if you're planning to spend $ on the carpet (surface layer), then you should plan to spend $$ on the under layer. a good under layer will let your carpet last a lot longer. when you walk on carpet with good under layer, you'll feel a lot more comfortable too. ; f' k9 U: M* t3 S! e" J ' i& g6 j0 v' S' qof course, this all depend on how long you plan to live in this house too. 6 w1 Z2 r. E/ ~: p