As remodeling contractors, we get a lot of requests from homeowners for ideas on how to gain additional closet space.

If your closets are reminiscent of Fibber Mc Gee's, it's time to get organized.

More often than not, people believe that the only way to get additional storage space is by knocking out a wall and adding on. It's an alternative that should be considered only after an analysis of existing storage space has been made.

Try ripping out the existing closet shelf and wardrobe pole and replacing them with a closet organization system. This can be a system designed and installed by a professional or a do-it-yourself project.

Start by making a list of what is wrong with the closet and what will be required to make it ideal. A single shelf and pole across the length of the closet may result in a lot of wasted space. A more efficient alternative may be to remove the existing configuration and replace it with one shelf and two poles. Here you have doubled the amount of hanging space without knocking out a wall.

This configuration works if your wardrobe consists of a lot of short hanging goods like suits, sport coats, slacks, shirts, skirts and blouses. If, on the other hand, you have longer hanging goods like dresses and trench coats, you'll need to allocate space in your design for them.

Shelves for shoes, sweaters and other folded goods is another feature that you might want to consider in your "new" closet design. Adjustable shelving adds convenience and efficiency.

Companies that specialize in the design and construction of custom closet organization systems are cropping up all over the country in response to the need and the cost-effective alternative that it offers the homeowner.

Generally speaking, the professionally installed systems are quite affordable as a result of the production-style fabrication and installation techniques employed by many of the major companies.

The process is simple. First, an inventory of the existing wardrobe is made to determine the most space-effective design for the new configuration. Next, field measurements are made and a design is created. The product is then fabricated in the shop and assembled and installed on site. Assembly and installation usually take just a few hours for the average closet. Large closets with more elaborate systems might take longer.

There are a variety of materials that can be used for closet organization systems. The most popular systems are constructed of a low-pressure plastic-like laminate over particle board. This provides a smooth, washable and easy-to-maintain surface.

Other systems use a vinyl-coated particleboard or edge-banded veneer plywood. Still other systems are constructed of ventilated basket-type material. The ventilated material is made up of vinyl-coated wire. Entire systems can be constructed with the ventilated material; shelving, standards, hampers and even the wardrobe rods. These pre-fabricated systems are especially useful in do-it-yourself installation. Proponents of the ventilated systems say that clothing remains fresher due to improved air circulation.

Pull-out shelves, drawers, cloths hampers and clear plastic doors are just a few of the many accessories available with the professionally installed systems. You can even opt for cedar flooring or wall panels.

The most basic do-it-yourself system is constructed of three quarter inch thick particleboard panels assembled with glue and finish nails or drywall screws. Particleboard with a bullnose edge makes for a neater and more user-friendly finished product. Adjustable shelving track, available at most hardware stores or home improvement centers, can be easily installed as an added feature.

The raw particleboard should be finished with an oil-base primer and a coat or two of a high-quality oil-base gloss enamel for maximum durability. Make sure to allow the freshly painted shelving enough time to dry before replacing the contents of the closet.

The cost of materials for a do-it-yourself project in the average closet will typically run between $50 and $100. Professionally installed closet organization systems will vary greatly based on the size of the space, the type of material and the accessories being used.

Generally speaking, plan to spend between $350 and $750 for the average closet. Larger closets with more elaborate systems will cost more. The most elaborate professionally installed system will still cost less than the least expensive add-on.