What is the cost to remove old carpet and install new in a Calgary bungalow?

Removing old carpet and installing new throughout a typical Calgary bungalow costs between $4,500 and $10,000, depending on the bungalow's size, carpet quality selected, and the condition of the subfloor underneath. A standard Calgary bungalow has 900 to 1,200 square feet of carpet-eligible floor space on the main level, not counting kitchen, bathrooms, or entryway tile.

Here is a realistic cost breakdown for a 1,000-square-foot Calgary bungalow main floor. Old carpet removal and disposal runs $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot, or $1,000 to $1,500 for the full main floor. This includes pulling up the old carpet and underpad, removing tack strips if they are damaged, and hauling everything to the landfill. Some Calgary carpet installers include removal in their installation quote, while others charge separately — always confirm upfront. If you handle removal yourself, you save $500 to $1,000, and the City of Calgary landfill accepts carpet at standard disposal rates.

New carpet material ranges from $1.50 to $5.00 per square foot depending on quality. For a bungalow main floor that gets moderate to heavy foot traffic, a mid-grade nylon in the $2.50 to $4.00 range is the smart choice — it offers excellent wear resistance, stain treatment, and a 10 to 15 year lifespan. Polyester at $1.50 to $2.50 saves money upfront but mats and crushes faster in traffic paths. Quality underpad at $1.00 to $2.00 per square foot is essential — 8-pound density foam or rubber underpad provides noticeably better comfort, insulation, and carpet longevity than the 6-pound builder grade. In Calgary's cold climate, where main-floor subfloors over unheated crawlspaces can feel chilly, good underpad makes a genuine difference. Installation labour in the Calgary market runs $0.75 to $1.50 per square foot for standard rooms, with stairs adding $15 to $25 per step.

Total cost summary for a 1,000-square-foot bungalow main floor:

Budget tier (polyester carpet, standard underpad): $3,500 to $5,000 including removal. Mid-range (nylon carpet, 8-pound underpad): $5,000 to $7,500 including removal. Premium (high-end nylon or wool, rubber underpad): $7,500 to $10,000 including removal.

Subfloor condition is the wildcard. When old carpet comes up in a Calgary bungalow — especially one built in the 1960s through 1980s — the subfloor may reveal problems: squeaky plywood that needs re-screwing, water damage near bathrooms or exterior walls, uneven spots from settling, or in homes built before 1985, old vinyl tile or black mastic adhesive underneath that may contain asbestos and requires professional testing before disturbance. Subfloor repairs add $2 to $6 per square foot for affected areas. Self-levelling compound for minor dips and humps runs $2 to $4 per square foot.

Furniture moving adds $200 to $600 if the installer handles it. Many Calgary homeowners move furniture themselves to save this cost. Transition strips between carpet and other flooring at doorways run $3 to $8 per linear foot installed. Get at least three itemized quotes to compare — Calgary Floor Installers can match you with local carpet professionals for free estimates through the Calgary Construction Network.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Calgary Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Makki Abatement
• Mr & Mrs Paintastic Inc
• G.D.K Drywall LTD.
• Upper Cut Landscaping LTD
• Amar Homes Inc