I'm moving into an apartment where I am required to install a carpet

Question

i wanted to know the most efficient and cheapest way to carpet an apartment as well as a cheap place to buy it...since im a student on a budget i need to figure out a cheap fix... i considered buying a rug as an alternative but the shape of my living room is sort of like an L the other end intended to be a dining area so i basically need a carpet.

also i want to get my security deposit back in the end so the typical way of installing a carpet (stapling nailing and all) would damage the floor wouldnt it? is there any other way to go about doing it that would be less effort and easier to remove?

Answer 1

ok if you want a guarantee  for your carpet I would suggest going to home depot. Right now their mid range carpet is on sale and they have a special going where your carpet will be installed complete with tack strip and stretching, for around $150.00 for every thing. This install cost can only be had if you purchase carpet from casa depot.

Good luck to you

Answer 2

Actual carpet installation does damage the floor along the edges, because you nail down a "tack strip" to keep the carpet in place.  Actual carpet installation is a hellacious job, I've witnessed it twice and I would prefer never to again.  Extremely hard work.

I am guessing that you are being required to COVER the floor, not actually install a carpet in the real sense.  If so, and your room is an "L" shape, two matching rugs of different sizes may do the trick.  

Answer 3

You won't be able to install carpet yourself, you'll have to hire an installer. You'll also have to purchase carpet pad and tackstrip. Most residential carpet is 'stretched in' using a special tool. Basically to carpet your apartment will cost you anywhere from 600-1000 depending on how big your place is. I would just buy some area rugs. It's not worth it to carpet an apartment that your only renting.

Answer 4

Why do you have to install carpet, typically that is the owners responsilbity not the renters.

Answer 5

The carpet installation just may damage the floor and they will keep your deposit.  If you can, find another apartment to rent.  No one is "required" to "install" carpet.  

Now if the apartment is un-carpeted and they told you it's ok for you to put some down if you want it, that's another story.

The best route would be to get multiple throw rugs for your L shape floor and work them in a way that looks good with the furniture.