Closet renovations can recover 83% of cost, report finds

Strickland's Home is pointing coastal Carolina homeowners to new national research showing closet renovations may recover most of their cost at resale. The company says the findings also reflect a broader shift toward storage projects that improve daily use, not just home value.

Why it matters: - Closet, pantry and garage projects can improve how homes function day to day, which matters for homeowners who are staying put as well as those preparing to sell. - The latest remodeling and buyer-preference research suggests storage upgrades can affect both livability and resale appeal.

What happened: - Strickland's Home shared national remodeling and homebuyer-preference research with homeowners in Wilmington, North Carolina, North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and nearby coastal communities. - A February 2026 National Association of Realtors article recapped findings from the 2025 NAR/NARI Remodeling Impact Report. - The report estimated that a closet renovation can recover 83% of its cost at resale. - Fred Kumpel, owner of Strickland's Home, said storage planning should focus on how a homeowner uses the space and what needs to be stored.

The details: - The NAR/NARI estimate ranked closet renovation among the higher-cost-recovery projects in the study. - The remodeling report found 28% of homeowners said improved functionality and livability was the most important outcome of a remodeling project. - After remodeling, 64% of homeowners said they had a greater desire to be in their homes. - Another 46% said they enjoyed their living spaces more after remodeling. - Separate buyer-preference research from the National Association of Home Builders found 80% of respondents rated a walk-in pantry as essential or desirable. - The same NAHB study found 81% rated garage storage as essential or desirable. - The NAHB findings do not assign resale value to pantry or garage projects, but they do show strong demand for storage features. - In bedroom closets, adjustable shelving, drawers and dedicated hanging areas can improve use of available space. - Pantry storage can improve access to food, small appliances and everyday supplies. - Garage storage systems can move tools, seasonal belongings and recreational equipment off the floor. - Strickland's Home designs custom organization systems for closets, pantries, garages, laundry rooms and other residential spaces. - The company says its process considers each room's dimensions, intended use, existing belongings and storage priorities. - Homeowners can view organization displays at Strickland's Home showrooms in Wilmington and North Myrtle Beach. - The company included a consultation link for more information: custom organization solutions. - Strickland's Home was founded in 1941 and is a locally owned provider of custom window treatments and home-organization solutions. - The company serves Wilmington, North Myrtle Beach and surrounding coastal communities. - Its product line includes custom closets, pantry and garage organization, laundry-room solutions, blinds, shades, shutters, draperies and fabrics.

Between the lines: - The research points to a practical split in homeowner motivation: some projects are judged by resale, but many are driven by everyday convenience and livability. - The 83% recovery figure applies to closet renovations only, so homeowners should not treat it as a benchmark for pantry or garage projects. - Actual resale results can vary based on local market conditions, the home's condition, project scope, materials, design choices and buyer preferences.

What's next: - Homeowners weighing storage upgrades will likely use these reports to compare resale potential with daily usability before starting a project. - Strickland's Home is positioning consultations and showroom visits as the next step for people considering custom organization work.

The bottom line: - Closet renovations may deliver one of the stronger resale returns in the remodeling category, while broader storage upgrades remain valuable for the way they improve everyday life.