DIY Vs. Professional Custom Closets

Mike Beard • Nov 19, 2019

You’ve seen photos of gorgeous custom closet storage systems in magazines or maybe on HGTV home-makeover shows. You might have been captivated by neat rows of clothing, shoes, and ties. Even children’s custom closets are impressive. If you normally handle home improvements on your own, you might think, “I can build that.” At the same time, you know that there are custom closet companies in your area who work all day long building customized storage systems for people just like you. Is there really a difference between a DIY and a professionally built custom closet? Let’s find out!

Custom Closet Materials

If you are planning to build a DIY custom closet, you have a few different options. First, you could go to any large home improvement store and purchase a wire storage system. These come in various sizes and usually include a place to hang hangers, some shelves, and maybe a wire shoe rack or some other type of accessories.

Another option would be to purchase wood, measure the closet, and build your own system from scratch. You might build shelves or cubbies and put it all under a hanging rack.

Finally, you could fit your closet with a set of drawers that you’ve purchased at any furniture or discount store. You can combine that with either of the other options described above.

If you have a custom closet designed and installed by a professional, the closet components would be made out of wood. Usually they are stained or coated to make them moisture-resistant. This way, you can wipe them down easily. Wood components that fit properly (more on that below!) don’t damage a wall the way that wire systems often do. Also, wood closets tend to add value to a home (wire closet systems do not). These are some considerations to keep in mind as you decide between the various types of custom closets.

Getting the Fit Just Right

When you purchase a wire closet system from a big-box store, they come in a few different sizes. The problem is that if your closet is not a standard size, the closet system is not going to fit. Even if it is a standard size, chances are good that it isn’t perfect. This means that there will be some gapping or, worse, buckling of the system. Wedging a wire system that is too tight into the closet can damage the walls and the wires themselves. Placing it in an area that is too large is less of a problem in terms of damage, but it will move around and items will fall off and through the wires.

If you build your own closet system out of wood, you can eliminate these issues, assuming you are a great carpenter. Not all walls are going to be straight, so you might need to work with that challenge. Cutting the boards yourself, however, will help you come up with a solution that fits.

Professionally installed custom closets will, of course, fit every time. Your professional closet designer will measure your closet and create a system that fits not only your closet but also the items you need to store inside. There is no gapping or buckling, and you won’t need to be the one to worry about whether a shelf is level or whether a shoe rack will fit under the bottom hanging rod.

The Time Involved

When you do something yourself, you already know that it will take you longer than it would have had you hired someone else to do it for you. Having custom closets installed is no exception.

When you hire a custom closet company like Memphis Garage & Closets, you’ll first have an in-home consultation. Several weeks later, you’ll have your installation appointment, which lasts about a day for most closet systems (a larger system or a project encompassing several closets will take longer). Our crew will tear down your old components (if applicable) and will leave everything clean and tidy when they leave. You’ll put your items away and begin enjoying your new system.

You’ll need to compare this to the length of time it would take you to plan your closet, purchase the materials, acquire the tools, build the actual closet, remove your old components, and install the new closet system in your space.

How Much a Custom Closet Costs

Most people who want to build a DIY closet do so because they believe it will save them money. This might be true at first glance. Be sure to consider all of the factors, though:

A professional system will raise the value of your home. A DIY system might, if it looks professional and if it fits the closet very well.
You will probably need to take time off from work to build your own system. At the very least, you’ll be using up a lot of your weekend time. When you have a pro do the job, you will need to be there for the initial consultation and someone should be home for the installation. That’s it!
A professional closet company gets wholesale prices on materials. Some of that savings is passed along to the customer.
You won’t pay for any mistakes if you hire a company to do the job. If you cut a piece of wood too short or you damage an accessory while installing your closet, you will need to cover that expense yourself. If a closet company makes an error, it’s not your responsibility and you will not have to pay for the mistake.
Someone needs to be responsible for removing and disposing of the old components. If you do your own closet, that person will be you. If a closet company does it, they’ll remove the components and you won’t need to pay for disposal.

Making Your Final Decision

If you are in the Memphis area and you are on the fence between a DIY closet and a professionally installed system, we urge you to give us a call. Memphis Garage & Closets offers a completely free in-home consultation. One of our closet designers can look at what you have, make some suggestions, and even create a 3D design. There’s no risk, cost, or obligation! This way, you’ll have all the information you need to make the right choice for your own circumstances. Please get in touch with us today to schedule this free appointment.

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