"Excellent work. We purchased natural cherry cabinets in shaker style, with the panels made of solid wood rather than veneer. That is more difficult work, as each panel has to be constructed from several planks. Moreover, the clear finish would leave any flaws more visible. Simply put, the doors are beautiful--flawless in both construction and finish. They are similar in quality to custom cherry furniture we own."
Building custom cabinets or built-in furniture yourself is possible, especially for basic designs, if you have woodworking experience. For a professional result, hiring a service is recommended to ensure precision, high-quality craftsmanship, and superior finishes.
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.
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.
You can design your own closet, but it’s usually better to hire a professional to do the work for you. Not only will you get years of design experience to guide you toward the right layout and material choices, but you’ll also only pay slightly more hiring a professional than you would creating your own plans and hiring a carpenter. A high-quality closet designer can provide insight into how to lay out your closet, and they may be able to find you a good deal on the carpentry or complete the work using an affordable, in-house team.
The time it takes to build a closet varies widely depending on the project's size, complexity, and level of customization. On average, construction can take anywhere from a few days to two weeks.
A simple reach-in closet might be completed in less than a day, while a more complex walk-in closet could take one to two days or more. A typical project often falls in the 2-to-5-day range. However, a large, highly customized walk-in closet that requires structural changes, like moving a load-bearing wall, will take significantly longer.
A professional contractor can provide the most accurate time estimate for your specific project. If you are planning a DIY build, it is best to budget additional time.
The Martin, SD homeowners’ guide to closet services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Discover the cost to hire a professional closet organizer, including average prices, cost factors, and tips to help you budget and maximize your investment.
Whether you’re building new construction or adjusting floor space in your existing home, learn about standard closet sizes to get the right dimensions.
Whether you’re remodeling or just dealing with clutter, use these tips to organize your walk-in closet and transform it into a stylish, functional space.
