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Closets questions, answered by experts

You may need a building permit to add a closet, depending on the size and kind of work required to install it. The most likely scenario requiring a permit involves changing the structure of the house and performing electrical work for closet lighting. A permit can cost between $100 and $450. If you’re installing a smaller reach-in closet, a permit may not be required, but always check with your local municipality and consult a closet designer or builder.

Plywood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), and solid wood are all popular options for closet shelving. Plywood and solid wood are sturdy and ideal for extended shelves or heavy items. MDF is a budget-friendly choice for light to moderate storage, but it can sag under heavy weight if not adequately supported. Wire shelving is another alternative that allows airflow, making it especially useful in humid spaces such as laundry rooms or basements.

Different types of closets are defined mostly by size. A few different types of closets include:

  • A reach-in closet is a smaller closet that you can stand in front of and reach everything inside it. Aside from the size, the doors and the level of drywall finish are typically the largest price factors.  

  • A walk-in closet can be anything from a small 5-by-5 feet closet that has a narrow walkway with shelves on both sides to a 100 square foot bedroom-sized closet with shelving along the walls and plenty of room to move around in.

  • A built-in wardrobe often does not have a door and leaves the clothes and other contents open to the room, whereas a closet usually has a door to separate it from the rest of the room.

The vertical space between closet shelves depends on what you're storing. For clothing like shirts and sweaters, 10 to 12 inches is enough. Towels and linens need 12 to 15 inches, while tall storage bins may require 18 inches or more. Overcrowding your shelves can reduce accessibility and increase clutter, so be sure to leave breathing room for your items.

A standard walk-in closet has dimensions of 7 feet by 10 feet at a minimum and an average of 100 square feet. Remember that the dimensions of the closet aren’t necessarily the usable space. This means that a 100-square-foot walk-in closet with shelves on each wall and an island may only have a walkable area of 50 square feet or less. Make sure you consider the effect of additions when you plan the room—mockups are a great idea.

The Preston, IA homeowners’ guide to closet services

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