How to Choose a Custom Closet Company (Without Getting Ripped Off)

You've decided you want a custom closet. Now you're comparing companies — and every website says the same things: "premium materials," "expert design," "professional installation." So how do you actually tell the difference between a company that will do great work and one that will overcharge you?

Here are the questions to ask and red flags to watch for, based on what we've seen in the custom closet industry.

Ask About Materials — Specifically

"Premium materials" means nothing. Ask specifically:

• What thickness is the board? Look for ¾" (three-quarter inch) furniture-grade board. Some companies use ⅝" or even ½" panels — they're cheaper and they flex under weight. This is the single biggest quality differentiator.
• What's the surface finish? Thermally fused laminate (TFL) is the industry standard for quality closets. It's heat-bonded to the board and extremely durable. Vinyl-wrapped panels peel over time. Painted MDF chips. Paper laminate (often called "melamine") is the cheapest option and scratches easily.
• What are the drawers made of? Solid hardwood with dovetail joints and soft-close slides is the quality standard. Particle board drawers with plastic slides will fail within 3–5 years of daily use.
• Where are the materials manufactured? USA-manufactured materials have consistent quality standards. Imported panels can vary significantly in quality batch to batch.

Understand the Pricing Model

This is where most homeowners get tripped up. Watch for these patterns:

The inflated list price with a "discount"

Some companies quote a high number, then offer a 20–30% discount that's only valid if you commit on the spot or within 48 hours. This is a manufactured urgency tactic, not a real discount. If the "discount" price is the price they're willing to accept, the list price was never real.

The 100% upfront deposit

Requiring full payment before any work begins is a red flag. A reasonable deposit structure is 50% at signing and 50% at completion. This keeps both parties accountable — you know they'll show up and do quality work because half their payment depends on it.

No price lock

If a company won't guarantee their quoted price for at least 30–60 days, it means they're either unsure of their own pricing or they want to pressure you into a quick decision. A fair company lets you take the quote home, discuss it with your spouse, and decide on your own timeline.

Evaluate the Design Process

How a company designs your closet tells you a lot about how they'll install it.

Do they measure in person?

Any company designing from room dimensions you provide over the phone is cutting corners. Walls aren't perfectly straight, floors aren't perfectly level, and there are always details (outlets, trim, vents) that affect the design. An in-home measurement is non-negotiable.

Do you see a design before committing?

A photorealistic 3D preview lets you see exactly what you're getting — the layout, the finish, the accessories, everything — before you spend a dollar. If a company asks you to commit based on a rough sketch or a verbal description, move on.

Is the design free?

The design should be free with no obligation. If you don't love the design, you should be able to walk away at zero cost. A company confident in their work will offer this because they know most people who see a great design will move forward.

Check the Warranty

Read the warranty carefully. "Lifetime warranty" can mean different things:

• Lifetime structural warranty — covers the panels, shelves, and framework. This is the important one.
• Lifetime on hardware — covers drawer slides, hinges, and other moving parts. Also important.
• Finish warranty — typically 5 years for thermally fused laminate. This is normal — TFL is extremely durable, but it's not indestructible.
• "Limited lifetime" — read the fine print. "Limited" can mean a lot of things, including prorated coverage that decreases over time.

Look Beyond the Website

Every company has great photos on their website. Look deeper:

• Google Reviews — real customers leaving detailed reviews is the best indicator of quality. Look for reviews that mention specific details about the experience, not just "great job."
• Who installs? — Some companies subcontract installation to whoever's available. Ask if the company's own team does the installation. Subcontracted crews have less accountability.
• Who do you work with? — A salesperson who disappears after the sale is a bad sign. Ideally, the person who designs your closet is connected to or is the person overseeing the install.

Questions to Ask Before Signing

1. What thickness and type of board do you use?
2. What are the drawers made of?
3. Where are the materials manufactured?
4. Can I see a 3D design before I commit?
5. What's the deposit structure?
6. How long is the price valid?
7. Who does the installation — your crew or subcontractors?
8. What exactly does the warranty cover, and for how long?
9. What happens if I'm not happy with the finished result?

A good company will answer every one of these questions directly, without deflecting. If you get vague answers or pushback on any of them, that's your signal.

Whether you're comparing quotes in Milwaukee, Waukesha County, or Northern Illinois, these questions work on any company. The best ones welcome them.

Want to see how we answer each of these? Get a free 3D design and see for yourself — no obligation, no pressure. We serve Madison, Milwaukee, Kenosha, Beloit, Lake Geneva, Waukesha, and Northern Illinois.