Heard a homeowner say 'it's just carpet' and it got under my skin

I was at a supply house yesterday picking up padding, and this guy in line was telling his buddy he was gonna lay his own carpet in a 12x15 room cause 'it's just carpet, how hard can it be?' I just shook my head and grabbed my stuff. Having pulled up enough DIY jobs with waves, bubbles, and seams splitting after 6 months, I know better. Anyone else run into customers who think this trade is easier than it actually is?

3 comments

3 Comments

black.oliver11d ago

12x15 room is barely worth paying someone for.

lisas7811d agoMost Upvoted

Has anyone ever tried painting one of those and realized the walls are actually bigger than they look? @black.oliver, you are right on this one. I have a room that size and the cost of paint and a couple rollers is way less than what a painter would charge for such a small space. Plus you get the satisfaction of doing it yourself.

milesbarnes10d ago

My buddy tried that exact same thing last year, 12x14 room, thought he'd save a few hundred bucks. @lisas78 it was the opposite of satisfying, he ended up with a wrinkled mess along one wall and a seam that started peeling up after a month. Cost him more in wasted carpet and a call to a pro to fix it than if he just hired someone right out of the gate. A 12x15 room might look small but one bad cut or stretch and you're out double the money.