How much does it cost per square foot to install carpet in a 20-unit apartment building in Saint John NB?

Commercial carpet installation in a 20-unit Saint John apartment building typically runs $4-$8 per square foot fully installed, with the wide range reflecting carpet quality, subfloor conditions, and project complexity. Multi-unit projects achieve better per-square-foot pricing than residential jobs due to economies of scale.

Material costs for commercial-grade carpet suitable for rental properties range from $2-$5 per square foot. You'll want commercial-rated nylon broadloom (minimum 28-32 oz face weight) or modular carpet tiles that can handle tenant turnover and frequent cleaning. Carpet tiles are increasingly popular in NB rental properties because individual damaged tiles can be replaced without redoing entire rooms — crucial for landlord maintenance budgets.

Installation labour adds $2-$3 per square foot for a project this size. Commercial installers in the Saint John market can work efficiently across multiple identical units, reducing per-unit setup time and material waste. However, older apartment buildings in Saint John often have subfloor challenges that increase costs. Many buildings from the 1960s-1980s have concrete slab floors that may need moisture testing and preparation, or wood subfloors that require leveling compound or plywood overlay.

Saint John's coastal location creates specific considerations for apartment carpet selection. The Bay of Fundy's influence keeps humidity levels higher and more variable than inland NB communities. Choose carpet with moisture-resistant backing and antimicrobial treatments to prevent mould and mildew issues common in Maritime rental properties. Avoid jute-backed carpets in favor of synthetic backing materials that won't absorb moisture from the concrete slabs typical in Saint John apartment construction.

Additional project costs include old flooring removal ($1-$2 per square foot), subfloor preparation if needed ($1-$4 per square foot), and potential asbestos testing for pre-1986 buildings ($25-$50 per sample). Saint John has many older apartment buildings where vinyl tile or adhesive may contain asbestos — always test before removal in buildings constructed before 1986.

For a 20-unit building averaging 600 square feet of carpeted area per unit (bedrooms and living areas), expect total project costs of $48,000-$96,000. The investment pays dividends in tenant satisfaction and reduced turnover — quality carpet installation makes units more attractive and comfortable during Saint John's long heating season.

This scale of commercial work requires professional installation. Multi-unit carpet installation involves coordinating with tenants, managing material deliveries to upper floors, and ensuring consistent appearance across all units. Find experienced commercial flooring contractors through the New Brunswick Construction Network who understand the logistics of apartment building projects and carry appropriate WorkSafeNB coverage for commercial work.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• 3Tone Construction Ltd
• FRS Flooring Solutions
• Modern Epoxy Inc
• Arctic Fox Construction Inc.
• Gionetterenovations