What the job involves
We measure the space, plan the shelf and rod heights with you, and cut or fit the pieces. Wire, laminate and solid wood each have their own mounting method. Long shelves need a support bracket in the middle so they do not sag.
The work includes locating studs, leveling the supports, fastening the cleats, and then setting the shelves and rods.
For a pantry or linen closet, the plan shifts to adjustable shelves and tighter spacing, so items stay visible and reachable. In a bedroom closet we might combine a long hanging rod with shelves above and a shoe rack or drawers below.
What we check first
Weight is the main issue. A closet shelf loaded with books, shoes or boxes puts real force on the wall, so we find the studs and use heavy-duty anchors where there are none. We also check that walls are plumb and corners square, because older closets are rarely perfect.
We take note of any HVAC returns, outlets or access hatches in the closet that the layout has to work around.
Corner shelving takes a little more planning, since two walls meet at a point that is rarely a perfect right angle. We scribe or trim the shelf so it sits tight and does not leave a crack for dust.
- Stud locations and wall condition
- Planned load on each shelf
- Shelf depth and rod height
- Doors, returns and outlets in the way
Arizona notes
Many Valley homes have walk-in closets with builder-installed wire shelving, and the wire shelf clips often pull out of drywall over time. We reset these into studs or swap to sturdier supports.
Garage closets and storage rooms get very hot in summer. Plastic, glue and some stored items do not do well in that heat, so we favor metal brackets and solid fasteners for those spaces.
A closet near an exterior wall or the attic hatch can get warm in summer, so avoid storing candles, aerosol cans or anything heat-sensitive on the top shelf. We can suggest what belongs where as we set up the layout.
How a visit goes
We start with a walk-through and a sketch of the layout. We remove old shelves, patch the screw holes if you want, and install the new system from the top supports down. We check every shelf with weight pressed on it.
We leave the closet clear of dust and packaging.
Once the system is in, we adjust shelf heights with you so the things you use most sit between waist and shoulder height. Heavy items go low, and rarely used items go up top where a step stool is needed.
If the closet walls need a touch-up where old supports came out, we can fill and sand the holes so the paint job is easy for you or a painter to finish. We keep the dust contained and vacuum before we leave.
What affects the cost
Closet size, materials, number of shelves and rods, and whether we cut the shelving ourselves all change the price. Custom wood shelving costs more than a prefab kit, and patching and painting are separate from installation.
You will have the full price before we start.
“We've had Nathan do several projects for us: installing a ceiling fan, changing out a vanity with a single sink to a dual, and changing a window into a sliding door and all of them were done very professionally with amazing attention to detail. I highly...”