Picture this: a massive walk-in closet with tons of potential…and all you get is a flimsy wire shelf clinging to drywall and the occasional stud.
Not exactly what you’d expect from a luxury home, right?
As custom closet designers, we’re actually thankful for these underwhelming setups—because it gives us the chance to step in and turn a blank, frustrating space into something organized, beautiful, and truly functional.
Our business continues to grow as we are surrounded by communities with these luxury home builders. It’s a win-win for the customer and for us, as business owners.
What’s Left Behind
See those little white plastic tabs on the wall? They’re all that remain from the original wire shelving in this Spring City closet.
Those shelves only allowed for two rows of hanging clothes. That’s it. No real structure. No thoughtful design.
Now? The new closet is safer, sturdier, and far more functional. Everything has a place—and everything is easy to see, reach, and enjoy. No more digging through piles or balancing shoes on slanted racks.
Best of all, the entire transformation can happen in just one day.
We start by removing the plastic anchors (a Phillips-head screwdriver is all it takes), patching the holes, sanding, and repainting if the homeowner wants a refresh. Then—on goes the custom system.
And that’s when the magic happens.
Why Do Builders Use Wire Shelving?
Because custom closets are…well, very customized. I suppose builders install basic wire shelving knowing homeowners will want to personalize their space later. It’s fast, inexpensive, and satisfies inspection requirements.
But for the homeowner, it’s just another project to manage.
By the time you move in, most of the design decisions have already been made—flooring, cabinets, countertops. What’s usually left?
- Painting walls
- Picking window coverings
- Adding new pieces of furniture
- Landscaping and hardscaping
- Customization of all storage spaces (like kitchen pantry, mudrooms, laundry room, clothing closets, entertainment units, office organization, basement storage, garage, etc)
Tackling closet upgrades on top of all that can feel overwhelming.
The Importance of Storage (That’s Often Overlooked)
When buying a new home—or renovating an older one—many people don’t think about storage until they move in. But these are the spaces you use every day. Closets, pantries, and laundry rooms might not be the flashiest features, but they have a huge impact on your daily life.
That’s why smart homeowners plan ahead.
We were especially impressed by the Spring City couple featured here. Before construction was even finished, they shared their blueprints with us. We were able to design their closets, order materials, and schedule installation the day after they got their keys.
What Happens to the Wire Shelving?
If you’re wondering why we had to remove it in the first place, builders are required to install shelving for inspection. Homeowners can’t opt out of it, even if they’re planning a custom closet.
So, what happens to the old wire? It gets responsibly recycled.
Don’t Wait Until You Move In
If you’re building or buying a home, don’t overlook storage. Budget for it like you would for appliances or furniture. Customizing your closets from the start means you’ll have the space you need, right when you need it.
