Ready to raise your home’s market appeal without emptying your wallet?
You know how most homeowners break the bank to renovate kitchens or remodel bathrooms before listing their property. It’s a common strategy to add value and make a home more desirable.
But I bet you didn’t know about one of the best home improvement investments out there.
Custom closet solutions are the perfect way to make your house feel more appealing. They’re low cost, super easy to add in, and can substantially increase your home’s resale value.
Oh, and you get to enjoy those perks while you’re still living in the home, too.
In this post, we’ll cover:
- The Value of Custom Closets for Homeowners
- Features and Benefits of Custom Closet Solutions
- What to Expect When Selling a House With Custom Closets
- Closet Design Tips to Make Your Space Look Bigger
The Value of Custom Closets for Homeowners
Closet customization is one of the most valuable home improvement investments that you can make.
In the modern real estate market, the right amount of storage is more important than ever before.
Walk-in closets used to be the stuff of dreams and upper-end amenities. Now, more and more homebuyers are actively seeking out those kinds of spaces. Storage has gone from being a “nice-to-have” to being an expectation.
Buyers are even willing to pay more for a home that already has these features.
When you invest in custom closets in NYC or any other market, you’re adding one of the few home improvement projects that can claim significant buyer interest.
According to one survey, custom closets are worth 60% of the installation cost when it comes time to sell your home. That’s a massive return on investment for a simple renovation.
Other, comparable home improvements just don’t have that kind of influence on buyers.
The ROI You Can Expect From Custom Closet Investments
One of the most important things to understand about custom closets is that it’s one of the best home improvement projects you can make.
Most homeowners can expect to recoup 50-75% of the cost of their custom closet system when the time comes to sell their home. That’s an excellent return on investment for a home renovation.
Even better, the number that we quoted above is just the direct influence of custom closets.
You’re also getting increased quality of life, better organization, more usable space, less clutter, and a more luxurious feel to your bedrooms while you’re still living in the home.
How Custom Closet Features Add Home Value
As we’ve already established, custom closets are the new normal for home shoppers in the modern market.
That said, not all custom closet renovations are created equally.
In order to get the best value for your investment and maximize the increase in your home’s value, you’ll want to make sure that you’re hitting all the key features that today’s buyers want to see.
Built-In Drawers and Shelving
Buyers want to know that there is going to be sufficient storage space for all of their belongings.
These are a no-brainer must-have for any walk-in closet. Drawers keep items easily accessible and out of sight. Adjustable shelving provides options for displaying various types of clothing.
Quality Lighting Solutions
Closets with good lighting make all the difference. We’re talking LED strip lights, motion-activated lighting, and even accent lighting in some cases.
Buyers take notice of these kinds of details.
Premium Materials
The finish and the materials that you use are just as important as the layout of the space.
Opt for higher-quality wood, laminates, and metal wherever possible. You’ll get a more luxurious look, and the system will last longer, too.
Walk-in Vs. Reach-in Closet Features
One question I get asked a lot is about walk-in closets vs. reach-in closets.
Which should you invest in? Or, do you need both?
Walk-In Closets
Walk-in closets are the ideal choice for master bedrooms. They create a more private retreat vibe and can provide tons of storage with features like island dressers, full-length mirrors, and seating areas.
Reach-In Closets
Reach-in closets are better for smaller bedrooms and hallway storage closets. You can create a really nice and functional reach-in closet that wows buyers if you play your cards right.
Focus on making the most of the storage space and really impressing with the layout and organization.
Closet Features That Make Homes Feel Bigger
A really important aspect of all home improvements is that they make your home appear to be more spacious.
Believe it or not, organized spaces appear to be bigger than cluttered ones.
In many cases, a custom closet doesn’t actually add any square footage to the space.
But when you take a messy and overflowing closet and replace it with an organized and efficient custom closet system, it creates the perception of additional space.
Organized closets make the entire room appear to be bigger.
Buyers are much more likely to pay top dollar for a home that feels like it has ample space.
Closet Design Tips to Maximize Value
To maximize the value of your custom closets, you want to make sure you’re playing all of your cards right.
- Neutral color palettes are a big one. You want to stick to colors and styles that will appeal to the broadest number of buyers. Think white, light wood, and soft grays.
- Over-personalize. You don’t want to go too crazy with the customization. You want to keep things simple and not too specific.
- Master bedroom closets are the most important ones in the home. Make sure you’re paying special attention to the master suite and putting all of your best closet features there.
- Lighting. Don’t forget about proper lighting for your closet system. This makes any closet look more expensive and makes it feel like a much more luxurious space.
The Wrap-Up
Custom closets can be a game-changer when it comes to your home’s market appeal.
They’re affordable, easy to do, and will leave your house feeling more luxurious.
The ROI is great as well, with many homeowners recouping over 50% of their investment at sale time.
Custom closets add to your home’s value while making it feel move-in ready to homebuyers. It’s one of those rare investments that really does win-win for every stage of homeownership.
To get started, simply assess your current closet situation. What are the spaces in your home that could use the most improvement?
Once you have a good idea of where your biggest opportunities lie, it’s time to explore your options. There are plenty of choices for every budget.
Even a small reach-in closet improvement can go a long way. There’s no need to get into an over-the-top, lavish walk-in unless you have the budget for it.
But whether you choose to install a simple system or go all out, the investment that you put into your home’s closets today is going to pay off in spades when you’re ready to sell.
Even better? You get to enjoy the benefits while you’re still living in the home.
That’s why custom closets are one of my top home improvement recommendations for any homeowner.
