cost of storage shelves – Do It Yourself or Not

In many small closets there is unused space at the top where a shelf is unreachable because of its height. Never used items get stored there, taking up valuable space that can be put to better use with a pull-down closet rod. It’s an alternative to mounting two stationary, rods one on top of the other, and a solution for anyone with a physical disability. With its telescoping handle the pull-down rod is accessible for use in anyone’s closet.

A handyman will install the closet rod for $225, which includes the labor and material. If you have carpentry experience and tools you can buy the unit for $150 and install it saving 33 percent. The rod mounts on the side walls of the closet and comes in three sizes to accommodate closet openings from 21 1/2 inches to 48 inches wide. You’ll find more information and installation instructions at http://www.rev-a-shelf.com the manufacturer of the closet rod.

For cost information of hundreds of improvement projects visit us at http://www.diyornot.com.

Utility Shelving – Not Pretty but Practical

Get rid of stuff you don’t want and get control of what you use. Storage bins, crates are usually on sale and there’s no reason old cardboard boxes can’t be used as a first step to controlling your clutter. At home centers, office supply and dollar stores there’s an array of plastic and steel shelving units. For basement, garage and attic shelving consider a steel unit that costs from $30 – $100. Plastic units usually snap or fit together and steel units can be bolt-less or require nuts and bolts to hold them together.

To build a sturdy utility shelf for a garage or basement we like using Strong-tie metal connectors with 2×2 lumber for the legs and rails and then cutting plywood into shelves. If you’re interested, you can build it yourself for $85 or hire a handyman for $140 for the job. Here’s more information Build Utility Shelves .

To get garden hoses, ladders, sports equipment and other ungainly objects off the floor buy some utility brackets (from $2 on up) that hang on the wall and screw into a wood stud. In the garage use overhead hooks to hang bicycles and kayaks from the rafters.

No matter what your budget is for this unpleasant but rewarding task you’ll find things to help you. The difficult part is attacking the stuff throughout the year. We tackled our garage last year and are amazed to see the floor and be able to get the car inside, no small feat, I assure you.

For more home improvement ideas and to compare the cost of DIY costs with contractor costs visit us at www.diyornot.com or www.m.diyornot.com on your smartphone.