How Much Does Carpet Repair Cost?

Generally, homeowners can expect a carpet repair cost of around $200.

Carpeting is a popular flooring choice and, when done right, can really cozy up a room. Hardwood floors are a great option as well, but many homeowners choose to install carpet in at least one area of their homes.

However, carpets can deteriorate over time and may need repairs for issues such as holes, tears, fading, or other types of damage. Understanding the costs and methods of carpet repair is essential for homeowners.

This guide provides homeowners with comprehensive information on carpet repair costs, common carpet repair methods, and tips for hiring top-rated carpet installation companies.

Understanding Carpet Repair Costs

Carpet repair costs vary depending on the type and extent of damage, as well as factors such as labor rates and material expenses. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $100 and $400 per repair project. However, the final cost may vary based on the following factors:

Type of Damage

The nature of the damage significantly impacts repair costs. Minor issues like small tears, burns, or pet damage typically incur lower expenses compared to larger tears, deep stains, or water damage requiring extensive remediation.

Extent of Repair

The size of the damaged area directly influences the cost of repair. Patching up a small section or seam may cost less than addressing widespread damage across multiple rooms.

Labor Costs

Labor costs make up a good chunk of the price, and can cost between $50-$80 per hour. Experienced professionals may command higher hourly rates but offer superior craftsmanship and efficiency. This ensures your carpet looks great and stays that way.

Carpet Material

The type and quantity of materials required for the repair also contribute to overall costs. This includes replacement carpet patches, adhesives, padding, and tools necessary for the job.

Room Size

The size of the room is a crucial factor in determining the cost of carpet repair or replacement. Typically, carpet repair costs are about $1.85 per square foot. For example, repairing carpet in a 100-square-foot area costs around $190, while a 200-square-foot area costs approximately $370. For larger spaces, such as 300, 400, and 500 square feet, the costs are roughly $560, $740, and $930, respectively. If the repair becomes to expensive, it can be worth replacing the entire carpet.

Other Carpet Repair Factors to Consider

There are many factors that can affect the cost of a carpet repair job. For example, if the carpet padding is too damaged and needs to be replaced, or furniture needs to be relocated, it may influence the carpet repair cost.

Carpet Padding Replacement

When a carpet is heavily damaged, whether due to water, pets, or other causes, the padding underneath often needs to be addressed as well. The cost of replacing carpet padding typically falls between $0.75 and $2 per square foot for materials, with labor costs averaging around $70 per hour.

Furniture Moving

In some cases, the furniture in a room will need to be removed in order to perform the repair. Homeowners can either do this themselves or leave it to the repair company. If the technicians move the furniture, they will generally charge the same hourly rate as for repairs.

Types of Carpet Repair Services

Stretching

Over time, carpets may develop wrinkles or loose areas due to improper installation or heavy foot traffic. Stretching and re-stretching services aim to tighten the carpet and eliminate wrinkles. Professional carpet stretching mirrors the original installation process, extending your carpet’s lifespan and maintaining its integrity in the long run. Costs for stretching range from $100 to $250 per room, depending on the size and severity of the wrinkles.

Patch Repair

Repairing small tears, burns, or stains through patching involves cutting out the damaged section and replacing it with a matching or closely resembling piece of carpet. Patch repairs typically cost between $100 and $200 per project, depending on the size and complexity.

Cleaning

The majority of professional cleaning providers bill per square foot. Experts recommend having your carpets cleaned at least once a year. You can expect to pay between $100 and $400 for steaming and deep cleaning.

There are numerous advantages to hiring a professional. Experts are equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle difficult stains and produce excellent cleaning results. Second, the experts have access to the best cleaning supplies and equipment. You won’t get your hands dirty, of course. Working with a professional will cost more than doing it yourself. But when you look at the outcome, it can definitely be worth the investment.

When Should I Schedule a Carpet Repair?

If your carpet is showing and of the following symptoms, you may want to consider scheduling carpet repair services or an appointment with a carpet cleaning company.

Water Damage and Restoration

Addressing water damage involves drying, cleaning, and potentially replacing affected carpeting and padding. Water damage restoration costs vary widely depending on the extent of the damage and necessary remediation measures. On average, homeowners may expect to pay between $200 and $500 per room for water damage restoration services.

Pet Damage Repair

Repairing carpet damage caused by pets, such as scratches, stains, or chewed areas, may require patching, reweaving, or replacement of damaged sections. Pet damage repair costs typically range from $100 to $300 per project, depending on the extent of the damage.

Carpet Burns

When a piece of carpet gets singed or burned it will need to be patched with a piece of new carpet. With the price of labor and materials this can cost from $150 to $250, depending on the size of the burn.

Pulled Carpet, Holes, and Tears

To repair carpet damage. such as holes, tears or a pulled thread, patching is the best course of action. Carpet repair specialists will either use a spare piece of carpet the homeowner has or will precisely match it with one of their own. These repairs will cost anywhere between $150 – $300 depending on the size and severity of the damage.

Dents

When heavy furniture or appliances are left carpets, it can sometimes cause indentations to appear. These dents can be fixed with steaming in some cases but often times requires a patch. This will generally cost around $150.

Bleached or Sun-Damaged Carpet

To repair carpet fading, whether it’s sun-damaged carpet or carpet stained from spilled bleach, carpet repair experts will use a technique known as carpet dyeing to restore the carpet to its former glory. This can cost between $100- $500.

Loose Carpet

Over time, carpets can loosen from tacks surrounding edges causing wrinkles and folds underfoot. Carpet repair tech use a puller to re-stretch and re-tack loose carpets, ensuring they lay smooth and snug once again. This carpet repair will typically cost between $100 and $300.

 

Carpet Repair vs. Carpet Replacement

While carpet maintenance like regular vacuuming and cleaning can keep your carpet looking nice, eventually signs still appear indicating it needs a replacement. Homeowners should watch for these common signals:

Visible Wear and Tear

Thin, ragged patches become noticeable in high traffic areas like stairs, hallways, doorways, and common living spaces. These reflect everyday friction gradually damaging carpet fibers despite quality construction. Stains also become progressively harder to remove fully over time as liquids seep deeper while backing latex bond weaken.

Extensive Moisture Damage

Dark spots and pervasive musty odors arise when long-term spills, flooding incidents or excess moisture degrade carpet backing, padding and substrate. This facilitates mold and mildew growth which poses health hazards to occupants and pets while accelerating decay.

Poor Indentation Recovery

Excessive permanent flattening from furniture movement reflects crushed lower carpet layers and cushioning unable to rebound. This also causes cracks around seams and splits as adhesion fails.

Loose Carpet and Risky Wrinkles

Stretched out wall-to-wall carpeting creates dangerous trip risks when seam bindings come undone or tack strips fail. Visible ripples and impossible re-securing indicate original installation issues, inadequate securing, or gradual stretching as traffic packs down piles over years.

Distinct VOC Smells

Unpleasant chemical smells erupting long after initial installation likely indicate deteriorating latex adhesives off-gassing or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) escaping from lower carpet layers as backing breaks down. This signals advanced breakdown.

If carpets display any combination of these deficiencies beyond reconditioning, complete carpet replacement becomes the only option. If you think its time to throw out that old carpet, contact our carpet repair service here for free estimates