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.

Plywood offers excellent stability and strength for drawer construction. Baltic birch plywood provides a premium appearance, while standard hardwood plywood offers good value. Solid wood works well but requires more attention to grain direction and seasonal movement.

Yes, adding a built-in or custom closet generally increases your home's value and makes it more attractive to potential buyers. A well-designed closet adds utility, organization, and a touch of luxury, which are appealing selling points. Most homeowners see a return on investment (ROI) of 50% to 60%; for example, a custom closet can add about $1,000 to your home's value on average. The specific ROI depends on the type, with custom walk-in closets typically providing more value than reach-in closets. However, to maximize value, ensure the closet doesn't significantly detract from the room's usable square footage. Converting an entire room into a closet can actually lower your home's value. Similarly, using overly lavish materials may not recoup their cost. A good strategy is to add a closet that takes square footage from a non-living area, such as a garage, to create a mudroom closet.

There are a few reasons custom closets are expensive: materials used, the luxury factor, and time to build. The people who can afford custom closets are those who can afford increased rates, and construction workers and contractors know this and charge accordingly. The time to build custom closets is substantial, especially if expensive material is being used or intricate details (like carved wood) are added to the project.