What Factors Contribute to the Cost of Custom Closet?

Type of Custom Closet

“Custom closet” can mean a whole number of things. First, you’ll have to determine its purpose. Are you having a closet installed especially for your kids? Do you want a new reach-in closet, or are you hoping for a luxurious walk-in closet with all the choice accessories?

Small, traditional closets (the kind you probably had growing up) are known as reach-in closets. They can be expertly designed to hold a lot of stuff and yet remain an affordable option. Walk-in closets require the most material and labor and will cost substantially more. If you like the appeal of a reach-in closet that takes up less space, consider a built-in wardrobe. Their cost can vary widely based on style and materials.

Angi.com has a helpful rundown on the various kinds of custom closets you can choose from and their price differences. Keep in mind that this will vary substantially depending on where you live as well as the other factors discussed below.

Materials

The materials used to create your new dream closet will play an essential role in the price of the installation. They will also determine the look and feel that you’ll be living with for the next several years, so choose wisely.

Melamine is an excellent option for all kinds of closets. Attractive, moisture-resistant, and highly durable, it endows closets with an elegant, uniform look at an affordable price. If you’re willing to pay more, and simply must have wood, no one will convince you to choose otherwise. Natural wood is going to cost you more (perhaps much more, depending on the species), but its warm, organic appeal can’t be easily replicated. 

Doors and Drawers

When it’s time to decide on the look of your new custom closet, you’ll be able to choose from dozens of different colors and styles. You can expect there to be some price difference between the various hues, finishes, and designs, so your decision will have some impact on the cost of your closet.

Other expenses to consider include the hardware you choose to install on your cabinets and options like custom glass or mirror inserts.

Accessories and Add-Ons

One of the most fun parts of designing a new custom closet is deciding which accessories will go in it. Because you’re having a closet installed according to your specifications, it’s up to you to decide what kinds of extras will make it truly your own.

Some of the options may seem minor, but they can be extremely helpful. Hooks for belts and ties make it easier to organize men’s dress clothes, while jewelry trays prevent you from ever losing valuable earrings and bracelets. Pull-out drawers can expand the size of your closet without impacting its footprint, and various hanging rods are available to suit every style and purpose. With so many possibilities the costs can add up, so it’s all a question of setting priorities and sticking to your budget. 

Installation

With so many helpful DIY channels on the internet and all over the television, it can be tempting to save money by handling the installation on your own. If you’re a seasoned craftsman, you probably have the materials (and the confidence) to successfully install a custom closet.

If you’re more like the other 99% of homeowners, you should probably leave the installation to the professionals. Yes, this will add to the price of your closet, but at an additional $500 to $1000 (depending on the size of the project), the expense of paying for installation is well worth the savings in headaches and errors. 

Conclusion

There’s a lot to think about when it comes to designing and installing a new custom closet. While being able to choose its look and style is exciting (and makes for a superior end result), every decision you make will have an impact on the final cost.

You don’t want to spend wantonly, of course, but it’s worth remembering that custom closets add to the value of your home. Spending a little bit extra on elements that mean a lot to you like materials and accessories may end up being worth it in the long run.

Sources: 

• https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-do-custom-closets-cost.htm