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August 11, 2009
Closet Design
Anyone have a recommendation for a local closet organizer? I got an estimate from California Closets and know that they are overpriced. Thanks.
Comments
Castle Closets - ask for Brian. Often recommended on this site.
http://www.castlecloset.com/
Posted by: cm at August 11, 2009 11:21 AM
Avoid the Closet Factory as well. Had horrendous dealings with both California Closets and the Closet Factory.
Posted by: CG_ups at August 11, 2009 11:47 AM
California Closets, Castle Closets, and similar companies produce really cheap and ugly looking closets. These options are fine if you're a renter but if you own, it really pays to hire a carpenter and do it right.
Posted by: CookieCutterBrownstone at August 11, 2009 12:04 PM
We just went through this as well and settled on the Elfa system from The Container Store. It isn't cheap, but the designers are very very good-- they made full use of every square inch of closet space. They had a big sale this summer-- 30 or 50% off...can't remember which but we saved a lot. They also will do installation, which last I looked, was also 50% off.
The Elfa system is very flexible, so as your needs change, you can easily adjust the size of shelves, or shelves vs. hanging space.
Also spoke to a carpenter-- the more expensive way to go. Given cost constraints and the possiblity that our design will have to change, Elfa was the better choice for us.
Posted by: jens at August 11, 2009 12:42 PM
CCB: not everyone has the $$$ to have custom closets made. Elfa, Easy Closets, California Closets - their stuff is just fine for 99% the population.
Posted by: tiptoe at August 11, 2009 12:42 PM
This place is great! http://www.smartclosetsolution.com/Confirmation.html
Did my closet for under $1000 all-inclusive. Nice results too.
Posted by: collin85 at August 11, 2009 1:17 PM
TT: California Closets and the like quoted an avg of $3,500 for:
1. Closets that weren't very custom fitting. Shelves did not reach the ceiling.
2. The shelves are a fixed width. E.g. can't have 18" deep shelves.
3. The edges are cheap veneered and ironed on.
4. There are no backings for the shelves and closets.
5. Wood is particle board with laminate.
A decent carpenter built a very modern closet from plans and the total cost was $1,200, but that did not include the staining and painting (which I did myself).
Posted by: CookieCutterBrownstone at August 11, 2009 1:20 PM
Custom closet from a local company will vary in price depending on how custom you want it and the material/wood you select. Real wood would of course cost more than composite material. It also depends how complex the customization you want. Do you want just regular shelves or you want custom size hampers, drawers, and other amenities.
California Closet quality depends on what you spend. They are excellent if you are willing to spend good money.
At the next lower level would be company like Express Closets. They are a local company with an upstate shop. We paid $1k (material and labor) to install simple shelving, 1 hamper, lockable drawer, hooks, and 2 bars. Real wood, with a mahogany finish and chrome hardware.
At even lower level is like a Home Depot place. You buy the premade shelvings and you do the install (or hire someone). Customization is lower but for the cost, it is hard to beat.
Installation is can be rather easy, depending on the mounting system they use.
BTW - custom closets is tax deductible. It is considered a house improvement cost (non perishable non removable expenditure).
Posted by: crimsonson at August 11, 2009 1:27 PM
CCG: It's hard to believe that you got custom closets done including installation for 41,200. near impossible, I think. And $3,500 quote from California closets tells me that you have huge closets or they took you for a sucker. My quotes from Elfa and Easyclosets didn't approach $2,000 for a decent-sized walk-in, and they looked pretty damn good.
Posted by: tiptoe at August 11, 2009 3:14 PM
I live in Midwood. I just got an estimate from a handyman for building a 6' closet prior to custom installation. Does $1,800 from start to finish (including doors) sound reasonable?
Posted by: justme123 at August 12, 2009 12:51 PM
FYI - I just found on www.merchantcircle.com a 5% off coupon from www.smartclosetsolution.com - expiration 8/30/09
Posted by: justme123 at August 12, 2009 3:19 PM
http://www.smartclosetsolution.com/
The best finish, much better than California Closets quality. Also at the best price possible, I had about 7 quotes. They are also nice people and there is always someone to talk too.
Posted by: liketherichandfamous at August 31, 2009 10:05 AM
I had a quote from smart closet - around $1,500 for an 8ftx9ft space with lots of rooms for hanging clothes. shall i do it or shop around. some friends say go for ikea and get a carpenter but am not sure about that - wasting time, no warranty, etc.
K
Posted by: HurricaneKate at September 9, 2009 5:51 PM
I had a friend who bought in Ikea some shelves, hanging, baskets etc and hired a handyman. It looked nothing like a custom closet and they end up spending near the price they got quote from Smart Closet Solution with a lot of headache. Another friend who bought from Easyclosets.com they hired a handyman to install, horrible job. If the price is right give to professional to do the job. At the end it pays and don't forget the lifetime warranty you get. You say $1,500 to my opinion that is very low for a 8x9 closet.
Posted by: liketherichandfamous at September 12, 2009 4:01 PM
http://classyclosets.com/franchise/denverboulder
How was it overpriced? Different companies vary with prices and even the services they offer. Sometimes those who offer expensive service are the ones that have expertise on the field. You should also ask for some samples on their work and customer reviews so that you'll be able to choose from your prospect companies. It is much better if they offer warranty because you'll get what your money is worth.
Posted by: jollivee at October 26, 2009 1:45 AM
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