The bare floor tells a story
Once the carpet and padding are gone, you may see stains, seams, patches, staples, old glue, uneven spots, squeaks, or damaged areas. Seeing a mark does not always tell you what caused it.
Floors underneath are different
The base may be plywood, OSB, concrete, old vinyl, or several repaired sections. Your new flooring manufacturer and installer decide what condition is acceptable.
- Is it solid?
- Is it flat enough?
- Is it dry?
- Is it clean enough?
- Are fasteners or glue still present?
Removal and repair are separate jobs
Do not assume carpet removal includes carpentry, concrete repair, leveling, moisture work, or mold treatment. If extra work is needed, it should be discussed and priced separately by the right person.