forcefully pull up the carpet by hand. As you pull up the carpet, you might need to cut the carpet into smaller sections that are easier to carry away. The carpet pads can be removed in the same manner. They are usually lighter and even easier to lift up since they aren't attached to the carpet tack strips.

Removing the Tack Strips

Removing the tack strips is often more difficult than removing the actual carpet. You might need a hammer to knock screwdrivers underneath the strips. Then, you can pry up the screwdrivers, and the strips should pull right out of the subfloor. If your strips are glued to the subfloor, this process is the same but it will be much more exhausting.

The final step is to clean and remove any staples or adhesive build up that might still be stuck to the subfloor. Once your floor is clean, it will be ready for the installation of the new carpet. It should be noted that this process is basically the same, no matter what flooring material you plan on installing.