Published removal labor starting rates
| Existing floor | Starting removal labor |
|---|---|
| Carpet | $0.65/sq. ft. |
| LVP | $0.75/sq. ft. |
| Laminate | $0.75/sq. ft. |
These are starting labor rates, not fixed totals for every existing floor. The written estimate controls the project price.
The amount of work can change with the existing material, how it is installed or attached, the room layout, access, stairs, and conditions that become clear only after work begins. If a project contains more than one existing-floor material, the removal areas can be priced separately.
When removal becomes part of an estimate
Common reasons include:
- the existing floor is not a surface the new floating floor can be installed over;
- the total floor height would create clearance or transition problems;
- the condition of the existing floor or what is beneath it needs to be reviewed before installation.
Sometimes a new floating floor can go over an existing surface. Sometimes it cannot. That depends on the existing floor, substrate, added height, and the exact new-flooring manufacturer instructions.
AHW confirms the project-specific removal scope before the written estimate is finalized.
Removal labor and disposal are separate
The published $0.65 and $0.75 rates are removal labor rates.
They do not include disposal fees, haul-away, or project-specific debris handling or disposal costs.
If AHW is handling disposal/haul-away for the project, that scope is priced separately in the written estimate. The website does not assign a generic disposal price because the material amount and project logistics can vary.
Availability is confirmed, not assumed
The published starting rates do not mean every existing material or site condition is automatically accepted.
Some projects can require a different removal scope, additional labor, or specialist assessment before flooring work can proceed. If removal falls outside AHW's project scope, the homeowner can arrange the removal separately and bring AHW in for the flooring installation afterward.
What removal exposes
Removing an existing floor is often when previously concealed conditions become visible.
After the old surface is removed, the substrate may show conditions that require leveling, repair, replacement, or another project-specific response.
Removal and preparation are therefore related but separate: removal takes the existing floor out; preparation addresses the condition that remains underneath.
Published preparation rates are explained on Subfloor Preparation.
If the exposed condition changes the preparation required, the additional work is outside the original assumptions and receives project-specific scope and pricing.
What to tell us about your existing floor
- what the existing floor is, as far as you know;
- approximately how many square feet of each material need removal;
- how many rooms are involved;
- whether stairs are involved;
- whether you want AHW to price disposal/haul-away;
- anything you know about how the existing floor is installed or attached;
- access considerations that may affect getting removed material out of the home.
If you do not know the exact existing material or attachment method, say so. It can be clarified during project review.
Common questions
How much does carpet removal cost?
Carpet removal labor starts at $0.65 per sq. ft. Disposal/haul-away is not included in that rate.
How much does LVP or laminate removal cost?
LVP and laminate removal labor each start at $0.75 per sq. ft. Disposal/haul-away is separate.
Are the removal rates fixed?
No. They are starting labor rates. Project conditions, attachment method, access, layout, stairs, and other factors can affect the written estimate.
Is disposal included in the removal rate?
No. Disposal and haul-away are separately scoped and priced.
Is removal included in the $5.99 LVP bundle?
No. Removal labor and disposal/haul-away are both outside the bundle. See Click-Lock LVP Installation.
Can you price disposal or haul-away?
Yes, when it is part of the flooring project scope being estimated. Disposal/haul-away is separate from the published removal labor rates and is priced for the specific project.
What if I plan to remove the old floor before AHW arrives?
Tell AHW during project review because it changes the work included in the estimate. The exposed substrate still needs to be suitable for the planned flooring installation.
What if there is damage under the old floor?
The newly exposed condition may require separate preparation scope and pricing. Subfloor Preparation explains the published preparation rates and limits.
Next step
Describe the existing flooring, approximate removal square footage by material, and whether you want disposal/haul-away included in the written estimate.