In the last year, three different customers mentioned the "initial design" in their reviews. Nobody asked them to. That first visit clearly stuck with people, so this piece covers what to expect at a closet design consultation with Closets & Blinds. We go through it step by step, explain what the quote includes and what to have ready, and show how to compare companies before you choose one. Where we can, we let those customers tell it in their own words.
The challenge: booking a visit when you don't know what happens
Most Orlando homeowners we meet have lived with a wire shelf and a single rod for years. They know the closet, pantry or garage isn't working. What stops them from calling is not knowing what the first visit involves. Will it be a sales pitch? Do they need to measure first? Does it cost anything? Those unknowns keep plenty of people from booking. Here are the answers.
What to expect at a closet design consultation, step by step
The consultation takes place in your home, in the actual space. That matters because a closet's wall lengths, ceiling height, outlets, vents and door swing all shape the design. A photo can't show you all of that. This is the usual order of the visit:
How the initial design visit works
- You tell us what isn't working. Maybe you're short on hanging space, shoes are piling up on the floor, or two people share one closet. We ask how you get ready each day and what you store now.
- We measure the space ourselves. Your designer measures wall widths, ceiling height and depth, then notes baseboards, outlets, light switches, vents and the door swing. Then we measure twice, because a design is only as good as its numbers.
- We go through what you store. Long dresses, suits, folded knits, shoes, handbags, luggage and seasonal items each need a different amount of space. This is where the layout comes together.
- We talk through finishes and features. We look at colors, hardware, drawers, shoe shelves, hampers, lighting and other accessories, and you can see and touch samples.
- We walk you through the design. You see how the space would be laid out and can ask for changes on the spot.
- You get a quote. It's itemized to that design, so you know exactly what you're paying for before you decide anything.
“From the initial design consultation to the final installation, the entire process was smooth, professional, and exceeded my expectations.”
Our solution: a design built in your space, not pulled from a catalog
The point of the initial design is that nothing is off the shelf. A reach-in closet in a Winter Park bungalow and a walk-in in a new Lake Nona build have very different problems, and the design should reflect that. If you haven't decided on a layout yet, our guide to reach-in vs. walk-in closets is a good read before the visit. You can see the full range of what we build on our custom closet design page.
How long does it take, from the visit to a finished design?
Timelines depend on the size of the space, the materials you choose and the current schedule. For that reason, we don't publish a single number. At the consultation, your designer will tell you when to expect the finished design and quote, and how long installation will take for your specific project. If your deadline is fixed, like a move-in date, a new baby or visiting family, tell us at the start of the visit so we can plan around it.
From the design stage to the final installation, they were highly professional and attentive to every detail. We were impressed to have the project completed in less than a week.— Laxni D., Google review
Does the initial design cost anything, and what does the quote include?
The in-home design consultation is free. You get a design made for your space and a quote to go with it. The quote covers the system shown in that design: the materials, finishes, accessories and installation you discussed with your designer. Every project is different, so we don't list a flat price. If you'd like a sense of typical ranges before the visit, our Orlando custom closet cost guide explains what drives the price up or down. For finishes, see melamine vs. wood vs. laminate.
The initial design at a glance
What to have ready before your designer arrives
You don't need to measure anything, because we do that. Still, a little prep makes the consultation faster and the design better:
Your pre-visit checklist
How to compare closet design companies before you choose
If you're getting more than one quote, compare more than the price. Two quotes that look alike on paper can describe very different visits and very different closets. Here's what to watch for:
Everything turned out exactly like the original design — every detail was just as we had envisioned it.— Yuliya P., Google review
Reviews help too. Look for customers who describe the process: how the visit went, whether the design matched what they asked for, and how installation went. Star ratings alone don't tell you much. For a fuller planning checklist, read how to plan a closet renovation.
The same first visit works for pantries, garages and offices
The consultation follows the same steps whatever the space: we listen, measure, take stock of what you store, look at finishes, show you the design and give you a quote. It works the same way for a kitchen pantry, a laundry room or a two-car garage. Browse our garage storage cabinets, laundry room closets or these custom pantry ideas before your visit.
- The initial design takes place in your home, and the designer does all the measuring.
- The consultation is free, and you leave with a custom design and an itemized quote.
- Your designer confirms the timeline for your specific project at the visit.
- Bring a rough list of what you store and a few photos you like.
- Compare companies on how they measure, what they ask and how detailed the quote is, not just on price.