<p>Now that we are empty nesters, we want to do some work on the house. We’d like to find a company that will help us design revamps of our closets (none of them are huge or walkins) , then also do the installation. I’ve heard of California Closets - how are they? And other suggestions?</p>
<p>We have 2 California Closets and LOVE them. I have to share that my sister was the sales rep, but we do love the closets. She has since moved and still works for Cal Closets, but in a community south of Atlanta.</p>
<p>We also have a similar (regional brand) and are very pleased with the end result. Just make sure you get salesperson to work for YOU. They are paid a commission based on the total price which results in them potentially not sharing with you some of the simple cost saving options. I don’t remember the specifics, but things like: If your closet rod is 37" versus 36" the price could be higher…etc.</p>
<p>We just redid a large closet and used California Closets. They are terrific, although expensive. The sales rep had a laptop with her so I could see the proposed design in 3D before I signed off on it, which was a huge help. The closet involved some tricky installation, and the installer did an excellent job.</p>
<p>If you are anywhere near a Container Store, I like the elfa closet systems quite a lot. They have closet specialists on staff who will plan a system for you from your measurements at no additional cost. Installation is quite easy and they are very flexible if you find your storage needs change over time. They don’t have the same look as California Closets but you can get solid wood fronts that make them very nice looking. I’ve installed them by myself in every closet in our house plus the garage and pantry. </p>
<p>Sent from my Droid using CC App</p>
<p>Man I was pretified when I saw this topic – I thought it was going to be dorm related. I think this belongs on parent cafe (not being snarky, just want to prevent another mother omg response).</p>
<p>I just looked up “closets” in the yellow pages and saved a lot of money by hiring a local “no-name” company. I was amazed with what they came up with, as our closets have nooks and crannies. It was very clever and really gave us a lot more storage space. They also did my laundry room.</p>
<p>D wanted a new closet so we went to Home Depot to look at their closet systems. A handyman is installing it for us.</p>
<p>The flip side to the DIY way is the warranty that’s offered by the closet companies. My neighbor had huge storage cabinets installed that were off the floor in her garage. One of them somehow became detached from it’s hinges and fell over. Thank goodness the car wasn’t there. The company came to install a new one for free because there was a 7 yr. Warranty.</p>
<p>We recently renovated and turned a small room into a closet. We used a regional company very much like California closet. The woman who came out and designed it was great. They should measure all your existing clothes and then figure how to configure the closet. I put a chest of drawers in mine and love it - keep my nighties, underwear,etc in it plus my jewelry box on top. I basically do all my dressing in the closet (it’s very large). Also, she suggested two wire baskets and they have been so useful. I keep my workout clothes in mine and hubby keeps his stuff to go to the dry cleaner in his. We had them put in lots of shelves for shoes, purses and things. </p>
<p>At our last house, I went to Home Depot one weekend and bought the KraftMaid system and installed it myself while husband was out of town. It’s very doable. I was very pleased with that closet also. It’s important to think through what type of configuration you need. For example, I prefer to hang my pants straight instead of folding them over a hanger. Also, I’m not a big folder, preferring to hang even t-shirts.</p>
<p>Dang, well, I don’t know how to move a thread, but it’s fine by me if an admin does.
We are starting with getting rid of stuff so that we then know how much stuff we actually need to find space for. But I think we may give CClosets a call at least for a preliminary design.
Can CCloset do new doors? We have mirrored sliding doors right now and they actually are part of the problem.</p>
<p>The problem we had with closet installers was the cost, and my wife wanted all wood. Pretty much all of the installers use a variation of laminate on particle board. Good solid material, but my wife insisted on all wood. There are some terrific online sellers that have software to help you design a closet. They will then sell you the pieces you need to complete the closet designed on their website. </p>
<p>After much searching we found John Louis Home online. Their kits are solid wood (but yes, made in China I believe) I bought their kits and installed them myself at reasonable cost and they look great. It does require a bit of thinking and planning to determine what configuration and features is best for you.</p>