California Wardrobes: Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to California Wardrobes. To help you plan your project, we have compiled a comprehensive list of answers to our most common enquiries regarding process, pricing, and installation.
Process & Planning
At what point in a new build should I contact California Wardrobes? We recommend speaking with us during the planning stage. Small adjustments to door or wall positions at this phase can significantly improve your design. Once framing is fixed, changing the wardrobe size or door type becomes much more difficult and costly.
Do you perform building work like moving or creating walls? California Wardrobes does not handle structural construction or “gib” work. However, we can suggest reliable builders to carry out structural adjustments or create a “Wardrobe Creation” (building a cavity into an empty room) for you.
Will you remove my existing wardrobe? It is the customer’s responsibility to remove existing fixtures and clothing prior to installation day. We recommend enlisting a builder or handyman for this, as there may be damage to the wall linings or holes from old fittings that need repair.
What happens if there is carpet in the room?
- Organisers: We recommend installing these on top of existing or new carpet for the best finish.
- Doors: Existing carpet may need to be cut to fit a floor packer.
- New Builds: If you are laying new carpet, the floor packer should be installed before the carpet goes down.
What is a “floor packer”? A floor packer is a wooden batten fixed to the bare floor beneath the bottom track of your sliding doors. It ensures a level surface and remains invisible once the doors are installed and the carpet is laid.
Products & Customisation
What products do you offer? Beyond wardrobes, we provide storage solutions for linen cupboards, hallways, garages, and laundry areas. We also manufacture custom sliding doors with various panel options including mirror, glass, melamine, and MDF.
What materials do you use? We use high-quality, New Zealand-made melamine panels with sustainably sourced MDF substrates. Our sliding door frames and tracks are made from high-grade Aluminium, ensuring they are strong, rust-proof, and whisper-quiet.
Can I customise my design? Yes! While we offer standard modular sizes to remain cost-effective, we can adjust hanging and shelving dimensions to fit almost any space. Please note we do not offer bespoke “scribing” (shaving panels to fit wonky walls), which is a service typically provided by cabinet fitters.
What depth does my wardrobe need to be? For reach-in wardrobes with sliding doors, we require a minimum depth of 600mm (measured from the back wall to the outside front edge of the door jamb) to ensure clothing fits comfortably inside.
Pricing & Payments
How much does a wardrobe cost?
- Basic Organisers: Typically range from $800 to $2,000+.
- Custom Designs: Generally range between $1,000 and $3,000+.
- Walk-in Wardrobes: Entry-level designs start between $2,500 and $5,000+, while mid-premium designs range from $5,000 to $10,000+.
What are your payment terms? A 50% deposit is required to begin your order. The remaining balance is due prior to installation to secure your scheduled date. If you are not using our installation service, full payment is required before the goods leave our warehouse.
What payment methods do you accept? We accept Bank Transfer, Visa, and Mastercard (in-store or over the phone).
Note: California Wardrobes does NOT charge a surcharge for credit card payments.
Installation & Delivery
What are your lead times? Typically, the process takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date of your deposit, depending on product availability and installer schedules.
Do I need to be home for installation? It is not strictly required, though it is helpful if the installer has specific questions regarding the site.
Can I install the products myself? Yes, we can supply products with detailed instructions for DIY installation. However, please be aware that our 10-year warranty may be affected if the product is not installed by a California Wardrobes authorised installer.
Do you deliver outside of your main zones? Absolutely. We offer freight delivery across New Zealand, either directly to your door or to the nearest freight depot for collection.
Getting Started
Do you come to my house to provide a quote? Initially, we recommend visiting our showroom. Seeing the hardware and colour options in person is the best way to start. Once you are happy with a design and quote, we will send a qualified installer to your home to perform a final site measure before manufacture.
What should I bring to the showroom? To get an accurate estimate, please bring rough measurements of your space and any door frame openings.
