Wardrobe Design: DIY vs. Professionals

Us Kiwis love to DIY - some may even say it’s in our DNA. And while a can-do approach to tackling home projects and renovations is admirable, we’re not all born tradespeople! Sometimes, even if we are not too bad with a level and a hammer, the problem is not so much talent, but time, resulting in friction and frustration in the household around lack of progress.

So, if a wardrobe installation project is on the to-do list for you, there’s a few things you should consider before making a decision about whether to give it a go yourself, or to call in a professional to take care of it for you.

We’ve covered off four key factors to think about before you pull those tools out.

If either you or someone in the household is the handyman type, a DIY wardrobe probably doesn’t seem like too big of a task. In fact it could be the perfect project for a long weekend.

However, unless you are a builder by trade, the best way to go about this is to purchase a kit-set. And while it may seem like a simple project, even this may require more preparation than you realise. Take into account the time you will need to spend:

1. Measuring: The correct measurements of your available space are essential so you don’t bring home a well-intentioned purchase that doesn’t quite fit.
2. Choosing materials: Check out the quality of the materials closely. Sub-par melamine can warp over time and get damaged during installation. Make sure you check out any wire or hanging components for sturdiness too.
3. Hunting for a great deal: Don’t confuse the cheapest option for the best value. At the same time, it pays to shop around to make sure you are getting the best bang for your buck.
4. Constructing: Here comes the fun part. Do overestimate the time that constructing your new wardrobe will take. Rushing this part of the process will cost you in the long run.
5. Troubleshooting: Allow for unexpected delays that may arise from pre-made parts not quite fitting your space, less than stellar instructions, and power tool malfunctions!
6. Cleaning up: Wood + plaster + power tools = vacuum time.

If you think that in fact you don’t have the time, inclination or patience to go ahead with DIY, then call in the pros. While an initial showroom consultation with a sales representative will take around one to two hours, the rest is largely over to them. Once you have received and accepted a design and quote, you’ll need to also allow about a half hour for an in-home measurement, but otherwise there’s no need to invest anymore precious weekend hours!

Think about the outcome and overall finish that you’re hoping to achieve. Is this a quick-fix or temporary solution? Or do you want a customised design that perfectly accommodates your needs?

If you’re keen on a kit-set, be sure to spend some time doing your research. Depending on how much you want to spend, the quality of materials and hardware included in kit-sets can vary between products. Generally speaking though, it won’t be outstanding. You will also have less choice when it comes to colours and size, as they’ll often be limited, standardised options. Where this could cause you issues is when you have an unconventional space to work with, or a particular colour scheme you’d like to stick to.

If you think you need something a little more bespoke, a reputable wardrobe company will offer a range of quality materials for organisers and doors that will be highly customisable, with options to suit your budget. The devil is in the detail, so spend some time in their showroom, reviewing their design options and the quality of their fittings, hardware, panels and mirrors, as well as the knowledge of the consultants.

While taking a DIY approach does allow you some flexibility in design, you’ll need to get a really clear idea of the space required for hanging and shelving before you start mapping out your wardrobe or purchasing materials. If you are opting for a kitset, you won’t have a lot of room for customisation, so when deciding on which model to buy, have a think about your storage requirements and how you would like to optimise your hanging, shelving and drawer space.

We don’t all have an eye for design, and this is where the services of a professional wardrobe company really come in handy. After all, their main function is, in fact, design. Their job is to assess your individual storage requirements, take into account your available space and design a tailored solution for your needs. If you are renovating, your consultant will also be able to advise regarding any permits or wardrobe allowances your builder should take into consideration, to ensure you avoid any costly mistakes.

Remember, a DIY wardrobe might seem like an easy solution to your storage problems, but it may not result in a finish that works long-term, or withstands the test of time. With a professional installation also comes peace of mind - in the form of a guarantee. That means that if any issues crop up, you can pick up the phone and have them taken care of in a timely manner. Always use a reputable company with an established history, and consider their guarantee terms before making your decision.

So, will you be heading to the hardware store this weekend, or will you be handing this project over to the professionals? Hopefully the questions above have helped you get some clarity about the best way to approach your wardrobe project and the benefits that come with investing in the services of a professional wardrobe installation company.

If you have a project that needs a professional eye, get in touch! One of our representatives can take you through the best solutions for your storage requirements.

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