photos: closet tailors, komandor
Feature “They all want to maximize every square inch of their home to store clothes, toys, books, tools, shoes and other belongings,” explains Peter Selwyn. He and his wife Wendy operate a Closet Tailors franchise in Ottawa. Closet Tailors specializes in affordable storage setups for reach-in and walk-in closet spaces, home offices, garage spaces, as well as laundry and pantry rooms. The Selwyns launched their business about a year ago. They initially targeted homeowners; however, recently contractors and home builders have begun inquiring about their services. “Homebuyers are definitely asking their contractors and builders to provide them with better storage solutions because the standard cabinets and closets just do not come up to scratch,” according to Selwyn. Lucien Ezman rails against the practice of some builders who scrimp on closets and cabinets. Ezman is director of Komandor Canada, Toronto-based designer and maker of high-end closets and sliding doors. Komandor traces back its beginning to Poland but now has a worldwide network of stores in various countries including the U.K., France, Spain, Mexico and Brazil. The company uses its worldwide network to provide clients with a wide choice of international styles. “Imagine homeowners paying upwards of $280,000 for a home that only has a single clothes rod attachment in the closet,” he complains. Ezman explains a simple twin-level rod arrangement and strategically placed shelves can easily double the useable space of even the smallest closet. Unfortunately, this strategy is not employed in many of the newly built homes and con-
dos in Canada. He notes that in Europe homeowners and builders are more conscious about making every square inch count. “Because of the scarcity of space there, people have a more developed sense of putting extra space to good use compared to North Americans,” according to Ezman. “Well thought-out closets and cabinet spaces used to be seen only in upscale houses in Canada, but in recent years we have seen more people ready to spend extra on storage after they have bought their homes,” he adds. Building a masterpiece of organization: Creating a masterpiece of organization depends on communications, says Richard Mellen, owner of the family run Express Closets in Vancouver, B.C. “Whether you are building the closet or contracting out the job to someone, you need to talk to the clients, listen carefully to their needs and build to suit them,” he stresses. Express Closets specializes in custom designed pieces designed to fit specific spaces that clients want to maximize. As much as 80% of its revenues come from repeat business in the residential and renovation space. Mellen says contractors should pay close attention to what customers want to achieve from the project. “Every family has different needs, projects are never a one-size-fits-all affair, but very often you will need to fit their needs in standardsized closets and cabinets.” If clients are asking where they can find extra space for cabinets and shelves, contractors can point them to often neglected areas such as stairwells, the laundry room or the garage, as well as the low-
CONTRACTOR ADVANTAGE
MAY/JUNE 2010
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