Plan Your Budget

Acquiring new carpet is a major investment for a business. As with any investment, you should look at the long-term cost implications, not just the initial product cost in determining how much to budget for your carpet.

In deciding what to spend on carpet, a more accurate view factors in the complete life-cycle cost of carpet ownership which includes:

Initial expense of materials and installation
Number of years carpet will last
Cost for removal/disposal
Disruption costs and lost revenues during renovation
Maintenance costs over the life of the carpet

The estimate will take into account:

Carpet description - including pattern, tile/broadloom format, type of backing
Carpet price
Total square metres
Wall base
Geographic location of installation
Whether the job is new construction or renovation
Removal of existing flooring

In developing your budget, keep in mind that the budget number you receive is a high spot budget number for your project planning purposes. Your actual costs can vary depending on your situation. For example,

The existing condition of the subfloor is not factored into the budget estimate. Depending on the amount of floor preparation needed, this number could add significant cost to your project.
If the space is currently furnished, there will be additional costs associated with furniture handling.
Removal costs are variable based on tile or broadloom, and fixing method used previously.
A standard project time line is assumed. If your job has an accelerated completion date, costs will be different.
Labour rates assume regular working hours. If overtime is required, costs will increase.

Once you have the initial budget estimate, you should look at the cost of ownership. Purchasing a better-quality carpet is the first step in reducing your total cost of ownership, but investing in a proactive carpet maintenance program is equally important.

Note the life-cycle cost savings of a proactive maintenance program. Good maintenance helps you protect your carpet investment.