Manhours – This carpet installs just like any other carpet, with this one exception: it's available in widths of 15 feet (as well as the standard 12-foot width). Just think, you could be installing with no seam! Normally I recommend using a subcontractor because it's so hard on the knees to install carpet, but depending on circumstances or the size of the job, you may end up installing it yourself. If you're installing Resistron and Duratron carpet with rebond pad, use these manhours figures based on a crew of two:

• 21 to 36 ounces: 0.114 manhours per square yard.

• 36 to 50 ounces: 0.119 manhours per square yard.

• 50 ounces plus: 0.125 manhours per square yard.

• Add for box steps: 0.076 manhours per riser.

• Add for wrapped steps, open riser, sewn: 0.121 manhours per step.

• Add for sewn edge treatment: 0.114 manhours per riser.

• Add for circular stair steps: 0.243 manhours per step.

The next chapter, Bathrooms and Kitchens, will introduce several worthwhile products that will help keep down the maintenance in two of the most heavily-used rooms in a home. Some of them will also help boost your creative juices into overdrive. I don't know about you, but the bathroom is my favorite place in the home to remodel. So let's get started.

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