Closet Remodel Cost: Budgeting Tips for a Stylish Transformation

Closets are probably the most ignored part of any home. They are in almost every room, hiding behind a closed door. No windows, no family pictures on the walls. A simple, practical little space to keep all our stuff. When it comes to considering the closet remodel cost, most people don’t consider taking out a second mortgage — and you don’t have to.

The good news is that you can do a simple upgrade with a can of paint or stain. On the other hand, you can get pretty crazy and turn your closet into a dream showcase of functionality. We explored several options, from quick Do-It-Yourself (DIY) upgrades to completely custom designs with personality. Our name may be Dreamstyle Kitchens & Baths, but we do closets.

Breaking Down the Closet Remodel Cost

The first consideration is the size of your closet. There are two basic types of closets for most people — a reach-in and a walk-in. As their designations note, the reach-in is a simple, small space where you can access everything from the doorway. Walk-in closets can range in size from smallish with barely enough room to turn around to changing room or office space sized.

Paints and Stains

It might amaze you how much of a difference a simple coat of paint can make. In a small closet, using white can offer the illusion of increased size. It also provides better lighting. So if you have a small closet, consider a simple facelift with a coat of paint.

The average cost of a gallon of white paint is around $20, although higher-end brands can be as much as $55. Although you can complete most closets with a quart-size can, you can apply two coats with a gallon. You’ll also have extra if you want to paint the shelving.

If you have natural wood shelving in your closet, you may opt to stain it rather than painting. The average cost of a quart of stain ranges from $15 to $25, depending on the shade and brand. It also makes a difference whether you select water-based or oil-based. Most people opt to paint shelving the same color for a standard coat or clothing closet.

Shelving is also available in laminated versions and wire-rack styles.

Shelving Options for Single-Shelf Small Closets

In older homes, closet shelving is almost all wood. Pine is the most common shelf material because it is inexpensive and easily installed. Closet shelving is also available in metal, pre-made units. If you have an odd-sized closet, wood might be the best option as the pre-made units are not available in every size.

You can find a simple 48-inch wide shelf with mounting hardware at your local big-box home improvement center for around $25 to $35. These durable shelves are functional but limited in the weight they can handle. The wire racks usually have a vinyl coating or a powder-coat finish.

If you prefer solid shelving, a 48-inch wide laminated shelf will cost between $10 and $20. They are available in white and various colors, including wood tones. If you have an odd size and a few tools, you can opt for a plain pine board shelf. A 6-foot length of 12-inch wide board usually is less than $20 and can be measured and cut to fit odd-sized closets.

Adding a shelf or two in a small closet can increase the useable space. It also helps keep clothing and stored items off the floor and easily accessible.

Pre-Made Closet Inserts

Pre-made closet inserts are available in a variety of types and styles. Some use laminated particleboard, while others use wire racks. It isn’t easy to estimate pricing because there is so much available in the marketplace. Instead of attempting to calculate pricing, we’ll discuss some of the available options and explain how they affect the price for you. The cost of wire units usually is slightly higher than laminated particleboard options.

Fitting Your Space

Whether you have a large or small closet, space utilization is critical in effective organizing. Pre-made inserts are available in both vertical and horizontal orientations. With a vertical unit in a corner, you can add shelving in a 12-inch by 12-inch space, increasing your useable space. With a simple 5-shelf unit, you grow from having 12-inches of hanging rod area to having five times that in shelved storage.

Units in this area include shelving, hanging rods, hanging baskets, hooks, and many features to make your closet more functional. If you wear neckties or scarves, there are hanging racks for those. Shoe racks to organize your footwear, drawers for your socks, and more.

When considering your needs, measure your space first. You don’t have to fill up every inch of the area that you have. Purchasing and installing space-saving units is only effective if you use them. If you only have three pairs of shoes, it doesn’t make sense to install a 15-count shoe rack.

Remodel a Closet to Meet Your Needs

As you consider your options, think about what you need to make your life easier and more organized. If you wear socks every day, keeping them in the closet makes matching your outfit easier. This simple change can save steps and time for you.

The choices can be overwhelming. We find it helpful to think about storage items that will organize your things and make your daily routine easier. Take the time to consider how each feature will fit into your routine. If you don’t see yourself using that feature, skip it and opt for something else.

Custom Options Can Be Amazing

Custom options are available depending on how much you have to spend on your closet upgrade. Some minor upgrades can cost as little as a few hundred dollars. If you want to go all-out and have the room and budget, you can easily spend $10,000 on a closet upgrade. Closets don’t have to be just for clothes, either.

The closet remodel cost using a custom installer is higher than the DIY options. The upside is that your upgrade will be a finished project without you lifting a finger! Our professional remodelers will handle each part of your installation at Dreamstyle Kitchens & Baths.

Let Us Help Remodel a Closet for You

Not quite sure what you want when you remodel a closet? Allow our designers to help you figure it out. Our custom remodelers will build or install all the features you need to make your life easier. Whether you have a small reach-in or a massive walk-in, or something in the middle, our designers can help you create functionality.

If you’re ready to discuss how we can help you remodel a closet, contact us at 914-298-6390. Our design expert will examine your space and explain options within your budget. Whether you have a small or large budget, we can help!

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