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Facts
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Facts and Information
Editor's Note: Gary Lederman is the owner and founder of Closet Masters Inc.,
Maryland's oldest licensed closet company. With a degree in Architecture, he has been
designing, fabricating and installing closets, built-ins and offices since opening his
company in 1977.
Somebody Help Me!
Think of a world without closets. Wake up in the morning, go over to a huge pile of
clothes, shoes, belts and sweaters and find something nice to wear. The thought is
ridiculous!
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Of course we need closets. We use them all the time. Unfortunately, most of us have
only improved slightly. The "pile" now resides in a hole in a wall with a door
on it, with one rod to jam all our hanging garments onto. There's a single shelf for all
our sweaters and other folded items, and of course the floor for everything else. This
mode of thinking is finding its place in history along side of disco dancing and gasoline
under a dollar.
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Builders used to stick a closet wherever there was space, in an alcove or under the
stairs. Today's builders are realizing the importance of the closet and are dedicating
more space and time to closet design. Thanks to the efforts of "closet
companies," builders and homeowners now have professionals who specialize in solving
storage problems.
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| When I first went into business in the late 70's, I always heard the comment, "I
didn't know people did this sort of thing (designing closets)." But today, consumers
are much more sophisticated. They are more aware of storage problems and are looking for
solutions. |
How important is a closet?
The next time you go shopping, look at what kind of stores there are. Women's clothes,
men's clothes, children's clothes, linens, games, cameras, sporting goods, shoes,
lingerie, etc. What do they all have in common? When the items you purchase enter your
home, they all end up in your closets. More money is spent on what goes into your closets
per square foot than anywhere else in your house.
Many of us try to avoid our messy, unorganized closets, but the average person spends
at least 10 minutes a day in front of one. Wake up, get dressed for work; come home,
change into casual clothes; get ready for bed, change again. That's on a slow day. Add in
shopping, the cleaners and the laundry, and you end up in front of your closet a lot more
than you realize.
Should I redo my closet?
You buy a sweater that makes you look great. It was a long journey into many stores,
struggling over the color, style, fit and price. But you found it. You bring it home, wear
it once or twice, then jam it in the only available corner left in your over-stuffed
closet. Years later when you see the sweater again, it is out of style, you hate the color
and of course it doesn't fit.
Think about a closet that, when the door is opened, all your clothes, all your shoes,
and all your accessories are visible at a glance. A professional closet designer can
accomplish this, and you'll have space left over to buy more sweaters.
Is a closet a good investment?
It's a great investment, but not necessarily as an increase in value of your house.
It's always a selling feature. But more important, it's a personal investment.
With a new closet design, your selection of clothes increases, because you can see more
of what you own. Your feeling of frustration is gone every morning that you dress, because
you can find everything. You start the day ready to take on the world, instead of taking
on your closet.
Should I do it myself or use a professional?
With all the home improvement stores carrying some form of a do-it-yourself (D.I.Y.)
closet system, you can certainly improve your storage dilemma on your own. But if you want
to maximize the space, have it designed especially for you, and save your marriage in the
process, then hire a professional.
The D.I.Y. closet systems are very generic. They are designed to generally improve the
average closet. They can be difficult to customize, and many times the instructions are
not written so the average person can understand them.
What is the most popular material used in a closet today?
White laminated wood (melamine) is the most popular. It's adjustable, there are many
options, and it has a built-in look.
Open ventilated shelving is next in popularity. It has an open, airy look. Itıs
strong, durable and is a less expensive alternative to melamine.
How long does it take to remodel a closet?
Unlike the "Tin Man" who would stay at your house until you gave in, an
experienced closet designer should be able to give you a written closet design and
estimate on several closets in less than an hour.
When it comes to closets, is the lowest price the best?
In everything you buy, don't buy price, buy value. Value is a combination of top
quality material, a closet designed exclusively to solve your storage needs, a good
guarantee, a satisfied customer, and then a good price.
How important is it to use a licensed contractor?
It is probably the single most important reference a contractor has. Call the Maryland
Home Improvement Commission, (410) 333-6309 and make sure there are no complaints against
the contractor. Make sure the contractors name matches the license number. The lower the
license number, the more experience the contractor has. License #1 was given out in 1961.
New license numbers now number in the 40,000's.
What should I expect from a good closet company?
Most of the companies I know really try to do a good job. But it takes more than good
intentions to survive in any business. Experience counts for more than a good design. It's
being there on the agreed upon date to install the closet. (Remember, you just emptied all
your clothes out of the closet). Its honest reliable employees who get the job done right
the first time. Experience means the company will be there to back up their guarantee.
Are references important?
Absolutely. They let you know how satisfied past customers are. Find out if the company
was neat and clean. Was the final product what they expected? Call references; it's your
home, and strangers are coming in to perform work. |
