Ideas for a converting a closet into a walk-in?

[themoneycollector]

Has anyone ever converted a closet into a walk-in?

I'm seriously contemplating it. I'm tired of having so many vinos around and playing tetris everytime I pull out a box. Coolers are cheap and good sized, but in the South, temperature control is a must and coolers can't do that. Basements don't exist around here.

I see several pros:
1). Largest storage possible, plus can cellar wine and beer as well.
2). Price would probably be less than a cooled cabinet.

The cons:
1). Price is still high
2). It's fixed, so I couldn't take it with me if I ever moved out like a cabinet
3). If we ever sold, the new tenants may not like this conversion. I could try and keep it as minimally obstructive as possible.

Any ideas or projects that people have undertaken to do this?

[markem]

I've been considering turning the linen closet (not a walk in) at the top of the stairs into a humidor because I have another, larger closet that is only partially used and could take up the slack. The larger one has folding doors, so it's out.

My thoughts have been pretty simple so that I can return the linen closet to its original use if I move, change my mind, etc.

My plan is to build a small wooden platform just above the carpeting on the bottom of the closet. I'd put down some spanish cedar on top of the wood and make sure that this platform sealed with the door. The door already has a good seal to the jamb, but I'd probably put in a secondary seal. I'd do something similar with the ceiling. For the walls, my plan would be to pain them with a sealer like z-prime or the like after caulking anything that looked like a crack.

I wouldn't line the walls with spanish cedar because that might create a problem if we move (don't know if the cedar would retain any cigar aroma that would put off potential buyers). I have maybe 50 old cabs that I use for humidity stabilization in my coolers/vinos now and would probably use them in the open spaces in the closet.

By my calculation, I would have the same room in the closet as would be combined with my 3 vinotemps and 2 coolers. I'm presently using the 3 vinos and larger cooler.

Anyway, I've run that idea past several people who have walkins and they all feel that it has a good chance of working and holing humidity stable. The closet is in the core of the house, so temp fluctuation would be minimal, I think.

Oh yeah, one wall of the closet is shared with the bedroom next to it and I could branch a power receptical from that. It is our 4th bedroom, which we use for storage, so don't expect a problem from adding one more leg.

No temp control, but since it is the interior of the house, I don't think it will be too bad as long as we don't lose power (and thus air conditioning) for too long at the height of summer. But the, I have a small portable generator (Honda eu2000i) for my emergency radio work and could probably locate a room air conditioner.

I'm looking forward to other people's ideas, since mine could probably stand to be reworked, at least at some level.

[themoneycollector]

Some ideas I'm researching.
1). Replace dry-wall with moisture and vapor barrier.
2). Would have to remove carpeting inside the bathroom
3). Seal the door
4). Active temperature and humidity control
5). I wouldn't line the closet with spanish cedar. But instead make some spanish cedar shelving only.

The first three seem fairly straightforward. But the humidity/temp is where the bulk of the planning and costs would be. The temp requires venting and adequate power. The humidity needs to overcome the humidity drop from the temperature device and also has its power needs.

For temp, there are several options:
1). A large TE unit made for wine cellars. Cost is high.
2). A window air conditioner. Cost is low. The closet has one side open to a room, one side is the brick exterior. I could either vent to exterior outside the brick, or vent to the attic, or all the way up out the roof. I'm not sure which would be better and for what reason. It will likely interfere with the humidity, so I need to see if I can counter that with the humidification.

[croatan]

My closet conversion was very rudimentary. I basically just pulled out the linens and shoved in the cigars. I put some weatherstripping around the doors to give them a better seal and added an active humidifier (had to have someone add an outlet). Not fancy but holds a few hundred boxes at humidity levels I'm happy with. It's in the middle of the house right across the hall from the thermostat, so I don't have any worries about temperature. I would like to upgrade and make it all fancy at some point, but this works so I've been spending money on other home remodeling projects instead.

Edit: To clarify, mine isn't a walk-in, though. Just a closetdor.

[themoneycollector]

What type of humidifier did you use and does it have an option for regulating the RH%?

[croatan]

Originally Posted by themoneycollector

What type of humidifier did you use and does it have an option for regulating the RH%?

I forget the model number, but it's made by Honeywell, is about 16 inches tall, has multiple fan speeds, and a digital humidity display/adjustment. Mine is set to 60% and the closet varies between 60 and 62. It wasn't expensive, maybe $70.

[themoneycollector]

I'm going to stop by home depot and take a look at their models and see if I find something similar.

How about sealing the room and drywall? Any issues with regular drywall when keeping the humidity at 60+%?

[kydsid]

Ya I would also wonder about condensation and the need for a vapor barrier. I guess that would depend on where you live and the exact construction and placement of the closet and home.

Croatan, mind elaborating on your closet and where you live. Things like is it on the 1st floor and you have a 2nd or if you have an attic above the closet, also the average temperature where you live and what the thickness you think your drywall is in the closet..

[croatan]

Originally Posted by kydsid

Ya I would also wonder about condensation and the need for a vapor barrier. I guess that would depend on where you live and the exact construction and placement of the closet and home.

Croatan, mind elaborating on your closet and where you live. Things like is it on the 1st floor and you have a 2nd or if you have an attic above the closet, also the average temperature where you live and what the thickness you think your drywall is in the closet..

I live in north Texas, single-story house, insulated attic above the humidor. Temperatures are relatively hot and a little humid in the summer. Cool and dry in the winter. I keep the house at 69-72 year round. No clue on the drywall. I've been using this setup for over a year now and there's no mold anywhere or other noticeable issues with the drywall. YMMV

[Commander Quan]

do a search and check out MoTheMan's setup

[Bartolomeo]

Any pics of your conversions fellas?

Thanks,

Bart

[Mikes]

Like Croatan I did not use a vapor barrier in my walk-in. It is 8'x8'x10'. All sheetrock with hardwood floors. I primed the rock with an oil based killz primer and then used 3 coats of exterior latex paint. No mold issues going on 5 years now. No need to worry about mold growing between the vapor barrier and wood panel b/c you can see the walls. I use one of Bob's set and forget habitat monitors hooked up to a bemis 5 gal humidifier that is plumbed into my water line with a float valve in it (auto fill). For cooling a window a/c unit...but my friend in SanAntonio did a closet inside and used a wine cooler (big thermo electric) that does not remove humidity and causes no condensation build up which would need to be drained.

I say pull the carpet and pad if any in the space you have....lay tile or hardwood. Prime and paint the walls. Add elfa shelf, a humidifier, a control unit, and some sort of cooler if need be and be happy ;o)

[Bartolomeo]

Any of you guys willing to share some pics as I am very interested in this myself?

Thanks in advance,

Bart

No, not mine.

[Mikes]

CLICK HERE For HumiCam!

[icehog3]

Originally Posted by Mikes

CLICK HERE For HumiCam!

Wow! Yours?

[cort]

Originally Posted by icehog3

Wow! Yours?

That's gotta be a Warehouse or B&M somewhere, right? If not, DAMN!!!!!!

[Bartolomeo]

Bad Ass!

[Rabidsquirrel]

Link is dead.

[MrOneEyedBoh]

/\ yeah thought so.

Also any update on the walk in OP?