California Closets

In the West Village, the only thing that helps with resale right now is realistic pricing.

If you don't need the shelves, don't add them expecting to get the money back on sale. Because you won't.

I happen to dislike Calif closets but I am probably the only person on the planet who does. I want room for big things in my closets (you know, skis and surf boards).

Pocket doors can be tricky to install and will contribute nothing to resale value, in my humble opinion. Often they just look cheap, you have to be careful. I think French doors do more for "curb appeal" but maybe that's just my bias, and I'm not aware that they improve resale, either.

{Manhattan real estate agent.}

search custom closet in these discussions -- much prior input re: same...

I did my closets through Easy Closets - they were cheaper than CC and better (they go all the way to the floor). However I would agree that you should do it for your own enjoyment, not for resale.

u do enhanced closets for living in a small nyc space, not for resale. might make yr apt sell FASTER than an identical unit w/o enhanced closets but u won't be getting some special premium for it.

I strongly recommend Creative Closet out of Westchester. They do a ton of work in NYC and are extremely reliable and use the exact materials as California Closet but cost about 40%+ less.

I would not do this simply for resale. Better to spend you time/money on new neutral paint, redo floors, clean windows, fix up anything that isn't tip top looking but doesn't take more than a trip to Home Depot to correct. And realistically price it.

>I happen to dislike Calif closets but I am probably the only person on the planet who does.

You're not -- I dislike them too, just because I think they're ugly.

thx all for the responses...I got quoted $2300 for 4 closets...none are very big which includes all expenses. I may look at some of the other firms but that # seems pretty reasonable to me. Container STore was abnout 1750....and not nearly as nice or effective (not customizable).

I promise you Creative Closet will save you hundreds for exactly the same product.

Creative did 9 closets for us at a total price of $1800. California wanted $2600 for the same white melamine crap.

But doesn't California Closets still give you a lifetime warranty? That's got to count for something if you think you might be in your apartment a very long time.

At the risk of sounding like a shill for Creative Closet, I used them 20 years ago and when I sold 18 years later, the product was essentially in the same condition in all closets as when I paid for it. They probably offer the same warranty. Even if they don't, I don't think a 40% mark-up is the value of California's warranty.

What California offers are more polished sales people with prettier computer programs and sketches. Product is 100% the same. To each his/her own, though. If you like paying more, you have every right to. In this situation, though, you get nothing for it that I can discern.

KW: you were that happy with Creative Closets? Hmm, might have to give them a look. BTW, if you can get a Westchester sales rep for California Closets to sell you the product, you will also pay less.

So, if I understand this correctly, you can save 40% on the closets by going with Creative Closet rather than California Closets? Damn, I made a mistake 11 years ago. Oh well, the apartment is worth several times what I paid. LOL

I should have added that I used CreativeC again 6 months ago for a large walk-in, two large entry foyer closets and a linen closet. Just as 20 yrs ago when I discovered them, they beat California, production time was the same, installation was as promised, and job is exactly what I wanted. Didn't want to give impression my recommendation was based only on a 20 year old experience.

Late to the game: I agree with Fluter's post (2nd in thread) ESPECIALLY when it comes to pocket doors: I have rarely seen them done well when installed after 1900.

Anybody have a recommendation for a closet company that has something nicer than California closets? I don't so much have an issue with the pricing of California closets but don't want press-board/melamine. I see people have recommended Creative Closets but they also seem to sell melamine products. I'd prefer something with real wood.

Also, any thoughts on pricing would be appreciated. California Closets told me a basic closet (no drawers; no backing; only 14 inches deep so clothes stick out) starts around $150 per linear foot; a high-end closet (some drawers, a melamine back and covering the entire depth of the closet) is about $250 per linear foot.

I'm doing closets now and was actually at Tranform closets today (think that is the name). They do the standard clsoet stuff but do wood as well as an option. They have a storeroom right near Eataly at Madison Square. Prices seemed reasonable.

Thanks, Ottawanyc.