I own a rental condo in Chicago and had Elfa shelving, drawers and hangers for the walk-in closet. When I recently renovated and remodeled the unit, I decided to replace Elfa with California Closets for the walk-in closet and another closet. When the CC was delivered, the service installer needed to damage one of the walls for it to fit properly. I was worried that CC would not come back (as promised) to repair the damage, but they did come back for the repair shortly after installation. The unit showed very well with the CC and rented soon after completion of the renovation and CC installation. The CC cost was competitive with comparable products, they follow up if there are installation issues and you get a warranty for any future problems. I would recommend CC to anyone considering a closet renovation for their home or investment property. Thank you. Russ C. read more

!!!PROCEED WITH EXTREME CAUTION!!! Spent $7,500 on a "custom" built-in bookshelf and desk from California Closets. A major structural piece fell off on its own during normal use. No one touched it. No misuse. This wasn't cosmetic--it was heavy, installed at body height, and could have seriously injured or killed someone. I'm still shaken thinking about what would've happened if my kids were in the room. For this price point, basic safety and quality should be non-negotiable. Right now, I have zero confidence in their engineering or installation. **EDIT: uploaded are additional photos showing how poorly put together this was, as you can see the nails used to attach this piece are partially nonexistent and barely penetrated the wood. I worry about the integrity of the remaining structure. ** read more

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This is a review of Ian exceptionally unprofessional experience with a recent California Closets installation. I used the Chicago office. The project involved a small closet installation in a one-bedroom apartment, scheduled for two days. On the first day, the installer removed the existing floor-to-ceiling shelving and hanging units and transported all materials out of the apartment in a single elevator trip. My apartment was in complete disarray. After he left the apartment and without informing me, he incorrectly informed the home office that moving the new materials into the apartment would not be feasible using that same elevator that he used to bring the materials out of mu apartment. Based on this misinformation, I received an email the following morning at 6:43 a.m., the scheduled second day of installation, telling me that any further work would be postponed by six-days, including over a weekend. Despite all efforts to correct the misunderstanding, the project was halted. Throughout this issue, my sales person demonstrated no accountability. Instead, she blamed installation team members, was argumentative, and addressed me in a rude and condescending manner, including sending emails partly in all caps. This place is not worth the money or the dismissive and arrogant attitude. I would recommend any of the many other closet installation services in Chicago or the suburbs. read more

We installed new closets throughout our new home and California Closets did a terrific job. Our designer Allison Bivin was outstanding, every step of the way. Communicative, thorough, and thoughtful. Really great experience. read more

Before purchasing our new home, we asked the sellers to repair the master closet, which was originally done by California Closets. Unfortunately, they cut corners and simply caulked over the water-damaged area to hide it. When we asked them to fix it properly, they made it even worse--adding random wood pieces in an attempt to cover the damage. We decided to have it repaired the right way and reached out to California Closets directly. Angelo was our main point of contact, and he was fantastic throughout the process. We received an estimate and scheduled the repair. Once work began, it turned out the water damage was worse than expected--there was mold present. The team stopped work immediately and even helped by disassembling more of the closet so the mold remediation company could remove the affected drywall. Once the mold issue was resolved, California Closets returned, reinstalled the closet, and replaced all damaged parts. The result was excellent. The only downside is that their pricing isn't cheap, but the high-quality service and professionalism made it well worth it. read more

I purchased 3 built in cabinets for my primary bedroom and a murphy bed, with surrounding shelves for our guest room. We have a 1500 sq foot condo, and preparing for this work necessitated moving a mattress into our living room, while the work was going on. I was told the entire job would take one day; after arriving 1.5 hour late, the crew worked for 1.5 hours, and took a 1 hour lunch break. At 3:00, I was informed they could not finish the job, and I would have to reschedule. I called every number I could find, to be completely ignored. Not one of the calls was returned. California Closets was more expensive than our other quote, but I went with the company because of their nationwide profile; I was mistaken. NEVER hire California Closets, go with Home Depot; Home Depot did another of my closets, less expensive and more professional! read more

CC is a horrible and irresponsible company. Since they started a construction work above my business beginning of this year we had continuous damages. They also needed an access to my business several times, and we helped as much as we could, but once they finished what they had to do inside our space they stopped responding, and didn't pay for the merchandise loss around $5K they caused. I would not trust this business for any of my renovation need. read more

California Closets - Chicago - First surprise by the horrible contractor. - Interior Design Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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There is a definite level of arrogance with the employees. I initially signed in because of a young man who came out. Then my rep was switched. She was rather condescending. Fast forward two years to them calling me because a mistake on the bill. Almost accusing me of not paying. After two years. This took a lot of town on my part to review and ensure what could have went wrong. I spent almost 20,000 with them. Never again would I use this group read more

I used California Closets to build a closet for the front den area in our condo that would serve as both golf storage and bookshelves. Between my husband and myself, we have three sets of golf clubs, several pairs of golf shoes, and all this other golf paraphernalia. So we wanted a closet that would be able to store everything so that nobody had to look at it when they first walked in. At the same time - this closet needed to be part bookshelf. We wanted it to accomplish multiple things - at the same time, blend with our new remodeling scheme. We worked with Kristy, and after doing a home visit, she gave us four different options of closets that would accomplish exactly what we wanted. We then scheduled another meeting with her at the office to go over colors / finishes. We finalized everything and just had it installed in the condo last week. The install was painless and it looks absolutely beautiful in the space. I can't believe how much storage there is in it either. Working with Kristy was great, and she was able to accommodate several last minute changes that we had to make due to building codes, etc. I would highly recommend California Closets to anyone. read more

California Closets - Chicago - Golf Storage and Bookcase - Interior Design Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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It was a horrible experience working with California closets in Chicago. They measured everything incorrect, came to fix it thrice ( after multiple follow ups from our side), and the job is still incomplete. We used another contractor for the remaining closets in the house, and it was a seemless experience. Glad we tried them for only 1 library read more

Designer (Andrew) was quite arrogant and didn't really listen. He thought he knew what was best but didn't want to listen to what we wanted/needed. We finally just acquiesced to his suggestions because we needed the closet built so we could start using it. After he collected the money, then it was *crickets*. No communication at all. I had to call numerous times to ask about scheduling a date for the closet install. He made one follow-up email to ask how it went and when I told him about the delay in scheduling, he simply said it wasn't his problem and offered no condolences or suggestions to rectify the situation. I deeply regret using him - perhaps the experience with this company would have been better if a different designer was assigned to our project. When it came to the actual installation, it was a mess and they chipped the paint and woodwork (no apologies, no acknowledgment that they caused damage). Other people in my building with the same layout have had closets installed by different companies that had much better experiences and with an equal (actually probably better) looking closet at the end. I have 3 other closets that I wanted to get remodeled but will be looking for another company to do it. read more

We had a great experience with a custom wall bed from California Closets. We wanted our guest bedroom to become a full time office without feeling cramped. The final product is awesome...perfect for the space and really high quality. I definitely feel like its a good investment for resale value too. We worked with Michele Aprati and she couldn't have been better. She was so responsive and really came with solutions when we realized we had some odd room layout issues. I was also super impressed that within a day of her coming to the house to talk about our project and taking measurements, we had detailed 3D/interactive designs with a few different options. Highly recommend! read more

I have been working with CC a year after it opened. Every project has the same detailed attention to all my clients needs. No matter the size and that is why I'm doing this review. My last project which was a small project but needed the space to be as efficient as possible and Debra did her Wonderful Magic once again. I've always work with Debra who is the most incredible listener and designer who knows how to maximize space in a beautiful design. Ive been working with Debra on many many projects over many years and every project is BRILLIANT. I asked Debra to do some rental unit closets and after the first showing it was leased and it was always because of the closets. When you experience the feeling of moving into a CC you won't believe what you missed out on. The best effect a CC has on you is you will be neat and orderly with your closets forever. Feng shui says to have good flow you need to be organized in spaces you cant see, ie closets. If you're thinking about redoing or working with a builder start with CC first For all your closets. Don't make the mistake that many of my new clients do and call me to correct the mistakes... I recommend you call or email California Closets and ask for Debra and start your California Closet experience! read more

after sales support and warranty work is very poor in terms of communication, timely replies for information and general coordination. The buyer is playing management ping-pong coordinating responses between the store management, the local installer hub and national headquarters. its compounded by inaccurate information shared within the same team. I would run far away from anything California Closets provides due to this poor arrangement of resources. the user is much better off getting their closet system from Elfa via The Container Store with much better construction quality to boot. Caveat Emptor - Buyer Beware. read more

My husband and I worked with Carlene Wolfe of California Closets Chicago location to come up with a design that would best meet our needs. Initially we were not aware of a code requiring 18 inch of clearance under an existing water sprinkler. Unfortunately that prevented us from getting the storage space that we so desperately sought. Our experience with Carlene was wonderful. She was knowledgeable, very patient and gave us her undivided attention. We will definitely go back to Carlene and California Closets for future projects. read more

I turned a bedroom into a closet, loved the worked. Was told if I ever moved someone would come and move my closet. Well the day came when I was going to moved. I made the call to my representative that handled my order and was told they no longer offer the service. I was SHOCKED, that was the entire reason I choose them over the other custom closet companies, because I was told that would not be a problem. So if you plan on living in your house forever, California closet would be perfect for you. But if you think you might move one day, dont make this HUGE investment. read more

I also used California Closets. They got back to me, drew up my plans, then began to implement the construction. The designer/salesperson told me I needed to get an electrician in to hook up the lights, so I did. They didn't work. She was knowledgeable and knew what I would like, so the closet looks good, but not completed quite yet. I just called there to get a new set of keys, for my locked drawer. The man answering the phone kept telling me he was at the design center on Illinois...okay and I care because?? I got transferred a few times. The guy said he was not sure how to handle this, and would try to get someone to call me back. I said "no thanks"! They seemed unorganized. Follow-up: the woman that helped me in the beginning, emailed me today and said she ordered new keys for my drawer and they are on the way. I am very happy about that! read more

No complaints with the product or the installation; however, after having gone to several other companies to price out and compare, this outfit was the highest price by no less than 24% - all good IF the customer service was THAT much better .... which it not only is NOT; it is some of THE WORST you could POSSIBLY receive if you are willing to shell out the money. The phone system they have is the MOST maddening voicemail you will EVER experience, so just PLAN on wasting no less then 8 minutes on AVERAGE [out of 4 calls; one of which was over 18 minutes before I got a human being] If you have that kind of time and are willing to waste it trying to get an issue resolved, much less a question answered, you'll LOVE not only the music-on-hold, but the aloff-ness of the people that ANSWER the phone (and whose income YOU are supporting) after having been informed that theirs was one of the WORST phone-call experience EVER in the greater Chicago location ((312) 755-0711, (312) 819-2658 or (847) 398-9350). Needless to say, my next renovation project will NOT be subcontracted to these people. You're better off finding someone that will figure out how to properly answer the phone from both clients/ customers, and WANTS them to both repeat and refer business BACK to them - these guys ??..notsomuch read more

Looks great, very functional, finished on time, easy in/out - no hassle.

Now I see why the ads show people "hanging out in their closets"... I couldn't be happier with mine! My designer, Deb Leb, made the whole experience easy and enjoyable. She was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the product line and was quick to turn around a design. It was cool to pick out finishes and accents with her in the showroom that some of the other closet companies don't offer. The installers that came did an excellent job. They were courteous and neat and made sure not to damage my newly painted walls. I would highly recommend California Closets to friends and family for their product assortment and top notch designer. They far exceeded all my expectations! read more

The experience was fun! Jaws drop when visitors see my closets. Deb was great to work with. She was able to expedite my installation before our move in date. The installers were professional and courteous. We were scheduled for a 2 day installation but they stayed late and brought in an extra person to finish in 1 day. Also, I have to compliment the closet design software that they use. It provides consultants the flexibility to modify designs in real time and recalculate the quote. This was one of the differentiators for me compared to competitors, who were sending designs revisions to another department which sometimes took days to respond. read more

Overall, I had an excellent experience with California Closets. From consult to installation, I was highly impressed with everyone

Excellent service. From the beginning to the end. They came to measure, designed on the spot, agreed to the price, scheduled deliver of 3 closets 3 weeks later, arrived on time, professional service, 5 hours outstanding work, and there you are, the 3 best looking closets i have seen in a long time. Painless, efficient, professional and friendly service. Worth every penny. Again, sometimes paying the extra price provides you the peace of mind that you need and they delivered quality and professionalism that is a must in this type of business. Kudos to the entire team. read more

This is the fourth time I used California Closets and absolutely the last. I will continue to tell everyone I know to do the same. Branden, the consultant, and his lack of follow through was truly amazing. The office staff does not listen or seem to read any emails sent regarding the project. And the price, seriously? When I first used California Closets there were not as many options out there (and I had a good consultant). Now we have many choices and options. California Closets should not be one of them. read more

I had California Closets design our closets 17 years ago. ALL of their advertising says FREE design consultation. After waiting several days for a return call, actually this was the third call, I get a phone call from someone that says she is making a "courtesy call". Which threw me off.. "courtesy calls" don't suggest you really want to talk. After waiting couple of seconds for her to ask how she could help, and getting dead silence I just started to explain that they'd done my closets and I was thinking of redesigning them and would like a consultation. She told me it would cost me $250 for them to come out. This cost, she said, would apply if I did any work. I asked just to come out? SHE said yes. I came back to their website to confirm FREE consultation and there is is in black and white. WHY would I be charged a consultation fee when the website and ALL their advertising says FREE consultation? So, existing customers pay a tax?? read more

We needed shelving for a bedroom closet. A small job by any standard. Still, they took the work and from the time the technician arrived until we signed the completion paperwork one thing was perfectly clear....the technician knew what he was doing and did it with great care and professionalism! Try them...you'll be so glad I shared them with you. read more

We bought a new loft and wanted to have the closets done. The salesperson came, Branden Zimmerman, who was very knowledgeable and asked plenty of questions to make sure our needs were met. When they came to install the closet the installer told us that half the drawers were missing. Apparently 6 were damaged in transit and the 3 others were measured wrong. No one from the company, including our salesperson, gave us any information about this. I had to email our salesperson to let him know, and then email him again several days later when I didn't hear back about the plan to get the drawers. Eventually I had to call the corporate office to get information. The communication with the company is very poor. The salesperson seemed uninterested after he made the sale and showed no empathy or consideration for our inconvenience and never followed up. We weren't even told of the final reinstallation date until the installers were at the front door. The product is great but the communication with the company and with our salesperson was poor. After he made the sale it seemed like he didn't care anymore. read more

Terrible experience, stay away. They will send a designer out to your home with a laptop and that person will measure and design a system for you right then. Of course its high pressure for you to sign up right away but if you stay firm they will finally leave and hope you call back. Unfortunately we did. The designer gave us the wrong measurements for how large the drawers actually are which are quite small by the way. Small is jewelry size, Medium is for underwear, and Large is medium and only about 7.5 inches. The designer never mentioned there was an XL and this is what most people think of as large - big enough for some sweaters. Now, to fix their mistake, they want $300 more. The installation process itself isn't too bad, takes about 4 hours. Just botched the design so we didn't get what we though we paid for. Been in negotiations over how to fix it and for what price ever since (2-3 weeks already). Terrible customer service. read more

The product is fine. I've had a much better customer experience with closet works. They measured incorrectly 4 times and brought the wrong material 4 times. They also went to the wrong address 5 times. They did give me a 10% discount for all the hassle but it took 6 months for them to finish the job! I would go with closet works. read more

Don't waste your time. This is a really poorly managed local franchise (this review is based solely on the chicagoland locations). There are so many other closet companies who will do a much better job for you that there is no benefit to hiring california closets in the chicagoland area. Just google closet systems and you will find several other equivalent options that will be substantially less expensive without the headaches. read more

I just had my second home office system installed by California Closets and it is even better than the first one was. The product is beautiful and the installation team did an excellent job. I will most definitely use them again for future project. Pricing may be higher but very well worth it in my opinion. read more

The wardrobe cabinet was designed perfectly for our needs and the space. The installers were very friendly and professional. The small concerns that I had after installation were addressed and the cabinet looks and functions beautifully. read more

I have had California Closets in my home for over 10 years, in several spaces, and I love them just as much today as when they were first installed. The same designer I have worked with throughout the years is now working on a new home office system for me. I have read reviews that suggest they are too pricey, but I have found that they are really worth it for the added luxury the company offers. read more

I don't usually write bad reviews. However, my experience has been absolutely horrible so far. This review is just for the Chicago location. The customer service has been horrible! I had a designer come out to my new home over three weeks ago. I explained that I would like to have this project done asap (before move in date) and if they couldn't do that to let me know so I can go with another company. The designer assured me that she would get the quote and drawings to me in a couple of days. Its been over three weeks and she has yet to get back to me. When I called the Glenview location to follow up they gave me the number to the main office and told me to speak to the manager there. I called and spoke to Susan who told me that Cassandra (the manager) is in a meeting and will call me right back. This was Saturday morning, it is now Tuesday and she still has not called me back. It seems like they are not interested in my business. So frustrating that they wasted so much of my time. Don't waste your time! read more