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- Typical Range: $1,067 to $2,981
- National Average: $2,005
Many homeowners dream of having an organized custom closet that makes storing clothing simple and carefree. Whether they are looking to build a new custom closet, expand a closet, or retrofit an existing closet, knowing what a custom closet costs will help homeowners budget the right amount.
According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, custom closet cost ranges from $1,067 to $2,981 with the average cost of a custom closet coming in at $2,005. The exact cost of such a project depends on the closet size and type as well as several other factors, such as whether HVAC or electrical work is required. Before building the custom closet they’ve always wanted, homeowners can read through this guide to get a clear understanding of the costs involved.
Factors in Calculating Custom Closet Cost
Custom closet installation cost depends on a variety of factors, with some of them having a greater impact than others. Closet size and type are the most significant factors in overall project cost, but there are several others to keep in mind while budgeting for a custom closet.
Closet Size
Custom closet prices depend foremost on closet size. The larger the space, the more materials and labor are required, therefore increasing the cost. Custom closet cost per square foot tends to be between $15 and $30. This cost includes any construction necessary to build a custom closet, like wall framing and drywall. When retrofitting an existing closet, homeowners may simply want to install an organizing system. Closet organizers fall into two categories: wall mount and floor mount. Wall-mount closet organizers cost $140 to $240 per linear foot and are especially ideal for small or narrow closets due to their space-saving design. Floor-mount closet organizers cost $200 to $330 per linear foot. These organizers are larger and take up more space, hence their higher price point.
Closet Type
When homeowners are installing a new custom closet in a home, there are a few different types they can choose from depending on the room’s layout. The type of closet is a significant factor in the closet remodel cost. The cost to build a walk-in closet ranges from $750 to $5,000. Walk-in closets are the most sought-after type of closet for homeowners and can take on a luxurious feel with the right storage solutions and decor. Most bedrooms have a reach-in closet which costs anywhere from $500 to $2,500. Reach-in closets are simple, allowing homeowners to just reach in and grab clothes, but not actually step inside. Closet types that tend to be easier to install are built-in wardrobes and stand-alone wardrobes. A built-in wardrobe costs $1,500 to $6,000 and offers storage drawers and clothing racks with seamless door fronts that usually match neighboring trimwork. A stand-alone wardrobe costs $1,000 to $3,000 and is essentially a piece of furniture that stores clothing and accessories. Homeowners can think of a stand-alone wardrobe as a large-scale armoire.
Closet Material
When building a custom closet, homeowners will have a choice of materials for the organizing system ranging from $200 to $5,000 in cost. Plywood is typically the least expensive option and costs between $200 and $500. Glass is a little more expensive at $800 to $2,500, and melamine is higher than that at $1,500 to $2,500. Wood is the most expensive custom closet material, as it is extremely durable and gives that custom one-of-a-kind look. For a wooden organizing system, homeowners can expect to pay between $3,500 and $5,000.
Storage Type and Material
Storage is arguably the most important part of a custom closet. With the right storage system installed, keeping a closet organized and functional is actually doable day-to-day. Storage cabinets in a custom closet cost between $500 and $1,500, as do built-in shelves. For storage drawers, homeowners can expect to pay $80 to $200. Wall-mounted closet organizers run between $140 and $240 per linear foot, while floor-mounted closet system organizers cost a little more at $200 to $330 per linear foot. A luxurious custom closet will have a storage island, perfect for laying out an outfit or folding clothes; this option will run $1,000 to $2,500. For organizing accessories, a jewelry organizer costs $75 to $150, and a shoe rack costs $50 to $75.
Closet Brand
There are several leading brands in the custom closet market, ranging in quality of product and, therefore, in cost. On the budget-friendly end are Closet Factory and IKEA. Closet Factory offers reach-in and walk-in custom closets for $135 to $330 per linear foot. IKEA specializes in closet organization systems, like wall-mounted storage cabinets and drawers, ranging from $150 to $380 per linear foot. At a slightly higher price point, Closets by Design offers reach-in and walk-in closet storage solutions for $150 to $400 per linear foot. California Closets offers luxurious custom closets at a price range of $175 to $350 per linear foot. For organizing within the closet, homeowners can consider The Container Store—its designers will suggest creative closet organizing options that cost between $150 and $600 per linear foot.
Door Type
Most closets have either a bifold door, sliding door, or standard swing door to provide access to the space. Closet doors are typically made of wood and can be stained, painted, or covered with glass or mirrors. There are plenty of other door options to choose from as well, all at various price points. On average, the cost of a custom closet door falls between $400 and $1,100. Pricing for specific types of doors is as follows:
- Bifold door: $100–$2,000
- Sliding door or barn door: $100–$2,500
- Swing door: $300–$2,000
- Louvered door: $200–$500
- Accordion door: $200–$1,000
- Mirrored door: $300–$2,000
- Pocket door: $400–$2,000
- Glass door: $500–$2,000
- Frosted glass door: $700–$2,200
Labor
The cost to install a closet system depends a lot on the labor. Custom closets can be installed by a general contractor, which costs $60 to $90 per hour, or a handyperson, which costs $60 to $65 per hour. Homeowners will want to hire a general contractor for larger closet projects that are more customized. A general contractor will be experienced with drywall, framing, door installation, and more. A handyperson is best for tasks like installing one of the best closet systems or assembling a stand-alone wardrobe. Depending on the project, homeowners may also need to hire an electrician, which typically costs $50 to $100 per hour.
Geographic Location
The home’s geographic location will also play a role in the overall price. If the cost of living is higher in a certain area, the cost of local materials and labor tends to be higher as well. Additionally, there may be local requirements in a homeowner’s area that add to the cost of their project. If a building permit is required for a closet retrofit or for the associated HVAC or electrical work, homeowners will want to include the permit cost of $400 to $2,200 in their project budget.
Additional Costs and Considerations
In addition to the custom closet cost factors considered above, there are a few more that apply in some situations. Requiring the services of an interior designer, electrician, or HVAC technician will add to the overall project cost, as will incorporating accessories and decor.
Interior Designer Consultation
For homeowners who are unsure how to design a closet, hiring an interior designer is a great solution. While interior design services will cost between $50 and $200 per hour or between $200 and $2,000 per room, hiring a professional ensures the closet is as functional and beautiful as can be. Interior designers will maximize the storage in a closet by recommending custom storage solutions and bringing it all together with personalized finishes. Another option for optimizing the functionality in a closet is to hire a professional organizer. The best home organization services will help homeowners sort through all of their belongings and organize them properly in the closet space with the help of storage baskets, organizers, and other creative solutions.
HVAC Installation
Depending on the size of a closet, it may be necessary to run HVAC ductwork to the space. When modifying an existing space to put in a closet, homeowners may need to have HVAC components relocated or reworked. The cost to install or replace HVAC ductwork is between $10 and $20 per linear foot. If a general contractor has been hired for the closet installation project, they will likely be able to handle HVAC-related tasks; otherwise, homeowners may need to hire an HVAC technician.
Lighting and Electrical Work
Most custom closet installation projects require at least some modification to existing lighting and electrical wiring. Homeowners can expect to pay $40 to $100 per hour for an electrician or about $0.20 per linear foot for new electrical wiring. For a reach-in closet, the homeowner may just be installing one overhead light, but for larger, walk-in closets, the electrical portion of the project could include wiring multiple outlets, overhead lights, and under-cabinet lighting.
Accessories and Decor
A closet can feel truly customized with personalized accessories and decor. These additions take a closet from feeling like a storage room to feeling like another room in the house to enjoy. Common accessories and decor added to custom closets and their associated costs include the following:
- Seating and furniture: $500–$1,500
- Wall or ceiling paint: $2–$6 per square foot
- Wallpaper treatment: $4–$10 per square foot
- Custom lighting: $50–$2,000
- Wall or standing mirror: $100–$300
Types of Custom Closets
While every closet has the same purpose—storage—not every closet is the same. There are four standard types of custom closets: walk-in, reach-in, stand-alone, and built-in.
Walk-In
A customized walk-in closet is every homeowner’s dream. For $750 to $5,000, a walk-in closet is usually a substantial space that can store plenty of clothing and accessories. The cost varies depending on whether walls need to be moved or whether an existing space is being retrofitted into a walk-in closet. Custom walk-in closets often come equipped with a vanity, mirrors, and a storage island in addition to numerous clothing rods, storage drawers, and shoe racks. The lighting in walk-in closets can be just a basic overhead fixture, a fancy chandelier with under-cabinet lighting, or anything in between. The extent of construction necessary to build a walk-in closet can be pretty substantial if walls need to be reconfigured or electrical components need to be rewired.
Reach-In
A reach-in closet is the standard type of closet one would likely see in a standard bedroom. If a bedroom does not have one of these closets already, homeowners can expect to pay $500 to $2,500 to build one. These closets are fairly basic—the homeowner can reach in and grab clothing but not walk inside. The cost varies depending on what type of door is used (sliding and bifold are common) and whether or not built-in storage is added. Reach-in closets can store plenty of clothes, shoes, and miscellaneous boxes if the space is used properly with built-in storage solutions from one of the best closet design companies. Ideally, these closets will have an overhead task light, but sometimes they do not.
Stand-alone
A stand-alone wardrobe costs $1,000 to $3,000 and is a movable furniture piece. These freestanding units are perfect for homeowners who can’t install a permanent closet due to space constraints or for renters who are not able to make modifications to the property. Stand-alone closets can be purchased as is or customized with a specific finish or cabinet hardware. They are available at any standard furniture retailer as well as at vintage and antique stores and flea markets. Stand-alone wardrobes have the easiest installation process, as the piece of furniture just needs to be moved to its desired location.
Built-In
Built-in wardrobes cost between $1,500 and $6,000 and are a good clothing storage option if there is not a logical place to install a closet with walls in a room. They offer a similar feel to a reach-in closet without requiring any drywall and framing. A built-in wardrobe is essentially a large furniture unit that is permanently attached to the surrounding walls. It can be built in to coordinate perfectly with the trimwork and finishes already in a space. The cost varies depending on the size of the unit as well as the finish and any custom details.
Custom Closet Benefits
For homeowners who are not convinced a custom closet will improve their day-to-day life while they are getting ready in the morning or unwinding at night, the following are the main benefits of installing a custom closet.
Improved Organization
Most builder-grade, standard closets come with just a single clothing rod and maybe a shelf above it. A custom closet offers so much more. Custom closet organization systems can include drawers, shelves, multiple clothing rods, shoe storage, jewelry organizers, storage hooks, among other options. Homeowners will want to consider the exact type and quantity of items they plan to store in the closet and find custom organization solutions that match.
Maximized Use of Space
A truly custom closet, made exactly for the space where it will be installed, takes advantage of every square inch of space. This includes extending storage up to the ceiling, down to the floor, and even into odd or tight corners. A custom closet company will measure the floor plan and design custom solutions that maximize the potential storage space.
Customization Options
Everything about a custom closet is truly custom, from the organization system to the design and finishes. Homeowners will have hundreds of options to choose from for their custom closet project, especially when working with a professional closet designer. For example, homeowners can personalize the storage for a designer handbag collection or add specific design touches that fit with the rest of their home. Every square inch of a custom closet can be customized to the homeowner’s liking.
Increased Home Value
Storage requirements top the list for many home buyers. A custom closet in the primary bedroom can be the icing on the cake that seals the deal when it comes to purchasing a home. Installing a custom closet in a home will likely increase its value and make it more appealing to future home buyers.
Custom Closet Installation: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
The average homeowner likely doesn’t know how to build a closet, and while a homeowner with basic DIY skills may be able to install a simple closet organizer or paint closet walls, due to the complexities of a custom closet, the job is best left to the pros.
Whether a homeowner hires a general contractor, handyperson, or professional closet design and installation team, each party will know the individual steps required to build the custom closet. They will be sure to attach wall-mounted closet systems to studs so they are safe and strong and will finish out the job with seamless drywall, polished trimwork, and gliding doors.
Modifying existing walls, electrical, or HVAC is without a doubt a task for professional tradespeople. These experts will take the necessary precautions to protect the home during construction and maintain its structural integrity. It is also a good idea for homeowners to work with a professional closet designer or interior designer during the process. A designer will help the homeowner maximize the entire space in their closet and have a wealth of knowledge of all the possible storage solutions.
How to Save Money on Custom Closet Cost
If a homeowner finds that the cost of a custom closet is a little out of their budget, the following money-saving tips can help lower the overall price.
- Opt for wall-mounted versus floor-mounted storage. Wall-mounted storage is designed for smaller, narrow spaces; therefore, it takes up less room. Floor-mounted storage is bulkier and overall more costly than wall-mounted.
- Stick with the basics. When building a custom closet, you will be presented with various color and finish options. If you are looking to save money, choose more basic, entry-level finishes. Wood tones and neutral shades are always safe options.
- Request pricing from multiple contractors. You can never be too informed on what a custom closet project costs. Get pricing quotes from at least three companies to compare the cost of services and make an informed buying decision.
- DIY the paint and decor. While it is important to leave any framing, door installation, electrical work, and HVAC up to the professionals, there are a few tasks you can DIY when building a custom closet. Roll up your sleeves and paint the walls yourself, or lean on your own interior design expertise by hanging up artwork or window coverings.
Questions to Ask About Custom Closet Installation
Before signing a custom closet installation contract with a company, homeowners will want to ask some or all of the following questions. Doing so ensures the homeowner has a clear understanding of the entire custom closet building process and the ways certain scenarios will be handled.
- Do you offer free estimates?
- Will you provide a written quote and contract?
- Are you licensed and insured to complete this type of work?
- How long have you been in business?
- What kind of training do you offer for your employees?
- Will the work be completed by an employee of your business or by a subcontractor?
- Can you provide references from similar projects?
- What type of custom closet do you recommend for my home?
- What closet organization systems do you recommend?
- Do you offer closet design services?
- How long will the custom closet project take?
- Who manufactures your closet systems?
- What materials do you offer?
- Do you require a down payment, and if so, how much?
- What is the payment schedule, and do you offer payment plans?
- Do you offer a warranty on your work?
- How soon can you schedule the work?
- How can I get in touch with you while the project is in progress?
- Do you take care of cleanup after the project is complete?
- How will you protect my home from damage during the project?
- How do you handle disputes or disagreements?
FAQs
To ensure the homeowner completely understands everything involved with constructing a custom closet, they can read through these frequently asked questions from other homeowners.
Q. How do I design my own closet?
To design a custom closet, homeowners will want to consider what they want to store. They can think about the clothes they need to store, whether they need a place to sit, and whether they want a floor-length mirror, if the closet is in a bedroom. Once the homeowner reflects on how they will use the space, they can research various closet organizing systems and speak with a professional closet designer to draw up a plan for their ideal closet space.
Q. Which companies install custom closets?
There are many leading companies that install custom closets, including California Closets, Closet Factory, and Inspired Closets. Each one will offer various custom closet designs and products to fit different budgets. Homeowners will want to do their research on the best closet design companies before choosing the one that is right for them.
Q. How long does it take to build a custom closet?
It takes less than a day to build a simple, reach-in closet, but it can take more than a few days to install a custom walk-in closet. The duration depends on how complex the custom closet project is and whether or not electrical and HVAC components need to be installed or modified. Homeowners can consult a closet-building contractor to determine the exact timeline for their custom closet project.
Q. How do I build a closet organizer?
To build a closet organizer, the homeowner will need to first accurately measure their closet space. Then, they can give those measurements to a company that specializes in closet organizers for a custom solution or head to the hardware store to purchase materials for shelves and clothing rods. Finally, they can cut pieces of lumber to the right measurements for the shelves and install them with shelf supports.
Q. What are the pros and cons of custom closets?
The pros include customized storage for clothes and belongings, added value to a home, and simplified morning routines. Cons include the cost of the custom closet project and of additional items the homeowner may need to purchase to fill the space.
Q. What is the ROI of custom closets?
The ROI, or return on investment, of custom closets starts at 50 percent and can go as high as 100 percent. In other words, if the custom closet costs $2,000, the homeowner could receive $1,000 to $2,000 more on the purchase price of their home when they go to sell. Even if the homeowner isn’t in the market to sell their home anytime soon, this added value will stay with the home long-term.
Sources: Angi, HomeAdvisor, Fixr
