Chapter 2 - Design & Installation Capability
Look For Experience
A lot of “free-lance” closet providers tend to downplay the experience factor when discussing design and installation. Big mistake! Anybody can throw up a couple of rods and a few shelves and claim to have created a custom closet design. It takes an experienced Designer to make the most of your space and create a custom solution that is efficient, maximizes the available space and is aesthetically pleasing while creating a truly personal solution for your individual wants and needs. For example, it is important to know how to size sections for various items, how much clearance is required, how to deal with impediments such as access panels, attic stairs, utility boxes and the like. Equally important is the knowledge that only comes with experience about how to specify for various types of construction - are your walls plaster, concrete block, or drywall and why does it make a difference? What kinds of studs are supporting your walls and on what centers? The list goes on, and there are lots of significant variables that should be taken into consideration when choosing a custom closet company.
The same can be said for installation experience. How do you deal with walls that toe in or out? How about floors that are not level? Just because someone has a screw gun does not make them a seasoned and qualified closet system installer who can make your job look and function perfectly. It takes experience, patience, technology and an appreciation for the intent of the design and the desires of the client. There is a big difference between 30 years of experience and 1 year of experience 30 times. It also makes a difference if the closet company outsources the installation work or has experienced installers on staff who know the product and process inside and out.
Preview Prior Designs And Read The Reviews
When investing in a home improvement project, it is important to do your homework. Become familiar with the type of work the company has done over a period of time and if the customers were fully satisfied with the completed project. Besides their company website, you will often see featured designs on blog posts, social media sites as well as home improvement sites like Houzz. Read the specifics in the reviews and see if the client’s specific needs and goals for their space were satisfied. Look for more than just “the closet simply looked beautiful”.
It is really important that you go and visit the company showroom and see the various options available to become familiar with the products and begin to develop a vision for your space. Also consider taking home some samples to ensure they match your existing room’s and the colors complement each other. An item or color may look great in the showroom but completely different elsewhere due to lighting and other factors. Take notice if the Designer has a lot of choices and how they are suggesting to utilize them to meet your needs. The companies who are experienced and have been in the industry for an extended time will have great relationships with their vendors and will be able to offer a wide variety of high quality products at competitive pricing.
Think About Your Project
Any type of project that involves people traipsing in and out of your house is a big deal. Any time you are making an investment in your home it’s a big deal. You don’t want just anybody to undertake such a project. Choose a vendor that can provide a high level of comfort and confidence and who will deliver an excellent product with great confidence. At the end of the day you will be more satisfied, experience less stress and have completed a project that has exceeded your expectations. Wherever you are in the process, we are here to help. Schedule a free in-home consultation with one of our experienced Designers today.
