1. Measure the room
To ensure you plan your new carpet to meet your budget, you must know how many square metres of carpet you require. Measure the length and width of the room at the widest points and then multiply these two numbers together for the total square metres you will need. Now multiply that figure by your chosen carpet’s price per square metre. This calculation will give  you an idea of the price. Be aware, though, that some carpet shops will add extras to the  prices, such as grippers, underlay and fitting; check first.

2. Make the correct choice
Choosing the correct carpet for the space the carpet is to occupy is very important. High
traffic areas such as stairs and hallways need hardwearing fibres. In contrast, bedrooms and living rooms can have softer, more luxurious fibres. If you are unsure of what is best, ask advice from your carpet retailer regarding the correct material your carpet is made from to handle the wear and tear. It may be advantageous to pay a little extra for a better quality carpet which will last longer and save money in the long run.

3. Plan for disposing of your old carpet
Some carpet suppliers and fitting services will dispose of your old carpet but might charge extra for this service. If they offer a disposal service, check their recycling policy to ensure your carpet is disposed of in the most environmentally friendly way possible. If you need to dispose of the carpet yourself, contact your local council; some have carpet disposal services, but not many. If the carpet is in good condition, you may be able to donate it to a charity shop
or give it to an animal shelter for animal bedding.

4. Clear the room
Clear all the furniture from the room as you need to access the whole floor. Vacuum the carpet well before beginning to remove the carpet. It is advisable to wear a dust mask at this stage.

5. Removing your old carpet
You will need pliers, a utility knife and heavy-duty gloves. Starting in one corner, pull up the carpet using the pliers. As you pull the carpet up, start cutting it into manageable pieces and roll them up as you go. If you don’t fancy this job, there are plenty of handymen you can employ to do this for you.

6. Remove the underlay
Please do not keep your old underlay; it is a false economy. Your old underlay will have
degraded and will not provide the support that replacement underlay will offer your new
carpet. Normally underlay is stapled or glued at the edges. If it is glued, use a scraper to clean off the flooring totally, do not leave any underlay intact if possible. If it has been stapled, use pliers or a flat-headed screwdriver to remove all of the staples. As with the carpet, cut the underlay into manageable pieces as you go.

7. Ventilation
The room will now be full of dust and fibres, so open the windows and air the space well.

8. Make repairs to the bare floor
If there is any damage or uneven patches, now is an excellent opportunity to repair the floor. After making repairs, vacuum the floor thoroughly to remove the last remnants of your old carpet and underlay.

9. Fitting your new carpet
Although you can fit your new carpet yourself, it is not recommended, as carpet fitting is a skilled job. Getting your carpet fitted professionally will ensure it is correctly laid to optimisethe carpet’s life span. Most shops offer a fitting service, and independent carpet fitters are available.

10. Vacuum
Most experienced carpet fitters will always recommend that you vacuum the carpet after it has been fitted.