A Guide To Building A Basement Bar

If you enjoy hosting parties and get-togethers, an in-home bar may be a good investment. Carving out a designated space where you, your family and your guests can relax and enjoy a few drinks can be well worth it in the long run, as long as you plan out what you want and create a budget that works for you.

Let’s walk through some tips and ideas for how to build a bar in your basement. We’ll also look at certain factors to consider with this home improvement project.

How To Build A Basement Bar

Like with any home addition or remodel, building a bar – especially if you’re interested in a fully functioning wet bar – could be a long and costly process. To make the most of your space, time and money, it’s best to be prepared with the right plan and budget.

Up next are some of the steps you can take to make this as seamless a process as possible.

Finish Before You Start

If you want to seriously pursue building a home bar, finishing your basement is a good place to start.

A completed basement can give you additional space for mixing drinks and entertaining guests, and it generally offers an above-average return on investment compared to other home renovations. Finishing a basement can be a costly endeavor – usually between $10,000 and $30,000 – so you may want to consider a renovation financing option like a cash-out refinance.

Establish Your Budget

When considering your budget, it’s important to account for every potential cost before going forward with your plans. Let’s get to know the costs associated with a full home bar install so you don’t get stuck with a half-finished project at the top end of your budget.

On average, a basement bar costs around $8,000, but many factors will play a role in just how much your project will cost. Here are some factors that can affect the final cost of your at-home bar:

• Size
• Materials
• Fixtures and appliances
• Building custom versus buying prefab
• DIY plans versus hiring a contractor

For homeowners with a modest budget or those who may not want all the bells and whistles, creating a home bar could cost as little as $2,000 – $4,000. But that’s the bare bones price tag of a dry basement bar. Larger bars with more features or custom materials can cost upward of $10,000, getting increasingly pricey for sink installs or built-in taps.

Cosmetic add-ons like bar molding, backsplash, a bar rail or engraved countertops will also drive up the price of your choice bar.

Choose Your Materials And Core Features

You have a lot of options when constructing your basement bar. You can go with a simple wooden structure; a modern stainless-steel look; a stone bar; marble or granite countertops; a more rustic, distressed wood bar or a sleek, polished wood bar. Materials, colors and styles are available to fit every desired look.

You should also think about the features you want in your bar that may be unique to you and your lifestyle. Do you desire lots of cabinet space to store your bottles? Or do you prefer to set them out on display? Are you a sports aficionado? Set room aside for a TV and sound system so you won’t miss a second of the game.

If you value practicality and convenience, then consider installing a wet bar – a sink with running water – for an easier cleanup. It can also be incredibly helpful to have some sort of refrigeration nearby or under the counter, whether it’s a mini fridge, a wine cooler or a full-sized unit. And if you’re serious about your beer, a built-in tap might be the way to go. If wine is more your speed, maybe you want a big wall-mounted wine rack.

Other considerations include which bar stools would complete your look or whether you want bar molding, which can give guests a comfortable arm rest while also containing spills.

Determine The Atmosphere You Want To Create

Now comes the fun part: figuring out what kind of space you want to create with your home dive. This includes picking out fun decor that suits your style and deciding what kind of entertainment you may want to include in your build.

Neon signs are always popular for bar decor, as are mirrors. Hang a big mirror behind the bar for a classic look or find a one-of-a-kind piece that speaks to you.

Good, comfy seating is also a must for any basement bar. Look for sturdy stools with backs and consider allotting room for some cozier seating options – plush armchairs or a couch and ottoman are sure to make the space inviting and ready for company.

As for entertainment, if you really want to play up the dive bar vibe, get a pool table. For connoisseurs of great music, a new sound system or a retro jukebox could help take your gatherings to the next level. If you’re building a spot for your crew to watch the game, consider investing in a new TV. The addition of a small 20-inch display at your bar can also be a great way to elevate your space, especially if you can’t see the TV from your bar area or you just can’t miss a second of the action.

Different Basement Bar Plans And Layouts

Whether going at it alone or with the help of an expert, you’ll want to have a bar plan ready for reference, along with a grasp of which configuration will best fit your space and satisfy your needs.

Let’s look at some common bar design plans and layouts to find what works for you.

Bar Plans For A Modest Home And Budget

Whether your basement errs on the small or large side, why not try to save some money? Otherwise, you’ll be drawn to modular aesthetics when minimal bar designs have got you covered. Depending on your space and cocktail needs, exploring different bar cabinets or getting creative with bar carts could be enough to elevate your space without too much hassle or money.

But for those looking to increase their home’s value with a larger investment, adding a one-wall bar and overhead cabinets, a peninsula countertop with bar seating, or a combination of the two is a great option that won’t monopolize your space or your wallet.

Bigger Investment Bar Plans

If you have space to spare in your basement and don’t mind taking on a bigger renovation, you’ll have plenty of options when choosing your basement bar layout.

An L-shaped or U-shaped bar configuration can offer plenty of countertop space to prepare drinks and finger foods, while also accommodating guests. Also consider checking out this HGTV-approved gallery for some other basement bar ideas.

A bigger investment bar will mean a more expensive build. Consider your options for home improvement loans if you plan to put more money into your project.

Standard Bar Measurements

Whether you want the industry standard or a custom bar, you should still know the standard dimensions in order to avoid roadblocks when searching for bar stools or undercounter appliances.

Let’s look at the anatomy of a typical basement bar:

• Bar height: 42 inches from the floor
• Bar depth: 24 inches
• Bar top: 16 – 20 inches
• Foot rail: 7 – 9 inches above the floor

These dimensions can certainly vary, especially if you’re adding features like a sink, sunken counter or bar molding. Just be aware of the norm so you’ll understand what options for bar accessories may be available to you and your build.

Should You DIY A Basement Bar?

If you’re angling to save some cash and are handy with woodworking and renovations, a DIY bar could be a great option. You’ll save on the cost of labor – which can range from $200 to $8,000 depending on your plans – and ensure that your bar looks exactly like what you have in mind.

However, even those of us confident in our skills should consider enlisting the help of an expert for certain tasks. Electrical tasks or hooking a sink up to running water should really be left to the professionals, not only to ensure a job well done but also to guarantee personal safety.

You may consider outsourcing the job if you don’t already have the proper tools for the project. If your toolkit lacks a compound miter saw and a circular saw, investing in these without plans for more renovations or projects in the future won’t be your most cost-effective option. A compound miter saw goes for $400 on the cheaper end but can cost as much as $1,500. Skilled contractors should already have these tools and the skills to get the job done.

Before you start on a DIY basement bar, compare contractor quotes from HomeAdvisor to see what a professional job might cost.

How Much Value Does A Basement Bar Add To Your Home?

A finished basement with a home bar area can fetch you as much as a 70% return on investment (ROI), although the space most likely won’t add any official square footage to your home. This isn’t to say, however, that having the entertainment space won’t attract more potential buyers or allow you more leeway during negotiations. In most cases, a basement bar – especially a wet bar – will positively affect your home’s resale value. Just be sure not to get too carried away.

The Bottom Line

Whether you’re a cocktail virtuoso or you simply want a designated space to gather and entertain guests, a basement bar could be the answer you’re looking for, especially when paired with a larger basement renovation.

If you’re interested in a way to finance a high-end, in-home bar or a full basement remodel, a cash-out refinance could be a great option. High return on investment home improvement projects are a great fit for cash-out refis since they let you put your home equity toward a project that’ll pay dividends down the line. Sound like a good fit for you? You can start the process to get a cash-out refinance today.