Is the closet design consultation free?

Yes—ShelfGrove is free for you (for matching and general guidance)

ShelfGrove does not charge homeowners. You can ask for help choosing a closet or storage approach and then get connected with licensed, insured local builders.

If you’re comparing “free consultation” offers, look closely at what’s included. Some builders may do a free first visit or estimate, while others may charge for detailed drawings—so always confirm before anyone measures your home.

ShelfGrove is also not the company that designs, builds, or installs your closet. We help you understand options (wire vs. melamine/laminate vs. wood), typical costs per linear foot, and how the process usually works—then you stay in control to pick a builder and review the all-in price in writing.

What a “free consultation” should cover (so you’re not surprised later)

A good initial consultation usually focuses on your space and needs: where the closet is, what you store, your preferred layout (hanging vs. shelves vs. drawers), and which system type you want to consider.

You should expect to review practical details like linear feet of wall space (not square footage), whether you want doors/frames, and which accessories you’ll actually use. Many projects are priced per LINEAR FOOT, with the final cost depending on materials and add-ons.

Before you move forward, ask for the scope in simple language: what’s included in the measurement visit, whether drawings are included, and when you’ll receive the all-in price—materials, install, and any removal or haul-away.

Typical cost ranges you can ask about (priced per linear foot)

Closet and storage systems are commonly priced per linear foot of wall. Exact numbers aren’t quotes—pricing varies by builder, your area, and what you choose.

Here are honest ballpark ranges many homeowners see when comparing system types:

1. Wire systems: about $30–$80 per linear foot (often the lowest-cost option, with ventilation but more visible metal)
2. Melamine/laminate (value sweet spot for many closets): about $80–$180 per linear foot
3. Wood/veneer (premium look, often more for walk-ins and visible built-ins): about $180–$350+ per linear foot

A typical closet run might be 6–12 linear feet, but some spaces (like walk-ins and walls of shelving) are much longer. If you want a quick reality check, ask the builder to price your project “per linear foot” and also give you the full project total.

Upcharges to watch for (these are often where surprises happen)

Even when the base price per linear foot sounds reasonable, add-ons can raise your all-in cost. These are common “upcharge” categories—ask for them line-by-line and get the final number in writing.

Common cost drivers include:

• Drawers and pull-outs (especially more than a few)
• Soft-close hardware
• Premium finishes or specialty materials
• Lighting (if offered) and any powered components
• Islands, peninsulas, or complex center layouts
• Removal of old shelving or haul-away

Reminder: ranges are not quotes. Get an all-in price that lists materials and included components so you can compare apples-to-apples.

How to get matched with a builder after your free help

If you want to start, share only what’s needed for the match: your contact info, your preferred language, your ZIP code, and which space you’re planning (example: reach-in closet, walk-in, garage/pantry system, laundry/mudroom, under-stairs built-in, or wall shelving).

After that, you compare options. Ask each builder the same practical questions so you can judge the plan and price fairly—system type, included components, drawer/pull-out count, and the final all-in cost.

If your space raises permit, safety, or structural questions, hire licensed, insured pros and confirm local requirements. ShelfGrove provides general information only, not licensed-trade or structural guidance.