Walk-in wardrobes - could they add value to your home?

 

A walk-in what?

Wardrobes have been around for many years, used as storage places for clothes and are mainly comprised of shelves, draws and doors. A walk-in wardrobe, however, is far more envy-invoking and may be customised in many ways.

A walk-in closet is usually a large-scale wardrobe that allows you space to physically walk inside to get your clothes which would often also be accompanied by features such as a designated seating area to put shoes on more comfortably.

It also accommodates hanging garments along with separate storage for accessories and shoes.

There are three types of basic designs for bespoke built-in wardrobes, namely straight walk-in, L-shape, and U-shaped.

A straight walk-in wardrobe uses more floor space and is generally larger, whilst U-shape walk-ins use a 3 walled design which also allows for more storage space. L-shaped walk-ins require less space but work effectively to store more clothes than the standard wardrobe size would.

What’s the hype about?

In recent years, walk-in wardrobes have become a far more accessible feature in properties throughout the UK, and with over 98,000 hashtags trending on Instagram, people are clearly taking notice.

And if achieving popularity on social media doesn’t convince you that it might be something to consider for your property, then storage experts at Space Station may be able to give you that extra nudge, as there is also an additional financial benefit to this home improvement movement.

Bruna Pani from We Buy Any House has linked up with the firm to disclose just how much it costs to install a walk-in wardrobe to a property, along with the financial gains homeowners can achieve with this nifty feature.

“In the UK, the average cost of a walk-in wardrobe is as little as £5,500. This will include everything from the structural design of the space to the individual pieces needed, such as shelving, rails and doors. Additionally, you may also need to pay a labour fee for the units to be installed, which averages out at around £22.50 per hour,” Pani said.

“Thankfully, the return on your walk-in wardrobe investment will be massively worth it, as having walk-in wardrobes on your property allows you to recoup up to 56% of your investment, adding up to a £10,000 increase in the value of your home,” Pani added.

So, if you sat back and thought about the design of your property, you might find some room for your new fitted walk-in wardrobe. Below are some top tips to help get you inspired.

Establish your walk-in wardrobe requirements

Oftentimes there are spaces within a home that may be vacant or not really used to their full potential. So, if you spend some time thinking about the design and layout of your property, you may find some room for your new fitted walk-in wardrobe.

Space Station mentions the following: “If your home is starting to feel cluttered and you have the space, creating a walk-in wardrobe is the perfect opportunity for you to whittle down what items you know you’re going to be reaching for day to day, and those that can be put in the loft or storage.

“Once you have chosen which space you are going to convert into your walk-in wardrobe (this can be small or large, as most spaces are easy to turn into wardrobe space), it’s time to take some measurements. At this stage you want to think about what it is exactly that you will be storing; from longer items like coats and dresses to small items such as shoes and accessories you’ll need to evaluate what type of rails you’ll need before you get started.”

Decide on an optimal layout

Some people have the option of converting a smaller room into a walk-in wardrobe, but if that’s not possible, then there are other ways you could maximise your layout.

Consider the floor space and make use of sliding doors, which will also help the rest of the room look open instead of cluttered. Clever fittings can also be a handy feature to make the walk-in wardrobe function better.

Space Station says: “Once you’ve identified your wardrobe needs it’s time to consider your layout and make your space allocation work effectively. Start by thinking about who will be using the wardrobe (is it for yourself or the whole family?) and once that’s been confirmed think about how you’ll divide the space. Ironing out these finer details will be key to making the build process slicker.

“If you are debating built-in wardrobes, it is good to bear in mind that they give you the opportunity to be fully customisable to your needs.”

Light the way

Natural light is best; however, a walk-in wardrobe is often a room with no windows, which means you’d have to opt for artificial lights instead. If the room is small, one or two ceiling lights will be sufficient, and they provide the necessary illumination and elegance.

“If you are working with a smaller space for your wardrobe, you are more than likely not going to have windows and most walk-in wardrobes don’t. This is where lighting comes into play. It is a crucial element in all interior design, and it can quickly transform your space into something bright and clean.”

“Walk-in wardrobes already come with a certain pizzazz but adding strip lighting, statement ceiling lights and even natural daylight can take your wardrobe to the next level. If your space has windows, adding blinds can help to soften harsh natural lights within your space.”

Mirrors are also fantastic for creating the illusion of space if you’re trying to open up your walk-in wardrobe more. They can effectively reflect light which will amplify the brightness of the space, thus creating the feeling of a bigger space.

Effort for the investment

If you’re still hesitant to embark on your renovations, then the added value of a walk-in wardrobe should do the trick since this feature can get you a significant return on your investment.

If you’re planning on selling your home in the next 5-10 years, a custom walk-in wardrobe would make a lasting impression on buyers looking for good storage as well as a luxe master suite.

This revamp also doesn’t take too long to complete. If the floor and ceiling are level and the walls are plumb and straight, then this type of installation could take between 2-3 hours to finish if you’re working with experienced fitters.

Here at Farrell Heyworth, we operate in the busy North West towns and villages of Cleveleys, Barrow, Lancaster, Morecambe, Preston, Bolton, and Chorley. To find out how we can assist you on your sales journey, please get in touch with us today.

 

We encourage all our customers to register with our My FH portal, which will give you access to the most up-to-date information; remotely and at your convenience.

 

You can also find out how much your home could be worth by requesting a free and instant online valuation today.