Realtor John Leslie of Alain Pinel Realtors in Los Gatos thinks closet organizers can be an added value or a big disappointment to potential buyers if the refurbished closet doesn't fit their style.

"In homes that have been totally remodeled, buyers expect to find the closets upgraded. Closet specialists that design walk-in closets and traditional closets have a variety of improvements for homeowners to consider. However, buyers have their dislikes so I don't consider closet organizers to be an upgrade," Leslie said.

While a homeowner may love the great wire shelving they installed themselves, most buyers hate them, he said. "Those white Mylar-coated shelves with those neat adjustable rods don't count as an upgrade. The best upgraded closets show off the owner's wardrobe and have the correct lighting and an attractive look."

Leslie advises his clients to check the closet stores and shop the specialists for price and design before undertaking a closet remodel.

Broker associate Susan Sweeley, also with Alain Pinel Realtors in Los Gatos, said she believes upgraded closets are a plus, but thinks someone should upgrade simply because they want to.

"I don't think upgraded closets are an item that will get you top dollar. As a selling feature it would be secondary and lower priority than landscaping the front yard or painting," Sweeley said.

According to the National Association of Home Builders, buyers are opting for higher-quality features, rather than more space in a new home. When asked to choose between a bigger house with fewer amenities or a smaller house with high-quality products and amenities, 63 percent of the homeowners surveyed said they would prefer the latter option.

Closets seem to be expanding in each new home that is built, says Realtor Dennis Byron of Byron and Associates in Los Gatos.

"If you look at the home built in the '60s and '70s, the closets were nothing more than a sliding door covering a 2-foot-deep hole in the wall. Now they are rooms unto themselves," Byron said. "Some people have desks in their closets, or places to sit with music piped in and even artwork on the walls."

One trend that has become more popular is his-and-her closets. "Today's master bedrooms have two [closets]--one for the husband and one for the wife. These will both be walk-in closets with organizers built in. In one home I went into recently, there were built-in dressers with glass fronts so you could see the neatly placed clothes inside," Byron said.

Closets also serve another important purpose since storage is another consideration for buyers.

"The closet hides all kinds of things that would appear cluttered if left out in the open bedroom area. Other bedrooms are now featuring walk-in closets as well, not just in the master bedroom," Byron said. "Closets do make a home more valuable. They are always peered into when Realtors and their clients are touring homes for sale."

When building or remodeling, Byron advises thinking carefully about the process before finalizing the design. A simple thing like which way the doors open can become a big problem.

"My architect wanted the doors to swing out but I thought it would impede the path, so I asked him to make the doors swing in. I didn't realize that the door would take up room in the closet and make it harder to get to the clothes," Byron said. "So think things out, plan well and enjoy the space."

Sometimes it's worth taking more space from the bedroom and adding that space to the size of the closet. To figure out what will work best for the space available, it's a good idea to hire a professional to help.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry recommends careful planning of home improvement projects to make sure the project will not only update your home, but also help to increase the value of your investment.

While most homeowners can handle routine maintenance projects, larger remodeling jobs that include changes to the structure are harder to tackle. When updating a closet, the do-it-yourselfer will find plenty of options at the local home improvement store to help organize shoes and clothes. For a more professional look, companies specializing in closet design and organization are a good choice. A full remodel will likely require a good design, a professional contractor and financing.

Since May has been designated National Home Improvement Month, the remodeling association encourages consumers to start the process early when thinking about remodeling during the summer since contractors become booked far in advance.

For more information on remodeling or to find a remodeling professional, visit www.nari.org.