How much does built in shelving cost in the Chicago suburbs?

Most homeowners in DeKalb County, the Fox Valley, and the northwest suburbs pay between $1,200 and $3,500. Labor with materials supplied by the homeowner. Painting is separate. Homes built before 1978 may need lead safe practices.

How long does it take?

Two to three days on site for a typical job.

Does this job need a licensed pro in Illinois?

No state license is required for this work in Illinois. Every pro we send is insured and background checked.

You pay the pro directly. Carpenter Next Door never asks homeowners for payment.

Built in shelving

A pro builds shelving into a wall or alcove and trims it so it looks like part of the house.

Two to three days on siteLead-safe work if the home is pre-1978

What this job involves

Built ins can be made from scratch or from store cabinets and bookcases trimmed in to look custom. The pro measures the alcove, builds the boxes, and anchors them to the studs. Face frames, trim, and a top cap hide the gaps, and shelves can be fixed or adjustable. Walls and floors in older homes are rarely square, so expect some scribing. Painting is separate unless you ask for it.

What to have ready

The width, height, and depth of the space
A sketch or photo of what you want
Whether you have base cabinets or bookcases bought
Photos of the wall including outlets and vents

What a fair price looks like

Most homeowners in our area pay between $1,200 and $3,500 for this job. Labor with materials supplied by the homeowner. Painting is separate. Homes built before 1978 may need lead safe practices.

This is a range to help you judge a quote, not a quote. The pro you are matched with gives you their own price, in writing for anything over $1,000, and you pay them directly. We charge the pro a small flat fee only after the job is done. We never ask you for payment.

What a good pro will ask you first

What is going on the shelves, books or a TV?
Do you want doors on the bottom?
Are there outlets or vents in the wall?
Painted or stained?

People often add

Assembly, mounting, and odd jobsShelving and storageA pro hangs floating shelves, brackets, or storage racks anchored to hold real weight.About two hours Doors, trim, and carpentryCloset systemA pro installs wire or wood closet organizers, rods, and shelves anchored to the studs.Half a day Assembly, mounting, and odd jobsMount a TVA pro hangs your TV on the wall at the right height and anchored to the studs.About an hour Walls, ceilings, and paintInterior painting by roomA pro preps, cuts in, and rolls one or more rooms with two coats of paint.One day per room