Choosing a local wardrobe company can make measurement, communication and aftercare more practical. However, location alone is not proof of quality.
Before choosing a company, look at how it measures, designs, quotes and installs its work. The following checklist will help you compare providers on the details that matter.
1. Check Experience with Similar Rooms
Start by looking at completed projects.
A company that regularly installs standard wardrobes may not necessarily have experience with:
- sloping ceilings;
- attic bedrooms;
- uneven walls and floors;
- chimney breasts;
- boxed-in services;
- difficult stair or doorway access;
- wall-to-wall installations.
Ask to see real projects that are relevant to your room. Photographs should show finished work clearly enough for you to assess the proportions, fit and installation.
2. Find Out What Is Needed for an Initial Price
For an early estimate, a company should normally ask for useful information rather than simply guessing.
This may include:
- approximate width and height;
- photographs of the full wall;
- the type of wardrobe required;
- the preferred door style;
- the main internal storage requirements;
- the location of the project.
At Sliding Door Wardrobes, an initial price can often be prepared from dimensions and photographs. The final design and price are confirmed after a proper home measurement.
3. Ask Who Will Measure the Room
A fitted wardrobe must work with the actual conditions of the room.
During measurement, the company may need to check:
- floor and ceiling levels;
- uneven or out-of-square walls;
- skirting;
- sockets and switches;
- slopes and bulkheads;
- access for materials;
- the finished floor level.
Ask who is responsible for the measurement and whether the same information will be used for the design and installation.
Clear responsibility is more important than the company simply being nearby.
4. Make Sure the Design Is Practical
The company should explain why a particular layout suits the room.
For a sliding wardrobe, check that the wall is wide enough for sliding doors. We normally recommend an opening of at least around 1200 mm.
The internal sections must also be divided sensibly. Our normal maximum width for an individual internal unit is approximately 1070 mm. A wardrobe around 2400 mm wide would normally be divided into three practical internal units.
For a narrow opening, a hinged wardrobe may provide better access. For a sloping ceiling, the correct solution may involve hinged doors, fixed angled panels or open low-level storage.
A good company should be willing to recommend a different type of wardrobe when it will work better.
5. Review the Internal Layout
Do not judge a wardrobe only by the doors.
Discuss how much space you need for:
- long and short hanging;
- shelves;
- drawers;
- shoes;
- bags;
- frequently used items;
- occasional storage.
The company should explain how each internal section will be accessed and how the door positions affect the storage behind them.
The layout should suit the person using the wardrobe, not simply fill the available wall.
6. Request a Clear Written Quotation
Before paying a deposit, the quotation should identify the agreed work.
Check that it covers:
- dimensions;
- internal layout;
- doors and finishes;
- delivery;
- installation;
- VAT;
- any special features;
- exclusions or additional work.
If the removal of an existing wardrobe or preparation of the room is required, establish whether that work is included.
Do not rely on assumptions or verbal descriptions for important details.
7. Confirm the Deposit and Lead Time
A deposit should only be paid after the main design, finishes and price have been agreed.
Ask:
- how much deposit is required;
- when the order becomes fixed;
- whether later changes can affect the price;
- when installation is expected;
- how the installation date will be confirmed.
Our normal lead time is approximately 4–5 weeks from the confirmed order and deposit, depending on the project and current schedule.
8. Check Who Will Install the Wardrobe
Ask whether the installation is completed by the company’s regular fitting team and who remains responsible for the finished result.
Installation should include:
- correct positioning;
- secure fitting;
- door alignment and adjustment;
- checking that drawers and fittings operate properly;
- leaving the wardrobe ready to use.
Even well-planned furniture can look poor if the installation is rushed or badly coordinated.
9. Ask About Aftercare
Local access can make aftercare easier, but you should still ask what service is actually available.
Sliding doors may need adjustment after years of use. Other fittings may also require attention over time.
Ask:
- how to report a problem;
- whether the company carries out service visits;
- whether a call-out charge applies;
- which areas the company covers.
Our standard aftercare call-out fee is €100.
10. Check the Real Service Area
A company can be based locally without working in every surrounding county.
Sliding Door Wardrobes is based in Cork and normally works within approximately 150 km, including Limerick, Killarney and Tipperary. Free home measurement is available within this normal service area for suitable projects.
For work outside the usual area, travel and installation arrangements should be agreed before the order is confirmed.
A Simple Comparison Checklist
Before choosing a wardrobe company, confirm:
- relevant completed projects;
- proper home measurement;
- a practical door and internal layout;
- a clear written quotation;
- an agreed deposit;
- a realistic installation period;
- clear responsibility for fitting;
- available aftercare;
- confirmed travel or service-area costs.
Choosing locally can be useful, but the important question is not simply where the company is based. It is whether the company can explain the design, measure the room correctly, price the work clearly and remain responsible through installation.
About Sliding Door Wardrobes
Sliding Door Wardrobes LTD has operated since 2004. The business began in Killarney and later moved to Cork. Vitali took over its management in 2012, with the full transition completed in 2013.
We specialise in made-to-measure sliding, hinged, walk-in and sloped-ceiling wardrobes.
If you are planning a project, send us the approximate dimensions and photographs of the room. We can review the information and advise on the next step.
