If you’re shopping for a custom master closet, and if “go big or go home” is your motto, you probably want the largest and most elaborate custom closet that you can afford.
At SpaceManager Closets, we’re more than just closets and as industry leaders, we like to educate our readers on all types of helpful things. We design, manufacture and install custom organizational and storage solutions for your closets, garages, pantries, entertainment centers, laundry rooms and more. In this article, we’ll share what we know about customizing closets of all sizes and for any room, including designs, cost, installation, and more to help you decide if a custom closet is the right choice for your home.
Closet Sizes
- Reach-In: Reach-in closets are smaller closets that are conveniently easy to get to and are traditionally used for grab and go items like a linen or a coat closet.
- Master Closet: The Master closet is typically the largest closet in the home, most commonly located in the master suite of the home.
How does the custom closet process work?
How does the custom closet process work?The closet design process should be a collaborative one. You want to work with a closet company that makes your wants and needs a top priority.
A collaborative closet design process usually begins with a design appointment. Call or fill out a form online to set up the appointment. There is no charge for the in-home design consultation. A designer will come to your home, measure the space or spaces, take inventory of your closet and talk to you about what you would like to see in your closet. Only after taking your requirements into account should the design begin.
The designer may design and price your custom closet right then and there or they might set up a follow up appointment to review the design at a later date. This part may vary based on the company or even the individual designer. No matter what, you should be an active part in the design process and be vocal about any changes you would like to see. The designers are the closet experts, but you are the “you” expert, and it’s your closet after all!
Once you review and approve the closet design, then you will sign off on the drawings and schedule an installation date. Most installations can be completed in a day, about 2-4 weeks after approving the final closet design. The entire process from design appointment through installation could take as little as a few days, or as long as 4-6 weeks depending on your schedule and the company’s availability at the time.
How much does a custom closet cost?
Custom closet costs vary all over the board based on the choices made in the design and customization process. These factors include overall design, height and depth, accessories, finishes and styles.
Do you plan to keep it simple with just hanging space and some shelves? Or does your dream custom closet need some more extensive storage with drawers, cabinet doors and slanted shoe shelves? Are you trying to maximize 10’ of height with hydraulic pull-down rods, or is a standard 7’ tall system sufficient? These are the design questions that need to be answered before a serious cost estimate can be made. Of course, the more materials used, the more money spent. Deeper shelving will of course be more expensive than shallow shelving. Taller units will always cost more than shorter ones.
With a custom closet, there are accessories and finishes to consider as well. Do you need jewelry drawers, baskets, valet rods, a bench, a hamper, a tall cabinet just for ties and belts, or under cabinet lighting? These are some of the accessories offered, with prices ranging from $50 to over $200. Like accessories, the prices of the finishes vary as well. The least expensive finishes are usually a white or an almond shade in a laminate. Wood grain laminate, textured finishes and stained woods are also an option, with real wood being the most expensive. You can add molding, granite countertops, glass front doors and more to create a high-end look. Obviously, the more fancy and exotic the materials and choice of finish and style, the more expensive the closet will become. You can triple the price of a custom closet without changing the design one bit by opting for a higher-end look.
Can a custom closet be financed?
Every company is different but most companies do offer financing options. Be sure to ask plenty of questions regarding the financing options available to you as this is your credit. Check what the companies minimum purchase is for financing, are discounts still available, is it a set interest rate or a 6 months no interest deal and is a deposit still required. These are all very important questions that you need to be sure to ask.
How long does a custom closet install take?
Most custom installations can be completed in a day or two depending on the size of the project and if a professional take down of the current system is opted for. Not all companies offer a professional take down and wall prep for your new organizational system, so it is always good to ask.
Can you turn a room into a closet?
Can you turn a room into a closet?Any room can be turned into a closet with the right organizational system. Some people refer to them as dressing rooms as it is bigger than a traditional master closet and there is plenty of room to get fully dressed in.
Why shouldn’t I just buy closet parts from a local home improvement store and put it together myself?
If you are considering installing closets yourself, it is important that you keep in mind the research of selecting the right product for your space, the cost of purchasing the product, hauling components home and installing the product. Your time is valuable, and often the money that you saved to do-it-yourself is generally not nearly enough to justify your frustrations and time spent trying to install the product. What if you measure incorrectly, you are then stuck with something you may not be able to fully use. We recommend hiring a closet professional to handle the take down of your current system and the installation of your new system.
Can I see a closet system in person to see the quality?
Most closet companies have a local showroom that you can visit to see and feel the products that they offer. We strongly recommend that you visit a showroom to help envision how your space can be transformed. By visiting a showroom, you can see the different finishes, accessories offered and the other organizational systems that they company can customize for you.
Pros and Cons of a Custom Organizational System
To wrap up this quick guide, here’s a list of all of the pros and cons to owning a custom closet:
Pros:
- Custom closet made especially for you and your space
- Bring your dream closet to reality
- Financing options available
- Professional designed and installed
Cons:
- Not something that you can get at a local home improvement store
- A purchase that you have to sometimes budget for
