A custom designed closet adds ease to your daily routine, creates more clutter-free storage and even increases the value of your home. When researching and budgeting your custom closet project, the first question you may ask is “How much does a custom closet cost?”
The short answer: it depends. We’ve served the Kansas City area for over ten years, and have completed thousands of closets. We want to help you feel educated and knowledgeable about the custom closet process so we can help you design the space you’ve dreamed of.
We compiled this article to explain the elements that drive how much your custom closet will cost.
The basics
First, let’s start off with the basics. The most fundamental driver of cost for a custom closet is space – but not square footage like many assume. The base cost of your custom closet is determined by how much linear footage of wall space is in your closet. This is the driving force of cost as it determines the amount of materials and time required for installation. Another consideration is ceiling height. Do you want to take your closet from floor to ceiling? If so, that will increase the linear foot cost.
Based on our experience, a great rule of thumb for estimating your custom closet cost is 1-2% of your home’s value. This is a helpful metric because we try to match the closet to the trim and finish level of your home. We’ve found this rule of thumb to be a helpful baseline for our customers. Of course, there are many other factors that we’ll explain below.
Design features that impact the cost of your custom closet:
At KC Custom closets, we are a locally owned and operated business with years of both design and construction experience. We do not overdesign your custom closet. Meaning, we design your custom closet to meet your specific needs and space. While we offer a large selection of finishes (from hardware to accessories), we won’t suggest a feature unless we think it will benefit your space.
Let’s go over the design features that impact price.
- Color
We offer a wide selection of colors and materials for our custom closets. The base color offered in custom closet systems is white, with premium materials resembling painted or natural wood finishes.
The most popular closet colors we’ve seen our customers choose are:
– White: by far the most common and cost effective
– Arctic: an elevated, multidimensional white
– Cloud: a classic gray
– Concrete: a multidimensional gray
– Drift: a natural looking multidimensional wood veneer finish
These are timeless whites, grays and natural wood finishes that take a closet from builder grade to a timeless, classically designed closet. The darker the color, the more richness is added to the space and typically there is a corresponding increase in the price of the material. We should also note, that our manufacturer offers a lifetime guarantee on all cabinetry products.
A custom closet in a cloud finish.
- Drawers & Doors
Drawers and doors often make the biggest impact on the functionality of your closet. Adding drawers to your closet eliminates the need for bulky, expensive dressers. Plus, the added storage enables you to get completely dressed in one room! Your new custom closet system should increase the efficiency of your morning routine.
Doors are a sophisticated finishing touch. Doors can be paneled to match your drawer system and are also available in glass or mirrored options. However, those options do quickly escalate in price.
- Drawer/Door Profile
There are many drawer and door profiles to choose from. Flat panel drawer and door fronts are considered to be the base level, and the more detailed the style, the more expensive it will be.
We offer a variety of profiles, from flat panel to shaker style and everything in between. Choosing your profile is largely based on your personal preferences and budget. Our 3D design tool we use at KC Custom Closets allows you to see how different styles would look in your space. We can change the profile in real time, allowing you to visualize exactly what it would look like!
- Trim Level
We always suggest designing your closet to match the trim and finish level of the rest of your home.
There are some design choices that don’t leave much space for trim – for example, some clients prefer to leave space at the top and bottom of their closet to maximize storage. Some clients prefer a fully trimmed out closet with crown molding and toe kicks to match the rest their home. Ultimately, it depends on how you want your space to look.
It’s important to ask your closet designer about trim level in your initial consultation. With our extensive construction background, we think about the entire process.
- Hardware
Knobs and handles are details that can really make a statement in your custom closet. The more pieces in your custom closet that require hardware, there is obviously an associated cost with it.
When choosing the right hardware for custom closet, we recommend something that is a compliment to the space. If your closet is modern, choose a knob or pull that has clean lines and is not overly ornate. There are numerous finishes available for your hardware from like Matte Gold, Chrome, Brushed Nickel, Black, and Oil Rubbed Bronze.
- Accessories
Now comes the fun part! Your custom closet is an investment in your space. Accessories ensure your custom closet meets your specific needs and space requirements, unlike out of the box solutions. Accessories can increase the cost of a custom closet, but they are also one of the most important pieces to making sure your closet space truly fits your needs.
While researching what accessories are must-have’s for your space, here are the two accessories we’ve found to be the most sought after:
- Built in Hampers: This is a crowd favorite. You can choose a tilt out hamper (which is completely concealed with a drawer looking front) or a roll/pull out hamper. Both options can be built to have multiple compartments for color or delicates sorting. Built in hampers can make a closet feel more luxurious in ways that exceed the small cost of the unit. We should caution, once you have this accessory in your closet, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to live without it again!
A tilt out hamper in a custom closet.
- Divided pullout shelves: In addition to or in lieu of drawers, there are a number of customizable divided shelf and drawer options. From jewelry drawers to divided shelves and even folding shelves, there are options to fit any storage and organizational need.
Other accessories include belt rack, tie rack, valet rod, scarf rack, and robe hooks. In your initial consultation, you can select your desired accessories with your designer. Afterwards, we are able to show you how your space will look in our 3D model. This allows you to carefully examine the flow of your space prior to installation.
Our accessories will fine-tune your storage and ensure your closets stays clutter-free and functional. There are many accessory options, be sure to put some thought into your favorite options and top goals prior to meeting with a designer.
Is a custom closet worth it?
According to the National Association of Realtors Research Group’s 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, installing a custom closet has an 83% cost recovery and tied for the highest “Joy Score” – receiving a perfect 10/10. Investing in a custom closet not only adds functionality and greatly improves the livability of your space, but is also a highly sought-after feature from home buyers. Rest assured knowing that your custom closet is a great investment in your home in the short and long term.
Next Steps
Prior to your consultation, pull together some pictures of custom closets you love and make a list of must have accessories. This will help your closet designer better understand your goals and must-haves.
After your initial consultation with us, we create a digital, 3D design of your space. This allows you to visualize and make changes in real time.
We have transformed thousands of closets, pantries and garages in the Kansas City area. We’re proud of the stellar reputation we’ve earned from the community. We would love to help you transform your space to the closet of your dreams. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today!
