Secret closet--fail!!
So, I always wanted a "hidden" secret closet in my house to hide goods, jewels, etc... We just moved in our new custom home and the "hidden" closet looks like crap! So the trim carpenter said he could come back and try to do a better job. Any ideas of what to do with this awful thing?! I hate to Sheetrock it off, but can't live with this. I don't see him making it really any better. This is in the master bedroom. Thank you in advance! :-)
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Good Luck!
Purchase frames that will cover the entire space. Fill the frames with art of your choice. You may like to use some gift paper, wallpaper or calandar pages to use in the frames. Mount securely to the closet framework. On the wall, add other art to the right side of the structure.
Sketch below ....
Maybe the depth of the 1/2 round will camouflage just enough to conceal the hinge from your view as you enter the room?
At this point, you have already breached security, by posting on Houzz.
I think Iron Wood clearly identified the primary problem.
The homeowner refers to this as a custom build.
So what is a custom built home?
Custom Homes
The true definition of a custom built home is one that is designed and built entirely according to the homebuyer’s vision. Architects and builders work together to design and construct a home that is unique. Rather than build model or spec homes, these custom home contractors sell the idea of a dream home, as they do not normally ever construct two homes that are exactly alike.
This kind of custom home building is the most expensive option of all and one should expect construction to take many months. However, if you really want a home that is specifically all about your own unique vision and have the necessary funds available, such custom homebuilders are the people you should be turning to. When budgeting, however, be prepared for the fact that unexpected expenses will inevitably arise during the construction of a truly original home.
Does this home fit the definition?
I do not know.
Is it possible that this was not an custom build and that the workmen were asked for more than they
could comfortably deliver?
Or perhaps the homebuyer was not prepared for the fact that they had to invest a considerably larger amount of money than they may have initially thought in order to have their new home built as close to their specifications as possible.
If indeed the home has been closed upon, my question is how were such "issues" overlooked on the final walk thru/inspection?
In most states, the fact that the owners took possession is acceptance of the house [w. noted exc.]
I wish the new homeowners the best of luck.
did you konw you could download classic movies from youtube?
First off - the tweak. The piano hinge must go - your carpenter made a poor choice there - it's visible and it gaps the door. He needs to use a hidden hinge system. It is also really obvious based on the moulding proportions that this is a door rather than a built-in bookshelf. You need lots more detail to make it look like a genuine built-in and that it belongs there. The shelves themselves feel wimpy. You can solve this by having your carpenter cap the fronts with a trim piece. I think you will solve the balance issue just by beefing up the molding around and above the unit and then addiing some art to the wall and perhaps something that creates a vertical effect like a palm or ficus.
Second - the rework - I would suggest extending the built-in all the way to the right to create a larger wall unit. What I would do is pull out the drywall to the right and build it into the wall 4 inches or as deep as it can go and then bump it out some to create your usable depth bookshelf. That should give you enough clearance to open your double door. It will also create a smaller box on the back of your hidden door so you avoid that bank vault feel when you open it. It's obvious but shelving and good organization inside the closet itself will also help how you feel about it and how usable it is. Any seams should look like they belong there and are a normal part of the construction. The door would also have to swing open in the opposite direction than it is now. You might also consider painting it an accent color. Hiding in plain sight is the key here.
Do a search on Houzz for "understair storage" and "hidden storage". There are a lot of good ideas for closet and drawer projects. **edit** just found one picture on Houzz where there was a large wall unit that looked like lots of others. It actually hides the entrance to a home office.
I agree with Ironwood about the apparent lack of clear communication between owner and carpenter. It also takes more time and money to install SOSS hinges.
NEAT!
Now offering services directly to builders, architects and designers nationwide.
IT SEEMS THAT THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN THE BEST WAY TO GO!
The "hang pictures over it" suggestion up there is perfume on a pig...geeez...why don't you just drape a velour Elvis blanket over it for Jupiter's sake?
Good luck sweetie. Be prepared to spend some coin to get your vision right.
This website is to pass along creativeness without cruel criticism. If you have the experience and knowledge then share it with compassion and humble enthusiasm.
http://www.garymkatz.com/trimtechniques/hidden_pivot_bookcase_install.htm
Has anyone checked on the children?
There is an art to creating hidden doors in walls and book cases and making them look like a part of the overall cabinetry.......the certainly don't look like something just plugged into a wall....."oh, look a lone recessed bookcase that doesn't make sense in the overall room scheme.... I wonder if it could be a hidden door to a secret room"
I'm sorry but it's not just the quality of works that makes this a failure, it's the whole design ...... from placement to trim, to substance to awkwardness. If you want a hidden door that is inconspicuous to a hidden room, in my opinion you need to start from scratch and research some examples done by the pros and all the elements that go into them.
Don't mean to be overly blunt, but a safe room is for safety and this fall so short of the concept that there is nothing safe about it.
Do not misquote me or take a comment out of context.
aclark900,
Fortunately, the painters dis a better job on the trim.
Let me repeat, I wish you the best of luck.
How about adhering mirror to the back of the unit for a bit of a glam look and could you add lighting? Another option to make it feel more special would be to replace wood shelves with glass....
I would love to see a follow up picture once you get it exactly right in your eyes!! Best of wishes!!
Wendy Scott
I was looking at the bookcase opening into the hidden room--that is how I would have built it. The door trim would have been stationary and unaffected by the swing and the actual cabinet would have opened in.
As it regards this problem, I wanted to suggest you make an account on Pinterest and then search (top left side) for 1)Hidden closet & 2)Hidden room. You'll find a ton of examples, more than enough to make you knowledgeable to argue with the installer and GC. I think you can also find some tutorials on Youtube.
As for the rest of your problems, I think it would benefit you to consult with an attorney or two...soon. With the amount of shoddy workmanship you've been subjected to, the worse thing that could happen is the GC could suddenly disappear & then you have the subcontractors filing liens because he's not around to pay them. A good attorney can inform you of your rights ahead of time & also do a quick background check in case it's needed. Knowledge is power.
In the meantime, when you're not wrestling with everything else, try to read or watch everything on HGTV about "Holmes on Homes" The show is about nightmares like yours that he comes back and fixes. He's in Canada & if you live there too, you may be in luck. But if not, if you could find business contact information for him, maybe they have referrals for other like professionals in your locale.
Again, best of luck..stay strong and don't back down.
Without detailed drawings, but both parties may have a different idea in mind.
And another scenario, is that even with a detailed instructions, a builder may really not know how to interpret something into the workable design, in which case he should ask the architect or designer or pay someone to do the job that does know how to do.
The only trick is to install a hidden lock so the case does not move when touched.
This is a successful recessed bookshelf with an outward swing to show your carpenter. Notice how the hinge is inset in the door so that part of the door opens into the cavity. This solves the geometry problem that Ironwood Builders was talking about - nice explanation there. As you can see matching the visual weight is key in integrating the bookcase. As for the proportion of the room, simply add furniture to the other side of the bed to balance it. Or go all the way across the room over the bed with bump out bookcases and install a recessed bookcase on the other side to balance this one, just not another "hidden room". Neat idea, unfortunately thrives look for this type of room anyway. Add a hidden lock to the bookshelf. Good luck and remember when building or remodelling all you have to do is "breathe"!