Eight Pros and Cons of Removing Carpeting in Your House
There’s no denying the appeal of carpet. It's warm and comfortable in cold, windy climates. It reduces noise and creates a cozy cocoon that wraps around your family. But when carpet gets old, stains and smells can quickly cut right through that fuzzy feeling. Here are four pros and four cons to consider before removing your carpeting — plus four tips to get it right.
Pros of Removing Carpet: Why It Makes Sense
Removing your carpet is a no-brainer if it's part of a planned renovation. Beyond that, there are four pros to getting rid of that orange '70s shag.
It’s an instant update
Nothing dates your home faster than faded, dingy, stained carpet. Ripping it out and adding new carpet or glowing hardwood floors perks everything up. Replacing the flooring can really bring those Zillow listing photos to life, too.
Your house will smell better
You may not be aware of it, but your house has a distinct smell that is not necessarily pleasant. This olfactory blindness develops over the years and can be an instant turn off to visitors and potential buyers walking through.
The good news is that removing your carpeting provides a reset that can get rid of layers of odors that have been building up over the years.
New carpet can ease allergies
In much the same way that new carpet resets the olfactory tone of your home, it can also help with family members suffering from allergies. Dust mites, dander, and other allergens build up in the fibers of carpet and the pad underneath, no matter how often or well you clean.
Removing the carpet and replacing it with new carpet or different flooring may help relieve chronic allergies. It’s also a good idea to remove and replace carpeting if you have a new baby with an undeveloped immune system.
New carpet improves the air
Among different types of flooring, new carpet has one of the lowest volatile organic compound (VOC) emission levels. It releases fewer chemicals and can actually act as a filter that traps pollen and dust particles, stopping them from reaching the air.
Cons of Removing Carpet: The Struggle Is Real
If you could snap your fingers and have instant new flooring, most people would hop right on board. However, it's not that simple, and there are four cons to be aware of.
You can’t predict what’s underneath
In the renovation rush to remove carpet, many homeowners neglect to contemplate what lies beneath. They may have turned up an unused corner and jumped for joy at the sight of original hardwood flooring, but that's the corner of the room. The center might be an entirely different story, with stains, rot, and worse.
Of course, these are all important issues to address, especially if you are replacing carpet or flooring before selling your house. But it can be a shock to both your plans and your wallet if the floor beneath the carpet is not as pristine as you originally thought.
It’s definitely more work than you think
Removing the carpet is just the first step of many when it comes to replacing flooring.
Carpet is attached along the walls and stairs with a series of wooden strips with tacks attached. These tacks are razor-sharp and must be pried up with a crowbar. Once the tack strips are pried up, the carpet pad must be scraped off the floor (if glued) or peeled off the staples holding it in place. The glue must be chiseled away or the staples removed before hardwoods can be refinished or the flooring replaced.
It’s a big job. If you’re planning on DIY-ing it as a way to increase the value of your property, be prepared to put in a lot of sweat equity.
You’re responsible for disposal
Not only is the job of removing carpet big, but the bulk waste you create when doing so is substantial. You may not need to hire a roll-off dumpster, but you'll certainly have to figure out how to transport the carpet and pad to a disposal facility.
It can make allergies worse
Remember how removing a carpet can get rid of allergens? Well, there is an intermediate step where removing the carpet releases dust and pathogens that have spent decades trapped underneath it. If your family has people with sensitive immune systems or chronic allergies, it may be best for them to relocate while removing carpet.
Of course, once the new flooring is installed this is not an issue. But potentially relocating while the carpet is removed is an expense to be aware of (and to plan for).
Removing Carpet? Four Tips to Get It Right
If you do opt to remove the carpet in your house, here are five tips to get it right.
Choose the best flooring materials
The best flooring materials are the ones that fit your goals and your family. If your household includes multiple children and pets, chances are good that white shag carpeting isn't a great idea. However, if you are selling a house by the beach and want to attract empty nesters looking for minimalism and clean lines, that same white carpet might be a big selling point.
Clean regularly
No matter which flooring you select, cleaning regularly prolongs the life of your flooring. If done right, spills won’t stain or soak the carpet and pad (ruining the floor below), and your hardwoods or laminates won’t be subject to permanent damage or wear.
Mind your budget
New flooring can make a big difference, but it can also make a big dent in your wallet. Shop around and consider financing with a credit card dedicated to home renovation. These allow you to spread the cost over many months and may come with special rates or incentives. If you're renovating to sell, you can also maximize your return on investment by listing with a low commission realtor.
Consider hiring a professional
If you don't have experience in complex home renovations, replacing your flooring might not be the best place to start. Flooring professionals know how to safely remove carpet and prep for new flooring. They can help you select the flooring that suits your needs, and most can complete the job in just a couple of days.
The Takeaway
Carpet has plenty of benefits, but even with proper care, its lifespan is about 10 years. Removing it yourself can breathe new life into your home, though it’s best to first gain a firm understanding of what this type of home renovation takes — and when it’s time to call in a professional.
