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Closet Facts and Information

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!
 
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.
 
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.
 
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.

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.