What is the investment of a custom closet?

Taking Stock of Storage


A tip-top closet is a substantial investment, so it is wise to enlist the expertise of a closet-design specialist. On average, a professionally designed closet will cost around $2,000, but depending on the size of the space, the size of your wardrobe, and the amenities you choose, you can easily spend $40,000 or more.

The first step in any closet design is tabulating inventory. To ensure the most space-efficient layout, every tie, earring, and pair of shoes must be accounted for. "We want to see it," David Linda, president of SpaceMan Home & Office, always tells new clients. "We don't want you to tell us, we want to see what [clothes] you have." The average person, he adds in his defense, has no idea how many clothes he or she actually has until they come to him for an audit.

Storage preferences also play an important role in the design process. Jennifer Williams, president of St. Louis Closet Co., never overlooks any lifestyle detail when considering a new design: "Are your pants hung over the hanger or by the cuff? Do you roll your ties or hang them? Are sweaters folded or hung? Do you want drawers for your undergarments?" Those are a few of the detailed questions she asks clients.

How Much Room?

The space itself is the next major concern. In new homes, designers typically have a lot more control over the size and shape of a closet. David Linda's SpaceMan Home & Office is based in Houston, where a good chunk of business comes from newly developed high-end properties. "Everything here is new and more modern, and they actually plan for closets, as opposed to old houses," he says. "They frequently have 15-by-20-foot closets."

Many people in the market for a closet makeover don't have the luxury of a newly built space—particularly those in confining urban apartments. Some closet designers specialize in making efficient use of small spaces. For one job in a tiny loft apartment in New York's Tribeca neighborhood, Charlton brought in a library-style rolling ladder and added a roll-out shelving system to take advantage of the closet's vertical dimensions.

* Article from Business Week

Clothing Closet Organization Tips

It’s my favorite season…Spring cleaning. The time when we not only scrub our baseboards but also venture into those tombs of mass containment or should I say our closets. After months of putting multitudes of misc items in any open space, we realize it’s time to sort, toss, and reclaim our belongings.
So how do you get started???

DEFINE: What is the purpose of this closet? What do I want to store here?

CATEGORIZE: By keeping like items together, you will be able to see what you have. This not only saves time but also prevents duplicate buying.

BUY A STEP STOOL: One of the biggest mistakes that I see is people not using the full space in their closets. Top shelves can be used for items that aren’t used on a regular basis or are off season.

One of my favorite things to organize is clothing closets. Yes, this organizer is a fashionista. I have helped lots of men & women find their style and reclaim their wardrobe. Here are a couple of my favorite tips.
1. Use thin hangers to save space-huggable hangers are my personal favorite
2. Use your shelf space. Fold what you can, including sweaters, tanks, and jeans.
3. If your closet is very small, flip it seasonally-pack away your off season clothes.
4. If you are saving items that don’t fit, remove them from your closet until you can wear them again.
5. If you are a visual person, use open shelving to store items and label each shelf.
6. Organize your clothes by style and color.
7. Contain the shoes. Depending on your storage space, pick a proper shoe solution. There are built in shoe racks are great!
For more great advice contact Erin Kelly at 773 490 3760
www.arrangedbyerin.com

TODAY’S PERSPECTIVE HOME BUYER: ELEVATED EXPECTATIONS

The buyer in today’s real estate market is more discerning than ever. Their expectation level about the interior of the home they will purchase is more important than before. There have always been three factors that sell a home and in order they are: Location, Price and Condition. The condition factor is steadily elevating. The idea of having to update a home is passé. To compete in the market place you must have certain interior appointments in place. If you are thinking about marketing your home please consider the following to make the home superior to the competition:
●Living Room/Dining Room: Updated neutral carpet or hardwood floors.
●Kitchen: Solid surface or granite counter tops. New or newer cabinetry and hardware. Stainless steel appliances. Flooring other than vinyl. Neutral decorator colors.
●Baths: Soaking or jetted tub. Neo-classic lighting fixtures and hardware. Ceramic, marble or travertine floors.
●Home Office: Space design that reflects office. Technology wired for high speed, desk and organized storage area.
●Closets: Professionally designed organizer system in place reflecting maximum space for closet size.

In general the property inventory in today’s marketplace is plentiful. To become the buyer’s choice you must be competitive. To achieve a competitive edge, your home must be in updated condition to attract the diminished supply of buyers. Consider consulting a professional to assist you

For more great advice contact Barb Heinzel at 847-337-7751 or Holly Arnold at 847-508-5504.