New carpets are one of the most impactful and cost-effective ways to refresh the interior of a property, and understanding the cost for a typical three-bedroom house helps homeowners budget accurately whether they are renovating to live in or to sell.

Factors That Affect the Cost

The total cost of carpeting a three-bedroom house depends on several variables. The grade and quality of the carpet chosen is the most significant factor; budget carpets cost six to twelve pounds per square metre while mid-range carpets cost twelve to twenty-five pounds per square metre and premium wool or twist pile carpets cost twenty-five to sixty pounds per square metre or more. The size of the rooms and the total floor area to be carpeted determines the volume of material needed. Whether the stairs and landing are included adds significantly to both material and labour cost because stairs are time-consuming to fit around the individual treads and risers.

Typical Room Areas and Total Floor Area

A typical three-bedroom semi-detached house might have a total carpeted area, excluding kitchen and bathrooms which are usually tiled or have hard flooring, of around 60 to 90 square metres. This would include three bedrooms of varying sizes, the lounge, the hallway, and the stairs and landing. The exact area depends on the house size and layout, but 70 square metres is a reasonable estimate for an average three-bedroom semi.

Carpet Supply Costs

At a mid-range carpet price of fifteen to twenty pounds per square metre, the material cost for 70 square metres is approximately one thousand and fifty to one thousand four hundred pounds. Underlay, which is essential for comfort and to extend the carpet's life, typically adds two to five pounds per square metre, adding a further one hundred and forty to three hundred and fifty pounds. Gripper rods and door bars add a further fifty to one hundred and fifty pounds for a full house.

Fitting Costs

Professional carpet fitting charges are typically three to five pounds per square metre for standard rooms. Stairs are charged per step, typically five to ten pounds per tread and riser, so a staircase of thirteen steps and a landing costs sixty-five to one hundred and thirty pounds for fitting alone. Total fitting costs for a three-bedroom house are typically three hundred to six hundred pounds.

Total Cost Estimates

For budget carpet, total supply and fit for a three-bedroom house costs approximately one thousand to one thousand eight hundred pounds. For mid-range carpet, one thousand eight hundred to three thousand pounds. For premium carpet, three thousand to five thousand pounds or more. These estimates include underlay, gripper rods, and fitting.

Preparing for New Carpets

New carpets should be fitted on sound subfloors. Any loose floorboards, protruding nails, or uneven areas should be addressed before fitting. Lifting slightly a sheet of hardboard over uneven floorboards provides a smooth base that extends carpet life and improves the finished appearance. A good carpet fitter will flag any subfloor issues before laying.

Summary

Carpeting a three-bedroom house costs one thousand to one thousand eight hundred pounds for budget carpet, one thousand eight hundred to three thousand pounds for mid-range, and three thousand to five thousand pounds for premium carpet, including underlay and fitting. The carpet quality, total floor area, and whether stairs are included are the main cost variables.