If you’re on a tight budget, the least expensive material you can buy for DIY closet shelves is chipboard, a.k.a. particle board. This inexpensive material is made from a pulp of sawdust, resin, and glue that’s pressed together under high temperature and pressure. As you can imagine, it’s not very sturdy and might buckle under your blue jean collection, so you should only use it if you’re storing very light items. 

Adding a mudroom is one of the most budget-friendly home additions compared to other projects, costing between $8,000 and $16,000 on average. Not only is the room often quite small, but it also requires minimal fixtures or wiring to make the room practical. The most costly features include a weatherproof floor and an exterior door.

Fortunately, there are no hard and fast rules or regulations regarding the height of closet shelving. However, the typical height for a single closet shelf with a hanging bar is 70 inches from the floor. For a double-hanging system, use 84 to 85 inches from the floor for the top one and 42 inches for the lower.

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.