How to Choose a Custom Closet Company

When it comes to getting your home organized, potential solutions abound: Use this product or that system, and poof, your life will be simple and you will be able to achieve all of your goals. Being a savvy consumer, you know that this is an exaggeration. Any system or change takes time and effort, and having a custom closet built is no exception.

Before you have your new storage system designed, built and installed, you’ll need to do your homework to be sure you’ve got the best closet company in your area on your project. Here is a list of considerations to keep in mind when deciding who to hire to build your custom closets.

Let’s face it: Any closet company can say anything they want to. Anyone can claim to be the best, to have satisfied customers, or to provide great service. The proof, however, is in the pudding.

Can you provide photos of finished custom closets you have built?

Check these carefully. How do they look? Even if the systems you’re looking at aren’t exactly what you want in your own closet, do they look well put-together? Are the photos taken from 15 feet away, or can you see some details that show you the workmanship and quality? Does every closet look the same, or are they customized for each client?

Do you have references?

Of course, any company is going to give you the names of happy clients only, but this is a good start. Call or email the references and ask whether the workers were professional. Did they show up when they said they would? Did they leave a mess behind, or did they clean up after themselves? How do they like their new storage system? Does it do what it is supposed to do?

Is there a guarantee?

Is the workmanship guaranteed? What about the materials? Is the closet guaranteed to last a certain amount of time? Find out whether any warranty will extend to the new owners of your home if you’re planning on putting it on the market, too, as this will be a great selling point for you if you decide to sell in the next several years.

If you’re going to invest in your home organization by purchasing a custom closet storage system, you’re going to want it to hold up for the long haul. There are a few questions you can ask that will help you determine whether you will be able to use your new closet organizers five, ten, or fifteen years from now.

How long has the company been around?

While new companies do not automatically indicate a poorer quality of material or workmanship, someone who is established in your area (or in another area within the same industry) should have a track record and a reputation, so you can see whether customers are generally happy with their products. Whether a company is new or has been around for a long time, do make sure that they are licensed, insured and bonded.

What type of materials do you use?

Wood and melamine laminate coatings will hold up better than plastic or wire, in most cases. Ask about how thick the shelves are and what the hardware is made out of. Find out how thick and sturdy the particleboard is. The better the materials, the more longevity the custom closet will likely have.

Are the closet components adjustable?

Particularly if you are having a children’s closet built, you’re going to want to be able to move around the components so that the closet you build for your preschooler will still be used when your child is a teenager. Also, for some types of closets, you might want to move around certain accessories as your needs fluctuate; make sure that this is possible.

If you wanted a generic, cookie-cutter closet, you could just go down to your local home goods store and pick up a box of parts to screw together. Since that’s not what you’re doing, you probably want a custom closet system that will help you get and stay organized. Find out about these considerations to make sure you’re choosing the right company:

Do you offer a free consultation?

If you need to pay for a consultation, you could be wasting your money on a company that you might not want working for you. Find one who offers a free consultation, preferably in your home, so the designer can see what he or she will be working with, and you can enjoy the convenience.

What finishes and hardware options do you have?

You should be able to choose from a variety of finishes so the closet will match your style. There should be dark and light options, as well as those that are more traditional and those that are more modern or bold. Think about what your style is all about, and make sure they have at least one that appeals to you.

How much customization is possible?

If you have two hundred pairs of shoes or an extensive collection of hats, you’re going to need more of certain organizers than the average person getting a custom closet built. Similarly, you might not want drawers in your closet, or you may feel strongly that you do not want a hanging rod in your front entryway closet. Ideally, your custom closet company will work with whatever your desires are (but be prepared for them to make suggestions for things that will work best within your parameters).

Choosing a closet company, just like choosing any type of home improvement contractor, can take a bit of time, but you’ll thank yourself later for asking the right questions and choosing the right company. Do a bit of legwork, if necessary, to be sure that you are hiring someone professional, competent, and creative enough to design and build the custom closet of your dreams.