As with any renovation project, doing your due diligence in advance really pays off, especially when considering a custom closet upgrade. It never hurts to conduct a bit of research on the custom closet designer you're thinking about hiring.
Here are six questions you can pose to any prospective custom closet company:
- What's involved in the project from beginning to end?
- How much will it cost in total?
- Who manufactures your materials and products, and what are they made from?
- How will you make my closets truly functional?
- Do you offer a warranty or a guarantee?
- What differentiates you from your competitors?
Keep reading for more info on how to select a company that will deliver both quality results and the ultimate customer experience.
Walk Me Through the Process
If you're not familiar with all of the perks of having a custom closet or are unsure what direction to take, the experts at The Spruce have some stunning inspirational photos and iconic ideas for a complete storage area refresh.
Beware of any contractor that seems reluctant to give you a detailed quote or a project timeline. There are definitely shady contractors out there, but there are also many competent ones who go above and beyond for their valued customers.
Here are the typical standard operating procedures for most custom closet and storage system installations:
- Scheduling an in-home consultation
- Previewing product samples
- Viewing your design (sometimes) on 3D software
- Products are ordered
- Installation is scheduled
Cost Factors
The final cost of a closet upgrade depends on several factors, from the size of your project to the materials being used. Expect your budget to be a little bigger for a spacious walk-in closet than an average-sized hallway reach-in. The typical cost is around $800 per square foot.
If you decide to treat yourself to luxe add-ons like an interior island, lighting, or other high-end options, your budget should increase accordingly. One other benefit real estate agents, such as Century21, note is that custom closets are a feature many home buyers are actively seeking.
Your Product Pedigree
This is a vital question to ask prospective builders. It's important to know exactly which materials will be used for constructing your closets and how they are manufactured. It makes sense to invest in long-lasting and sustainably made products for your home.
When you meet with a designer, they should be extremely knowledgeable about the materials and provide up-to-date information on all of the latest industry trends and available product lines. Many systems utilize laminate and melamine, which are extremely durable, scratch- and stain-resistant, and safe for children and pets.
Don't forget about the hardware that holds it all together. Your build team should be happy to go over all of your options for fasteners, handles, knobs, and much more. You want strong, real metal hardware that won't warp or rust.
Simply Individual
An experienced designer will be able to visualize a layout that solves your every storage issue. Some people need lots of room to display their shoe collection, and some want plenty of drawers and cabinets to keep things out of sight. The kinds of items your family wants to store will impact your design and final budget.
Again, the right company will provide a large list of accessories, such as:
- Rotating pull-out mirrors
- Lockable padded jewelry trays
- Adjustable shelves
- Racks for shoes, hats, belts, and scarves
- Valet rods
- Built-in laundry hampers
HGTV has a host of suggestions on how to get the most functionality out of your custom closet accessories. An additional question to pose is what types of finish options are available. The more options you have, the better!
Satisfaction Guaranteed
Every respectable custom closet company should offer a guarantee on their workmanship. When you're perusing online reviews, see which ones have a stellar reputation for customer happiness. Many of today's leading building products come with some sort of warranty. When discussing your closet plan, your designer can help you get more information on how to ensure you're covered.
Who Rises Above The Crowd?
Don't settle for a company that's only interested in volume and profit. Your home is your largest asset, so it's worth taking the time to investigate the cream of the crop business. This is where technology comes in. People love to leave reviews, especially if they've had any sort of negative experience. Be sure to read ones from several different sites.
Conclusion
Revamping your home with beautiful new closets is not only a brilliant investment, it's an affordable way to conquer clutter forever and streamline your life while boosting the resale value of your house. Asking these six crucial questions will ensure that you'll connect with the most qualified custom closet designer in your area.
Sources
- https://www.century21wright.com/client-articles/2017/07/06/add-closets-to-add-value-to-your-home
- https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/interior-remodel/closet-organization-accessories-ideas-and-options
- https://www.thespruce.com/custom-closet-designs-5089127