"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."
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.
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.
You can turn an adjacent room into a walking closet by just rearranging the room. This means removing the furniture and adding racks and an island in the center if you have that in your budget. Houses with two bedrooms connected to each other are great options for large walk-in closets that don't require any structural changes or much building whatsoever.
On average, building a custom or built-in closet costs around $2,100. However, the total price can range from as little as $500 for a simple DIY project to $6,000 or more for a large, high-end custom closet. Most projects typically fall between $1,500 and $5,000.
The final cost depends on several factors, including the closet's size, type, materials, and features. Here is a general cost breakdown by closet type:
Reach-in closet: $500 to $1,500
Walk-in closet: $750 to $5,000
Wardrobe: $2,000 to $6,000 or more
Choosing a prefabricated closet system is generally less expensive than a fully custom build. The scope of design and construction services will also significantly impact the price.
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.
The Saint Francis, 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.
Hurting for closet space? Consider turning a spare bedroom into your dream walk-in closet. Read on to learn what to consider in a bedroom-to-closet conversion, including the costs and steps involved.