Closet Innovations...

Watch an episode of House Hunters on HGTV, and you'll see how much we Americans love closets. We simply can not get enough closet space.  But, it's not just how many closets you have, it's how efficiently organized they are that makes them highly usable and functional.

The first thing to look at is how well designed the closet is.  Most every closet can benefit from some kind of shelving and storage structure.  A good deal of my business is designing closet structures so that we can make the best use of the storage space.

Just as every families' needs are different, so every closet has it's own set of challenges, and not one particular closet product necessarily works across the board.  I have installed many different types of closet structures depending on the needs of the space. 

For those who want a true custom built-in closet system, I call on Malka Sabroe-JoHanson, of Closet Innovations.  Malka really knows her closets!  I've asked to talk to me about choosing a built-in custom closet.

Malka, when should someone consider a custom closet over a DIY closet system?

"For a substantial home improvement and to add equity to the house, it is best to have it done professionally. When done professionally, under a state license, it can add real value to the home."

What should people look for when choosing a custom closet company?

"I would say first would be the professionalism of the representative when they arrive at your house. This would be after you check their references on the internet by doing a google search.  Also, the rep should be a real closet designer and not just a salesperson trying to talk you into their product.  A closet designer knows how to adjust the design to the particular space because most spaces are not perfect.  Then you want to look at the materials and make sure they are sturdy and of good quality, not just your standard particle board."

What advice and tips can you give for designing a good closet?

"Measure and re-measure!  Know what your priorities are for the space. Do you need more hanging space than shelving or is it the other way around? How many pairs of shoes do you need to house?  Do you hang or fold your tee shirts?  Answering these questions will help you know what you need in a closet. " 

And certainly, hiring a professional organizer, like Gayle, who knows what questions to ask and how to organize the space, will help immensely and keep you from any costly mistakes."

Malka, what makes Closet Innovations a good choice for building a custom closet?

"We are local in the San Francisco Bay Area, and not a franchise.  Our construction is all done by hand.  Our designers, craftsmen and installers have more 20 years of hands-on experience. We are fully licensed and insured and all our products are backed by warranty.  We can provide hundreds of great reviews and references from happy clients.  And, most importantly, we love our work!"

Thanks, Malka!