Key Takeaways
| Project Type | Square Footage | All-In Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Single bedroom | 150 sq ft | $900–$2,100 |
| 3-bedroom house | 900 sq ft | $5,400–$12,600 |
| Basement | 600 sq ft | $3,600–$8,400 |
| Main floor (living + dining + hall) | 800 sq ft | $4,800–$11,200 |
| Full house (2,000 sq ft) | 2,000 sq ft | $12,000–$28,000 |
All-in pricing includes: Old carpet removal, disposal, subfloor prep, moisture barrier (basements), padding, new carpet, installation, transitions, cleanup.
What All-In Replacement Means
Carpet replacement bundles every step into one price: removal of old carpet, disposal, subfloor inspection and prep, new padding, new carpet, installation, transitions, and cleanup.
Unbundled quotes separate each service. You pay separately for removal, separately for subfloor work, separately for padding. All-in pricing simplifies the process—one number covers everything.
All-in pricing runs $6 to $14 per square foot depending on carpet grade and job complexity. Budget replacements sit at $6 to $8 per square foot. Mid-grade replacements run $8 to $11 per square foot. Premium replacements cost $11 to $14 per square foot.
The low end gets you polyester carpet, foam padding, basic removal, and minimal subfloor prep. The high end gets you wool or high-end nylon, rubber or memory foam padding, thorough subfloor repair, and moisture barriers for basements.
For more on what professional replacement includes, see our carpet replacement service page.
Removal and Disposal Costs
Old carpet removal costs $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot depending on how it’s secured. Tack-stripped carpet over plywood pulls up quickly—expect the low end. Glued carpet over concrete takes hours—expect the high end.
Disposal fees add $50 to $200 depending on carpet volume and local dump fees. Some installers include disposal in the base removal rate. Others charge separately.
Furniture moving costs $100 to $500 depending on room count and furniture volume. Some installers shift basic furniture as part of the job. Others charge extra for heavy or built-in items.
Removing baseboards costs $2 to $4 per linear foot if they’re in the way. Most installers tuck carpet under baseboards without removing them, but older homes with tight fits may require removal and reinstallation.
Old padding removal is usually bundled with carpet removal. Padding tears easily and comes up in minutes.
Subfloor Prep and Repair Costs
Subfloor prep costs $1 to $4 per square foot depending on condition. Cleaning tack strip holes, grinding down adhesive, or patching minor divots sits at the low end. Replacing damaged plywood or leveling concrete sits at the high end.
Wood subfloors need inspection for rot, warping, or pet damage. Damaged sections get replaced. Patching costs $2 to $4 per square foot. Full sheet replacement costs $3 to $6 per square foot including labor.
Concrete subfloors need leveling if they’re uneven. Self-leveling compound costs $1 to $3 per square foot. Grinding down high spots costs $1 to $2 per square foot.
Moisture testing for basements costs $50 to $150. Installers tape plastic to the concrete and check for condensation after 24 hours. If moisture is present, a vapor barrier is required.
Sealing oil stains or paint residue costs $0.50 to $1 per square foot. Oil prevents adhesive from bonding. Paint needs grinding off.
For more on subfloor issues, see our carpet repair service page.
Padding Options and Costs
Padding runs $0.50 to $2 per square foot depending on density and material. Basic foam padding costs $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot. It compresses quickly and lasts 5 to 7 years.
Rubber padding costs $1 to $1.50 per square foot. It resists compression and lasts 10 to 15 years. For high-traffic areas—hallways, living rooms, stairs—rubber padding is worth the upgrade.
Memory foam padding costs $1.50 to $2 per square foot. It’s thick, soft, and insulating. It’s overkill for guest bedrooms but makes sense in master bedrooms or family rooms.
Moisture-resistant padding with built-in vapor barriers costs $1 to $2 per square foot. Use this in basements. Standard foam absorbs moisture and molds.
Carpet warranties often require specific padding density. Installing cheap padding under premium carpet can void the warranty. Check the fine print.
New Carpet Material Costs
Carpet runs $2 to $10 per square foot depending on fiber and quality. Polyester costs $2 to $3 per square foot. It’s soft but mats down in high-traffic areas.
Nylon costs $3 to $6 per square foot. It’s durable, stain-resistant, and holds up under daily use. Nylon is the standard for bedrooms, hallways, and living rooms.
Berber loop pile costs $3 to $6 per square foot. It hides dirt, resists wear, and works well in basements and family rooms.
Wool starts at $7 per square foot and climbs past $15 for imported designs. Wool is warm, durable, and naturally stain-resistant. It’s the premium option for master bedrooms and formal living rooms.
Carpet tiles cost $2 to $6 per square foot. Damaged tiles can be replaced individually. They work well in basements or commercial spaces.
Installation Labor Costs
Installation labor runs $1.50 to $4 per square foot depending on job complexity. Simple rectangular rooms sit at the low end. Rooms with bay windows, multiple doorways, or angled walls sit at the high end.
Power stretching is included in professional installation. The installer uses a power stretcher to pull the carpet tight before tacking it down. This prevents ripples and buckling.
Seaming costs are built into the labor rate. Installers use heat-activated tape or seaming irons to join carpet sections. Good seams are invisible from three feet away.
Trimming and tucking are part of the base rate. The installer trims excess carpet at walls and tucks it under baseboards or into metal strips.
Stairs cost extra—$10 to $25 per step. Each step requires individual cutting, wrapping, and tucking. For stair-specific pricing, see our stair carpet installation page.
Transitions and Thresholds
Transitions cost $15 to $40 per doorway depending on material and fit. Metal transitions are cheaper. Wood transitions cost more but match hardwood floors better.
A typical house has 6 to 12 transitions depending on room count. Budget $90 to $480 for transitions on a full-house replacement.
Transitions bridge the gap between carpet and tile, hardwood, vinyl, or different carpet sections. They prevent tripping and protect carpet edges from fraying.
Some installers include basic transitions in the base quote. Others charge separately. Always ask.
All-In Pricing Examples by Project Type
Example 1: Single 150 sq ft bedroom replacement
- Old carpet removal and disposal: $150
- Subfloor cleaning: $75
- Rubber padding: $150
- Mid-grade nylon carpet: $525
- Installation labor: $300
- Furniture moving: $100
- Transition (1 doorway): $25
- Total: $1,325 ($8.83/sq ft all-in)
Example 2: 3-bedroom house (900 sq ft) replacement
- Old carpet removal and disposal: $675
- Subfloor prep (minor repairs): $450
- Rubber padding: $900
- Mid-grade nylon carpet: $3,600
- Installation labor: $2,250
- Furniture moving: $300
- Transitions (8 doorways): $200
- Total: $8,375 ($9.31/sq ft all-in)
Example 3: 600 sq ft basement replacement
- Old carpet removal and disposal: $450
- Subfloor leveling: $600
- Moisture barrier: $240
- Moisture-resistant padding: $600
- Berber nylon carpet: $3,000
- Installation labor: $1,800
- Transitions (3 doorways): $75
- Mold treatment (200 sq ft): $400
- Total: $7,165 ($11.94/sq ft all-in)
Example 4: Main floor (800 sq ft living + dining + hallway) replacement
- Old carpet removal and disposal: $600
- Subfloor repair (150 sq ft): $450
- Rubber padding: $1,000
- Premium nylon carpet: $4,800
- Installation labor: $2,800
- Furniture moving: $400
- Transitions (6 doorways): $180
- Pattern matching: $100
- Total: $10,330 ($12.91/sq ft all-in)
Example 5: Full 2,000 sq ft house replacement
- Old carpet removal and disposal: $2,000
- Subfloor repair (400 sq ft): $1,200
- Rubber padding (main areas) + moisture-resistant (basement): $2,800
- Mid-grade nylon throughout: $10,000
- Installation labor: $6,000
- Furniture moving (whole house): $800
- Transitions (15 doorways): $375
- Stair carpet (13 steps): $260
- Total: $23,435 ($11.72/sq ft all-in)
These numbers reflect typical Ottawa projects. Complex layouts, damaged subfloors, or premium materials push costs toward the high end.
When to Replace vs. Repair Carpet
Replace carpet when it’s worn through to the backing, severely stained, or older than 10 years. Repairs make sense for isolated damage—burns, small stains, or wrinkles.
Carpet stretching fixes ripples and buckling. It costs $100 to $300 per room. Replacing carpet costs $600 to $2,000 per room. If the carpet is otherwise in good shape, stretching is the better option. For more on stretching, see our carpet stretching service page.
Patching fixes small damaged areas. Installers cut out the damaged section and seam in a new piece. Patching costs $100 to $300 per patch. It works for burns, pet damage, or isolated stains.
Replacing carpet makes sense when damage is widespread, the carpet is old, or you’re updating the home for resale. Fresh carpet adds value and makes rooms look clean.
If you’re replacing one room, consider replacing connected rooms at the same time. Doing the whole upstairs at once costs less per square foot than doing one bedroom at a time.
How to Get an All-In Quote
Measure your space. Total up all rooms you’re replacing. Add 10% for waste.
List what needs doing: removal, disposal, subfloor repair, moisture barriers, padding, carpet, installation, transitions.
Request all-in quotes from three installers. Ask them to bundle everything into one price per square foot or one total price.
Compare what’s included. Does the quote cover furniture moving? Disposal fees? Transitions? Subfloor prep? If it’s silent, ask.
Check material specs. What fiber is the carpet? What’s the padding density? Is it 6-pound foam or 10-pound rubber? Higher numbers mean better quality.
Ask about warranties. Most carpet comes with a 5- to 15-year manufacturer warranty. Installation should be guaranteed for at least one year.
Use our carpet cost calculator to estimate your replacement project before requesting quotes.
Timing and Seasonal Considerations
Installers are busiest in spring and fall. Demand drives prices up by 10% to 15% during peak months. Winter and late summer are slower—book then to save money.
Carpet suppliers run sales around holidays. Black Friday, Boxing Day, and end-of-season clearances can knock 15% to 20% off material costs.
Multi-room projects get better rates. Replacing three bedrooms at once costs less per square foot than replacing one bedroom three times.
Installers offer discounts for scheduling flexibility. If you can give them a two-week window instead of a fixed date, they’ll slot you in when convenient and pass savings along.
FAQ
How much does it cost to replace carpet in a 3-bedroom house in Ottawa? $5,400 to $12,600 depending on carpet quality and subfloor condition. All-in mid-grade replacements run $8,000 to $9,500 for 900 sq ft.
What does all-in carpet replacement include? Removal of old carpet, disposal, subfloor prep, new padding, new carpet, installation, transitions, and cleanup. Everything you need in one bundled price.
Is it cheaper to replace carpet in the whole house at once? Yes. Bulk material orders reduce per-square-foot costs, and installers save travel time by doing the whole job at once.
How long does a full carpet replacement take? One to three days depending on square footage. A single bedroom takes four to six hours. A 2,000 sq ft house takes two to three days.
Do I need to move furniture before carpet replacement? Most installers move basic furniture as part of the job. Heavy or fragile items should be moved beforehand or the installer will charge extra.
Can I replace carpet in one room or do I need to do the whole house? You can replace one room at a time. Some installers charge a minimum fee of $500 to $800 per visit, so bundling multiple rooms saves money.
How much does it cost to remove and dispose of old carpet? $0.50 to $1.50 per square foot plus $50 to $200 for disposal fees. For 900 sq ft, expect $500 to $1,500 total.
What’s included in subfloor prep? Cleaning, patching, leveling, and sealing. Installers fill cracks, grind down adhesive, replace damaged plywood, and level concrete.
How often should carpet be replaced? Every 8 to 12 years for nylon, sooner for polyester, later for wool. High-traffic areas wear faster.
Can I use different carpet in different rooms? Yes, but it creates visible transitions at doorways. Using the same carpet throughout creates a cohesive look and reduces seams.