The price gap
Consumer testing publications price a DIY reach-in at roughly $320 for an IKEA BOAXEL kit plus about $100 for assembly help, $766 for an EasyClosets system, and $800 and up for Elfa before installation. Professionally designed and installed systems start near $1,900 for a six-foot reach-in and $3,500 for a walk-in. That gap is the whole debate.
Where DIY wins
- Kids' rooms and guest closets where needs change yearly.
- Rentals and homes you will sell within two years.
- Pantries and garages, where Elfa's adjustable steel is excellent.
- Simple rectangular closets with square walls.
Where pros win
- Any closet in a rowhouse or pre-1950 home, because nothing is square.
- Primary walk-ins with drawers, doors and lighting.
- Floor-based systems, islands and anything heavy.
- When you want a warranty, one-day install and someone to call.
- When the closet will be photographed for a listing.
The middle path
Many Baltimore homeowners do the primary bedroom professionally and the secondary rooms DIY. Companies we match will happily quote just one closet.
Not sure? A free consultation costs nothing and gives you a measured design you can compare to the DIY price. Request one.