Closet remodeling: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What closet remodeling is

A closet remodel rebuilds the inside of a closet with shelves, rods, drawers and lighting, and sometimes enlarges the space by moving a wall. People need one when clothing and storage do not fit, or when a closet is too shallow, too dark or wastes the height of the space.

Signs you need it

  • Rods and shelves sag when you load them with heavy coats, bags or folded sweaters
  • Half the closet height is unused because the shelf sits too high or there is no second rod
  • The closet is dark, and you cannot see what is on the back wall without taking things out
  • The door swings into the room or blocks the path, and you want a sliding or bifold door
  • You need drawers, shoe storage or a dresser-height unit, and the closet has no way to fit them

What the pro does

  • Measure the closet and mark the studs and the wall at the back, then decide on the layout of rods, shelves and drawers
  • Remove the old shelving, rods and hardware, and patch any holes left in the drywall
  • Install a heavy-duty rail or track system anchored into studs, with brackets at the planned spacing
  • Build or install shelves, drawers and cubbies, and level the units with shims where the floor is not flat
  • Add lighting, such as a light fixture or a motion light, and run any new wiring to a switch or outlet
  • Install the door or door track, adjust the hardware and walk through the closet with you to check fit

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Whether the closet stays the same size or a wall is moved to enlarge it
  • The storage system chosen, from wire shelving to solid wood drawers and custom cabinetry
  • Number and type of drawers, cubbies and shoe racks included in the layout
  • Whether the closet needs new lighting or electrical work, including a switch or outlet
  • Door changes, such as replacing a swing door with a sliding or bifold system
  • Finish level for paint, trim, hardware and any custom panels or lighting strips

What a written quote should spell out

  • The layout drawing or sketch with the rods, shelves, drawers and their dimensions listed
  • Material for each shelf and drawer, including the edge finish and the drawer slide type
  • Anchoring method for the rails and heavy units, and the stud locations used
  • Lighting type and wiring included, with a note on whether a permit applies
  • Door type and hardware included, and any wall patch or paint line

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Will the shelves and rods be anchored into studs, and how do you find the studs?
  • What material are the drawers made of, and what are the slides rated to carry?
  • If we move a wall, who is responsible for the framing and the electrical?
  • How do you handle an uneven floor or wall so the units sit level?
  • Can you show me a closet you built with a similar layout and door type?
  • What lighting do you recommend, and how is it switched?

Red flags

  • The pro plans to hang heavy rods or shelves on drywall with no stud anchoring
  • The pro says a wall can be moved for a closet with no mention of framing or the electrical behind it
  • The quote lists drawers with no slide type or weight rating
  • The pro promises a perfectly level result without checking the floor and the walls

What you can do yourself

Measuring, emptying the closet and removing old shelves and rods are reasonable homeowner tasks, and a simple rod-and-shelf kit can be installed by a homeowner who finds the studs. Moving a wall, adding new wiring for lights and any structural change should go to licensed professionals.

Licenses and permits

A closet remodel that moves a wall or adds wiring often needs a permit and licensed trades, while shelving and drawer work commonly does not. Check with your state or local licensing agency and your local building department to confirm what applies to your project.

Closet remodeling questions

Can I add a closet by moving an existing wall?

Possibly, but moving a wall can affect framing, wiring, ducts and the rooms on either side. Ask the pro to check the wall and show what changes before you agree to the work.

How much weight can a closet rod hold?

It depends on the rail, the brackets and the anchoring into studs. Ask the pro for the rating of the system and to show the stud locations used for the heavy items, such as winter coats and bags.

Should I choose wire shelving or wood?

Wire is lighter and easier to change later, while wood gives a solid look and handles heavier loads. Ask the pro which option fits how you will use the closet and what the shelf depth is.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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