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. You may need to enlist a builder or handyman for this, as there may be damage to the wall linings or holes from old fittings that need repair. If you are unsure, please discuss this with us. Please note if you wish to paint and refresh the internal walls of your wardrobe it should be done at this time before the new wardrobe is installed.
What happens if there is carpet in the room?
- Organisers: We recommend installing these directly onto solid flooring to ensure a solid foundation to stop future movement. In some cases, we can install on top of carpet. Please talk to our consultant with regards to your situation.
- Doors: Existing carpet will need to be cut for sliding doors only, hinged, and bi-fold doors work above the carpet. Please check with our team.
- New Builds: If you are laying new carpet, and installing sliding doors the track will need to be laid before the carpet is laid.
Products & Customisation
What products do you offer? Beyond wardrobes, we provide storage solutions for your complete home or office. These include linen cupboards, hallways, garages, kitchens, and laundry areas. We also manufacture media storage and entertainment units.
What style of doors do you offer? We custom manufacture all our doors to fit your individual storage needs and sizes, whether they be Villa, Bungalow, Shaker, Hampton, or Flat Style, Aluminium Frame, Melamine, Painted MDF or Mirror. To ensure your safety all mirrors have vinyl safety backing.
What materials do you use? We use high-quality, New Zealand-made melamine panels with sustainably sourced moisture resistant MDF substrates. Our sliding door tracks are made from high-grade Aluminium, ensuring they are strong, rust-proof, and whisper-quiet. We use top quality hardware sourced from New Zealand’s top suppliers, Blum, Hafele and Hettich.
Can I customise my design? Yes! While we offer standard modular sizes to remain cost-effective, we can and do adjust hanging and shelving dimensions to fit your individual spaces. We can use scriber panels if you home has walls that are not straight and plumb.
What depth does my wardrobe need to be? Ideally, we would like to have 600mm from the back wall to the inside of your doors for adults, however we can utilise smaller spaces dependant on requirements.
Pricing & Payments
How much does a wardrobe cost? All wardrobe costs are dependent on what is included in the design.
- Basic Organisers: Typically range from $500 to $2,000+ (dependant on design).
- Custom Designs: Generally, range between $1,000 and $15000+.
- Walk-in Wardrobes: Entry-level designs start around $1,000, while mid-premium designs start from $5,000.
What are your payment terms? A 50% deposit is required to begin your order. 40% progress payment is required 3 days before installation The remaining 10% balance is due upon completion of installation.
What payment methods do you accept? We accept Bank Transfer.
Installation & Delivery
What are your lead times? Typically, the process takes 3 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? No, we do not. If delivery is required outside of the Auckland area, this will need to be arranged by the receiver. We can however assist by pre-packaging the job ready for collection via your freight forwarder.
Getting Started
Do you come to my house to provide a quote? Usually, our spacial designer will come to your home for a consult to discuss your requirements and view the work area. We do have a show stand at Residium and encourage you to visit the stand where you can view the quality of our work and the material options. Our designers are more than happy to meet you at Residum to discuss your requirements.
What should I bring to the showroom? To get an accurate estimate, please bring rough measurements of your space and any door frame openings.
What happens after the initial consultation? California Wardrobes will design as per your specifications. A quote will be emailed to you with plans to further the design process. If changes need to be made this can be done at this stage. Once you have agreed to the design and costings a contract will be drawn up for you to sign and we will proceed to the manufacturing process.
