Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Storage Design

Getting Started

  • Getting started is simple. Schedule a complimentary in-home discovery consultation or introductory call directly on our website at happyhomestoragedesign.com/book-consultation or call us at (512) 920-2465. During the consultation, owner and designer Stefanie Bauman will visit your home, take measurements, discuss your goals and style preferences, and provide an investment range for your project. A virtual preliminary design review meeting will allow you to visualize your initial layout in the 3D environment — all at no cost and with no obligation to move forward.

  • Yes — we offer a complimentary in-home discovery consultation followed by a preliminary design review. During the 60–90 minute visit, we take measurements, discuss your goals and style preferences, walk through material and finish options, and provide a preliminary layout and investment range. There is no obligation and no sales pressure. You can schedule your consultation at happyhomestoragedesign.com/book-consultation.

  • Investment varies based on the size of the space, materials selected, and the scope of the project. A reach-in closet typically starts around $1,500, while a full walk-in closet or primary suite system can range from $5,000 to $15,000 or more. Pantries, home offices, laundry rooms, and whole-home storage projects are priced based on custom scope. We work collaboratively with clients on every project to understand their needs and preferences, and design within their financial comfort zone by explaining design choices and guiding them to selections that are the most impactful to them.

    You can also download our Investment Guide at happyhomestoragedesign.com for a general overview of pricing ranges.

Our Process

  • Our process is designed to move at your pace — from a complimentary first visit to a finished space you'll love.

    Step 1 — Project Discovery (complimentary): We begin with an in-home visit where we take precise measurements, review what you need to store, and have a genuine conversation about how you live and what you want from the space. There's no obligation — just a thorough, personal consultation with our founder and designer.

    Step 2 — Preliminary Design Review (complimentary): We translate everything we heard and measured into a preliminary design focused on functionality first. You'll review it with us in a dedicated virtual meeting, walking through the layout together in a live 3D environment where we can explore options and adjust in real time, with pricing updating as we go. By the end of the meeting, you'll have a clear layout direction and a true investment range tailored to your project. Many clients finalize their design and move straight to proposal at this stage.

    Step 3 — Design Refinement (retainer applies if needed): For projects that call for deeper exploration — finishes, woodgrains, door and drawer styles, accessories, lighting, or finishing services — we move into a dedicated Design Refinement phase. A modest retainer, scaled to your project scope, reserves focused design time and covers detailed revisions, curated selections, and a production-ready proposal complete with full photorealistic renderings. The retainer is fully credited toward your project cost when approved within 90 days.

    Step 4 — Build & Installation: Once your design is approved and your production deposit is received, we handle everything — fabrication, scheduling, site preparation, and a white-glove installation led by our owner-led team. We leave your space clean, complete, and ready to enjoy the moment we're done. Most installations are completed in one to three days. The full timeline from consultation to completed installation is typically eight to ten weeks.

  • Our first two steps — the in-home Discovery Consultation and the Preliminary Design Review — are completely complimentary. During the Design Review, you'll see your space in a live 3D environment and receive a true investment range tailored to your specific project, with no commitment required.

    If you'd like to move into the Design Refinement phase — which covers detailed revisions, finish and material selections, woodgrain and door style upgrades, accessories, lighting, and a production-ready proposal with full photorealistic renderings — a modest retainer applies. This retainer reserves dedicated design time for your project and ensures every detail is considered thoughtfully and without rush.

    The retainer is scaled to your project scope: $350 for a standard closet, pantry, or entryway; $500-$750 for a large walk-in closet, laundry room, home office, Murphy bed, or playroom; and 5-8% of the estimated project value for multi-space, whole-home, or garage projects. All retainer fees are fully credited toward your final project cost when approved within 90 days.

  • Yes — every project includes detailed 3D renderings so you can visualize your finished space before anything is ordered or built. We review the design together and make any refinements until it is exactly right. This ensures complete confidence in the final result and eliminates any surprises on installation day. Seeing your space in 3D also helps many clients make decisions about finishes, hardware, and configuration that they wouldn't have considered from a flat drawing alone.

  • Most installations are completed in one to three days. Larger or more complex projects — such as full home office built-ins, multi-room storage systems, or whole-home cabinetry — may take one to two weeks. Our team works efficiently and respects your home, leaving the space clean and ready to use immediately after the installation is complete. We will give you a clear installation timeline during your consultation so you can plan accordingly.

About Happy Home Storage Design

  • We are 100% locally owned and independent — not a franchise. Happy Home Storage Design was founded by Stefanie and Isaac, who personally lead every project from design through installation. When you work with us, you work directly with the owners at every stage. There are no franchise fees passed on to you, no commissioned sales reps, and no details lost between a designer and an installer — because our team is led by the same people who designed your space.

  • The most significant difference is direct owner involvement at every stage. At national franchise companies, you typically work with a commissioned sales rep who hands your project off to a separate installation crew. At Happy Home Storage Design, our founders personally lead your design and your installation — so there is true accountability from first meeting to final walkthrough. We are also not bound by a franchise product catalog, which means we can source a variety of materials and design truly custom solutions rather than adapting a standard system to fit your space. Many of our clients come to us after being quoted by a national company and finding the experience impersonal or the product options limiting.

  • Custom storage design and installation is not a licensed trade in the state of Texas, so no contractor’s license is required for the work we do. We do carry general liability insurance on every project, so your home and investment are protected throughout the design and installation process. We are happy to provide proof of insurance upon request.

  • Yes — we stand behind every project we complete. Our installations are warranted against defects in workmanship, and the materials we use are backed by manufacturer warranties. If anything is not right after your installation, we will return to make it right. We will provide specific warranty details for your project in your project agreement.

Services & Coverage

  • We serve homeowners throughout the greater Austin metro area, including Austin, Westlake Hills, Barton Creek, Rollingwood, Tarrytown, Davenport Ranch, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, Round Rock, and surrounding communities. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, call us at (512) 920-2465 or email hello@happyhomestoragedesign.com and we will let you know right away.

    Learn more about areas we serve.

  • Yes — we offer a complimentary in-home discovery consultation with our founder, Stefanie. During the 60–90 minute visit, we take measurements, discuss your goals and style preferences, walk through material and finish options, and provide a preliminary layout and investment range. There is no obligation and no sales pressure. You can schedule your consultation at happyhomestoragedesign.com.

  • We specialize in the design and installation of custom storage systems. While we don’t currently offer organizing as a standalone service, we work closely with trusted professional organizers in the Austin area and can connect you with the right person for your project. Ask us at your consultation — we’re happy to make a recommendation or help coordinate based on your needs.

  • We work with both new construction and existing homes. For new construction, we can collaborate with your builder or contractor during the build phase to ensure your storage systems are planned and installed at the right stage of construction. For existing homes, we design around your current space, structure, and finishes — creating built-ins and storage systems that look like they were always part of the home. Either way, the process begins with a free in-home or on-site consultation.

  • Absolutely — we love collaborating with interior designers, architects, and home builders. We are experienced at working within an existing design vision, matching specified finishes and hardware, and coordinating installation timing within a broader construction or renovation schedule. If you are working with a design or build team, simply connect us early in the process and we will coordinate directly with your team.