How Much Does It Cost to Build a Closet in 2025?
The average cost to build a closet is $2,136
A custom closet installation costs $2,136 for most homeowners, with prices ranging between $407 and $6,250.
Size, labor rates, door type, accessories, and closet type are the biggest cost drivers.
Walk-in closets average $5,000 to $7,500, while reach-in options range from $500 to $1,500.
A professionally installed custom closet boosts storage efficiency and can increase your home’s resale value.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
A custom closet costs an average of $2,136, although most homeowners spend between $1,080 and $3,229, or $28 to $40 per square foot. Your final price depends on factors such as labor rates, size, and the finishes you select. Mapping out the project and hiring a qualified closet builder helps achieve a smooth installation process and a design that fits your space and needs.
Closet Installation Cost Factors
The cost of your custom closet will depend on key decisions regarding sizing, labor, storage, accessories, door type, and permits.
Size
Plan for $28 to $40 per square foot to build a custom closet. Elaborate layouts or premium finishes tend to land at the top of that range, while straightforward builds within an existing nook sit closer to the bottom. If you’re only adding shelves or organizers, pre-made kits can trim costs because you’re working with the space you already have.
| Closet Size (Sq. Ft.) | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 12 | $340–$480 |
| 18 | $510–$760 |
| 25 | $700–$1,050 |
| 35 | $990–$1,400 |
| 45 | $1,300–$1,850 |
| 60 | $1,700–$2,400 |
| 100 | $2,000–$3,600 |
Labor
Most general contractors charge 15% to 25% of the total project cost, or $40 to $80 per hour, for closet work. You’ll pay toward the higher end for drywall repair or fully custom-built-ins, while simpler tasks—like assembling a premade wardrobe—can be handled by a local handy person for similar hourly rates.
Storage
In addition to standard hanging rods, you can also add storage upgrades to your closet, which range in price from $45 to $2,500. Shoe racks tackle footwear clutter on the cheap, while built-in organizers give every shirt and accessory a dedicated spot. The right mix keeps your closet tidy and your morning routine quick.
Accessories and Decor
Accessories and décor allow you to transform the closet into a mini dressing room. Consider incorporating seating, mirrors, and specialty lighting to enhance the ambiance of the space. A basic bulb installation costs an average of $200, while recessed light fixtures cost between $800 and $1,000, and intricate setups can exceed $500. Even a quick paint refresh can make the space feel new.
Door Type
The closet doors you choose have a significant impact on your total costs. Simple panel doors are the most cost-effective, while high-end Murphy doors add a custom look to your new addition.
| Door Style | Average Installation Cost |
|---|---|
| Panel door | $250–$450 |
| Sliding wooden door | $700–$1,200 |
| Sliding glass door | $550–$1,100 |
| Bi-Fold Doors | $400–$900 |
| Pocket Doors | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Barn Doors | $900–$1,100 |
| Pivot Door | $1,100–$2,100 |
| Louvered Doors | $400–$700 |
| Murphy Doors | $2,000–$8,000 |
Permits
You’ll likely require building permits if your custom closet project requires major structural work. Building permits cost an average of $400 to $2,200, depending on your location and the extent of work needed.
Custom Closet Cost by Type
The type of closet you install has one of the most significant impacts on your final price. Reach-in options require fewer materials and labor, ranging from $500 to $1,500, while walk-ins are more complex and spacious, costing up to $5,000. Built-in wardrobes are often the most expensive, costing upwards of $5,000.
| Closet Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Walk-in | $750–$5,000 |
| Reach-in | $500–$1,500 |
| Built-in wardrobe | $1,000–$5,000+ |
Custom Closet Remodel vs. Renovate
A custom closet remodel involves redesigning the space to improve layout, maximize storage, and reflect your specific needs, often with built-in systems, lighting, and personalized finishes. Renovation, on the other hand, focuses on updating what's already there, such as repainting, replacing shelves, or swapping out hardware. If your current closet isn't functioning well or lacks organization, a remodel offers a more transformative solution, while a renovation is ideal for refreshing the space without significant changes.
Does a Custom Closet Increase Home Value?
A custom closet can increase home value by enhancing both functionality and visual appeal. Buyers are often drawn to well-organized storage solutions, especially in primary bedrooms. Custom closets make daily routines more efficient and give the impression of a well-maintained, thoughtfully designed home. While the return on investment varies, a custom closet can be a strong selling point, particularly in homes where space optimization and luxury finishes are key.
DIY vs. Hiring a Closet Installation Pro
While building your closet DIY can help save on labor fees, it’s not recommended. Closet installation requires precision, proper anchoring, and a solid understanding of structural support.
A seasoned closet installer can confirm your walls will support shelves, rods, and wall-mounted organizers—saving you from costly fixes down the road. Still, you can save some labor by tackling prep work yourself, such as preassembling organizer kits, applying a fresh coat of paint, or plugging in freestanding lights that don’t require new wiring.
Schedule your installation with a local closet builder today.
Budgeting for a Custom Closet
To keep the cost of your custom closet within budget, consider the following tips:
Opt for a smaller, reach-in model rather than a fully custom walk-in.
Complete prep work and cleanup yourself to save on labor rates.
Keep features, accessories, and decor to a minimum.
Compare quotes from several local closet builders to find the best deal in your area.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Closet-organization projects involve adding shelves, drawers, or dividers that transform wasted space into organized, accessible storage. Materials and labor range from $45 to $2,500, and hiring a professional organizer adds an additional $525.Costs climb if you choose premium woods or intricate layouts, but even a basic setup can streamline your routine and keep clothes easy to find.
A closet is built into the wall, making it a permanent storage zone hidden behind closed doors. A wardrobe is a freestanding piece of furniture you can slide to another wall—or another room—whenever you wish. Closets feel seamless and add to the resale value, while wardrobes offer flexibility if you move often or rearrange rooms.
Many buyers like the clean look and extra storage a built-in closet provides, so appraisers often give your home a modest boost of around half of what you spent on the project. Because the unit is permanent, it frees up floor space and makes rooms feel larger, which can tip the offers in your favor when it’s time to sell.
Most walk-in closets start at seven-by-10 feet, which is roughly 70 square feet. That footprint leaves enough room for shelves on three sides and a clear walkway in the middle. If you’re planning an island or extra built-ins, you can increase the size so you don’t feel cramped each morning.
A bump-out pushes one closet wall a few feet into an unused corner of the house, providing extra square footage without requiring a complete addition. That extra depth can fit another row of shelves or a bank of drawers, turning a tight reach-in into a mini walk-in. Because you’re only shifting a non-load-bearing wall, costs stay lower than a ground-up expansion.
The timeline for your custom closet project depends on the design you choose. A straightforward reach-in often wraps up in a single day, while a feature-packed walk-in can stretch to two or three days, longer if you’re moving walls or wiring new lights. Your installer will provide you with a clearer schedule once the materials are on site and any permit work has been cleared.
- Carpentry Framing - Install
- Carpentry Framing - Repair
- Wood Paneling - Install or Repair
- Fireplace Mantel - Install
- Wood Stairs and Railings - Install or Replace
- Interior Trim and Decorative Moldings - Repair
- Interior Trim and Decorative Moldings - Install
- Wood Stairs and Railings - Repair
- Wainscoting - Install
- Exterior Shutters - Install or Replace
- Arbor, Pergola or Trellis - Build Custom
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