Rugs, Carpets and Carpeting - New Pad and Dye

We moved into our house two years ago but I have yet to replace the carpets. It is a berber and in very good shape except for a few stains. I have had them professionally cleaned but some of those stains will not come out. It is a very light color and with two small children of my own, we have added a few more stains. Because the carpet is in great shape except for the stains, I have been contemplating just replacing the pad and having them dyed a slightly darker color. I am hoping this might be a relatively inexpensive way to get two or three more years out of this carpet. I really hate to spend a lot of money on carpet with two kids and two cats. Furballs are an ongoing clean up issue, as well as, well let's just say the result of frequent viruses that preschool children seem to bring home every couple of months.

Will I be able to get a carpet installer to just replace the pad but keep the existing carpet? Is there a reason why this would not be a good idea?

Kimberly

It really depends on what your carpet is made of. Many won't take dye and you bon't want the bottom of all your socks brown. :)

Seems to me that replacing the carpet would hardly be more cost than what you're suggesting. You're talking about ripping up your old carpet in a manner that allows it to be tacked back down and then dying it, ripping up the old pad and replacing it, then having the carpet reinstalled, which will mean power stretching and trimming it. I think your two best options are leave it alone or replace it.