does a wet bar add value to a home

What is a wet bar in a house?

Wet bars are most often located in the basement of a home, but can be found in other areas. The sink means that more drinks can make it to the party. Glasses can be rinsed or washed right there without needing to walk across the house or upstairs.

Are wet bars going out of style?

These are the wet bars that have gone out of style, as most modern homes are embracing open floor plans. Large homes with entertainment spaces in the basement are still very good candidates for a wet bar. It’s much easier to serve drinks and has running water for washing glasses on the level of the party.

What kind of bar should I add to my basement?

We recently finished our basement, so we had this same question ourselves when deciding what kind of bar to add. A wet bar is a space in a home or hotel room that provides a countertop area to prepare alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. It must also include a sink with running water – that’s where the “wet” part of “wet bar” comes in.

What can you add to a wet bar?

The addition of small appliances such as microwaves or mini-fridges, or even large built-in ones such as ovens are additions you may consider adding to a wet bar. Those additions can serve as upgrades to your wet bar (but aren’t necessary) or they may end up making it a full-blown kitchen.

Is a wet bar outdated?

During the inevitable remodeling projects of outdated homes, wet bars were often replaced by the components of changing tastes, such as bigger TVs, stereo systems, and the accompanying entertainment cabinets. Recently, however, there's been a resurgence.

How much does it cost to install a wet bar?

Wet Bar Cost A full wet bar costs around $6,000 to $22,500 or more. Wet bar prices include a sink ($200 to $1,000) and plumbing ($300 to $1,800), providing at least cold water and a drain. You can put a wet bar anywhere you can plumb a line in.

What's the point of a wet bar?

A wet bar is a designated space where you can make alcoholic drinks for guests while entertaining in-home. Its name comes from the fact that a wet bar always has a sink. This sink allows for easy clean-up without having to retreat to your kitchen sink, and it can also act as a makeshift ice bucket.

What is a wet bar in a home?

If it has a sink, it's a wet bar, but if it only has dry storage for liquor bottles and a shelf for glasses, it's a dry bar. While that's technically the only difference, it's not the only thing different that people do with their dry bars and wet bars. Typically, if someone has a wet bar, it's for a reason.

How wide should a wet bar be?

16-20” wideKey Components for a Basement Bar Countertop/bar: The standard height and depth of a bar counter is 42” from the floor and 24” deep. Don't try to go too much wider than 16-20” wide on your bar top (which includes the overhand) or you'll have trouble passing drinks over.

How big should a wet bar sink be?

Also Known As: Wet-bar sink, entertainment sink. Distinctive Features: A small sink, measuring around 15-25″ long, 15″ wide, 5-6″ deep, often round or square and made of either stainless steel or copper. Designed for home bar or entertaining areas or for use as an extra sink in a large kitchen.

What can I use instead of a wet bar?

If you aren't sold on installing a wet bar, a dry bar may be a better alternative. You'll still have a dedicated spot for barware, spirits, and a beverage refrigerator, but without dealing with plumbing. All you need is a short counter and cabinet space.

Is a wet bar considered a kitchen?

Wet bar means a serving counter in a dwelling or lodging unit that is equipped with small single compartment sink that is not a part of a kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room."

Where do you put a wet bar?

You should put it where you do the majority of your entertaining. If you have parties outside by the grill you can build your wet bar outside. In the home you can place it by your kitchen, great room or a recreational room.

What can I do with outdated wet bar?

Wet bars in the family/living room are out-of-date with today's home design and so often go unused, but there they sit… taking up space....Desk. ... Built-in Storage. ... Snack Station. ... Wine Bar. ... Bookcase/Shelving. ... Reading Nook. ... TV Area. ... Modern-Day Wet Bar.More items...•

When were wet bars popular?

When they were popular in the 1950s and '60s, wet bars featured mirrors, a sink, lots of shelf space for bottles and shot glasses, and dark wood cabinets. With the light colors being used in today's homes, the old bar can easily look out of place.

What is it called when you have a bar in your house?

Home bars, also known as wet bars, are built to have fun and enjoy drinks with friends and family without leaving the comfort of home. Home bars could be built in any place or area in the house whether it's in the kitchen or basement.

How much does a custom wet bar cost?

According to U.S. News, the cost to build a wet bar is around $8,000 (CAD 10,000) on average, or even more, depending on how elaborate your features are, whether your bar has a sink, and if you decide to go the do-it-yourself route or hire a professional.

How much does it cost to put in a bar?

In order to open a bar, you should be ready to spend between $125,000 and $850,000 on average. If you are thinking about purchasing an already established bat, it will be cheaper – as little as $25,000. There are certain factors that determine the cost of building and opening a bar, including its size and location.

How much does it cost to add a basement bar?

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Bar in Your Basement by Type?Bar TypeCostWet bar$6,000 – $22,500Premade sit-down dry bar$1,200 – $6,500Freestanding bar cabinet$150 – $2,000Built-in wall cabinet bar$900 – $2,5001 more row•Jan 11, 2022

How much does it cost to build your own bar?

Total Average Costs to Open a Bar The average cost to open came out to $124 per square foot, or $2,710 per seat. Construction costs average $250,000, with $85,000 of that comprised of kitchen and bar equipment, and $20,000 dedicated to pre-opening and training costs.

Perks of Half Kitchens

If you are the designated host for family get-togethers, holiday parties, birthdays, wine club, etc., a custom home bar could do you wonders. For the entertainer, kitchens and bars are typically stocked with party equipment—in case of a last-minute shindig.

Custom Home Bars Can Increase Home Value

Unlike standard wet bars, a custom home bar is a unique and luxurious addition that many contemporary homebuyers are looking for in a forever home.

Get Started!

If you’re a homeowner who likes to entertain, a custom home bar is a wonderful investment. And, as custom cabinetry experts with showrooms in St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Tampa, and Naples, FL, AlliKristé can help you design and install a custom home bar that functions for all of your needs.

How to find out if a wet bar is worth it?

To find out whether a wet bar would add value to your home, you'll need to ask an experienced listing agent. Be sure it's a realtor who has a strong grasp of your specific market .

What is the number one consideration when designing a wet bar?

If you're designing from scratch, the number one consideration is how the area will be used. Some people create a wet bar with the intention of having occasional adult parties but also giving their kids somewhere to spend time with friends away from the adults.

How much does a partner agent charge to sell a house?

Even better, you keep more of your profit because a Partner Agent charges a low flat fee of $3,000 or 1% if the home sells over $350,000.

Can you use a wet bar in a laundry room?

Both of these options free up your refrigerator and keep snacks and drinks in easy reach. A wet bar can give you a more comfortable, laid-back place to entertain. If you position your bar near a laundry room or partial bath, running the plumbing will be easier. Be sure to choose an experienced plumber as well!

Can you have a wet bar on a deck?

A wet bar can be very helpful if you entertain away from your normal kitchen area. For instance, if you like to have drinks during a party in a finished basement, you won't have to run upstairs to rinse out a pitcher. You can also have a wet bar on a deck or patio if you enjoy entertaining outside. In fact, with a wet bar, you can give your ...

Do you want a wet bar when selling your home?

If you're making plans to sell your home, you don't want to add a wet bar just for the value . You won't get out as much as you put in. However, if you already have one or want one ...

Can you use a liquor cabinet for a wet bar?

You can also use a simple liquor cabinet to store and showcase your drink supplies. If you're short on space this is a really good idea . However, if the location of the bar makes it hard to access the kitchen, or you think you'll be entertaining on a regular basis, a well-designed wet bar can still be a good choice.

How much does a wet bar cost?

Most projects fall between these ranges with most small and simple wet bars costing between $2,000 and $4,000 and larger bars with more features costing between $6,000 and $12,000.

How much does it cost to install a wet bar?

The cost to install a wet bar depends on many factors. It can be as little as $500 for a do-it-yourself project with minimal plumbing work to close to $20,000 or more for an extravagant space with glass shelving, custom cabinetry, marble countertops, and more extensive plumbing work.

What are some wet bar design ideas?

There are many design options, start out by thinking about how it will fit into the existing space and compliment it.

What is the difference between a wet bar and a dry bar?

What’s the difference between a wet bar and dry bar? The difference between a wet bar and a dry bar is simple, a wet bar has a sink and a dry bar does not. The mixing of drinks happens at both wet bars and dry bars. Alcohol, mixers, and glasses can also be stored in each in the cabinets.

Why do we need a backsplash?

A backsplash is important for protecting the wall, especially when a sink is involved in the design. If you plan to install a wet bar in a basement where plumbing does not yet exist, expect to pay much more. If plumbing is already there, expect to pay $700 to $1,000 to add plumbing to your wet bar. If there is no plumbing ...

Why do wet bars save space?

In addition to a place to have a party and entertain, wet bars also have the added benefit of saving space in the kitchen. Get all of your alcohol and drink glasses out of the kitchen and keep them in the wet bar.

What is a wet bar?

A wet bar is simply a bar or counter that has a sink and running water that is used for serving alcoholic beverages at home. This instant party machine rose in popularity during the 1960’s and 1970’s. It has faded in and out of popularity over the decades, but is a desirable attribute for anyone who loves to entertain.

What is a wet bar?

A wet bar is a space in a home or hotel room that provides a countertop area to prepare alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks. It must also include a sink with running water – that’s where the “wet” part of “wet bar” comes in.

What does a wet bar consist of?

There are two types of bars a home can have. That’s a dry bar and a wet bar. The only difference between the two is that the dry bar has no plumbing and therefore no capability to have a sink with running water, whereas a wet bar does.

Does a wet bar always have alcoholic drinks?

I have seen “wet bar” defined as “a space where alcoholic drinks are prepared,” but that’s true. You can still have a wet bar space where only non-alcoholic drinks are prepared. With a couple of the additions listed above, it can be a great place to make mixed non-alcoholic drinks, hot chocolate, etc. I can’t wait to get a Keurig or Nespresso in mine as it’d be a great place to hide from my children for a quiet cup of coffee. Who can relate?!

What does a hotel wet bar include?

Going back to our conversation about wet bars vs. kitchenettes, let’s talk about the wet bar…errr kitchenette in your hotel room. Maybe you’ve been looking at hotel listings and you see in the description that the room has a ‘wet bar.” What does it consist of?

When was the wet bar built?

Now if you’re buying a home that still has the wet bar that was built in the 80s with mirrors, dark wood, and large stonework, than yeah, that’s out of style.

Is a wet bar out of style?

Wet bars are not out of style where I’m from (Denver, Colorado). At least not recently addes ones. Most people we know who have finished their basement recently have included a wet bar, and many other friends have a “butler’s pantry” similar to a wet bar so they can prepare drinks away from the kitchen.

Can you clean glassware in a wet bar?

The sink that a wet bar has brings added convenience. The main one being that you can clean your glassware right in the sink when you’re finished with your drink. For example, our wet bar is in our basement so it would be really annoying if we always had to bring our dirty glasses upstairs to wash them. Plus I can get my kids glasses of water when we’re down there watching a movie (and even quickly clean up any inevitable spill that is bound to happen.)

What is a wet bar, and why would you want one?

Wet bars are convenient if you entertain on a different floor than your kitchen, or outdoors. In the 1970s and 1980s, home bars became popular as people outfitted their basements as rec rooms. Who wants to go all the way back upstairs to mix a batch of frozen margaritas? Or to rinse out the pitcher for another batch, for that matter?

What is the difference between a wet bar and a dry bar?

Both are designed to make entertaining at home easy by providing an area to prepare beverages for guests, but the big difference is a wet bar has a sink so glasses can be more easily rinsed. The difference between a wet bar and dry bar may seem like a simple concept, but there’s more to it than plain old plumbing.

Why do you need a sink in a bar?

Having a sink in your bar means you’ll not only be able to rinse glasses between mixing drinks, you’ll also be better equipped to handle spills and cleanup.

Can a wet bar be large?

That said, a wet bar doesn’t have to be large and elaborate. You can fit one into a tiny nook.

Can you move a wet bar alfresco?

Now, as outdoor kitchens become more popular, wet bars are moving alfresco as well. With a little creativity, you can turn your backyard into a miniature resort.

Is it worth installing a second sink?

Particularly in open kitchens and living spaces, it’s usually not worth it to install a second sink when the kitchen sink is within easy reach.

Can a dry bar be multifunctional?

Keep in mind that a dry bar can be multifunctional. For example, you could keep party supplies in a cabinet.

What is a wet bar?

Expanding on the conversation piece aspect, a wet bar is exactly the kind of bell and whistle that many modern home buyers are looking for. People simply love entertaining these days! Now remember, there are no guarantees that any home improvements will increase value, so don’t think a wet bar will cover your kids’ college fund. But if you’ve gotten the aesthetics and functionality right, your guests will definitely be impressed—and so will prospective buyers when it comes time to sell.

Do wet bars have sinks?

By definition, a wet bar has its own sink, running water and plumbing. Some people decide these things aren’t really necessary for a home bar, mainly because they think it’s too difficult to run water pipes and drainage to where their bar will be situated.

Can you use a mini fridge for a wet bar?

Most drinks and mixers require refrigeration, and the same goes for food. No wet bar is complete without a mini fridge (or several) for stor ing white wine and bottled drinks. You could even add a keg cooler if you’re so inclined.

What Is A Wet Bar?

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