Consumer Education > New Construction & Builder Tips

New Construction & Builder Tips

A past NAHB study showed that lack of storage space is a top concern for hew home buyers. Fifteen years ago when I told people I was in the closet organizer business the usual reply was a bad joke, followed by the question on what I really did. Today, Americans are consuming more than ever before, and many people have wardrobes that would rival the cost of many luxury automobiles. They need a place to put it all. They want it organized, and they want to use it. Today organization has gone main stream and has even spawned reality television shows that focus on changing people’s lives by getting organized. Today’s savvy homeowners are looking for more and more out of the closets and other storage spaces in the home. Builders, if you still spec a pole and a shelf in the closets, you’re behind the times! Over the years I have had the opportunity to organize thousands of closets. There have been little tiny closets in hundred year old homes to ones that would rival the size of the living room. Unfortunately I have also seen some minor mistakes made in the early stages of design and construction of a home that can have a very big impact on the usability of the closets.

Size
Ask yourself this, does this space match the homeowner’s needs? Many times I have done work in homes well over a million dollars with closet space in the master bedroom that amounted to two small reach in closets. The builder called us in to solve the problem, but we aren’t miracle workers. Make walk-in closets at least 7’ wide and 7’ deep to allow hanging on both sides. Reach in closets should be at least 24” but no more than 28” deep.

Design
Some things that architecturally make a house look great can really kill the closet space. Windows can make the home look great from the curb, but when you put them in a closet they are wasted space. If you have to use them, use as few as possible, and keep them back at least 24” from the corner so you can use all the space on the adjoining wall. Alcoves and niches areas can be deceptive. Unless they are real big, they normally take up more space than they are worth, we can do more with a long straight wall than we can with one that is broken up.

Obstructions
The closet is the place that gets all those things that don’t have anywhere else to go. Alarm boxes, structured wiring panels, electrical access, you name it, it gets stuck in the closet and that’s fine with me. To keep them out of the way as much as possible, keep them out of the corners and talk to us early on and we can help with placement to minimize lost space. Light switches are best on the outside of closets or as close to the door as possible.

In conclusion, just remember storage space is very important to homeowners so keep in mind the few tips I’ve shared and if you need any help, give your local National Closet Group member a call, we will be glad to help you out!