How much does a home bar cost?
How much does a home bar cost?
$2,000 – $12,000 prefab wet bar cost installed
$10,000 – $30,000 custom wet bar cost installed
$1,000 – $5,000 prefab dry bar cost installed
$5,000 – $15,000 custom dry bar cost installed
Average cost of a home bar
A wet bar costs $2,000 to $12,000 for a prefab model or $10,000 to $30,000 for a custom basement bar, depending on the size and features. Building a dry bar costs $1,000 to $15,000, depending on if it's prefab or custom. A wet bar has a sink while a dry bar doesn't.
| Bar type | Average total cost* |
|---|---|
| Prefab dry bar | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Prefab wet bar | $2,000 – $12,000 |
| Custom dry bar | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Custom wet bar | $10,000 – $30,000 |
*Not including stocking the bar with liquor or supplies.
Cost to build a basement bar
Building a basement bar costs more if the basement needs to be finished first. Finishing a basement costs $30 to $50 per square foot with labor or $15,000 to $75,000 when converting an unfinished space. Remodeling a basement costs $25 to $65 per square foot or $12,500 to $65,000 total.
Building a custom wine cellar costs $300 to $500+ per square foot , while a prefab wine cellar system costs $1,600 to $8,000. A wine cellar may be used instead of or in tandem with a home bar. Wine cellars are considered stylish but are not as versatile as home bars.
Home bar installation costs
Home bar installation costs depend on the size and type. A wet bar costs more to build than a dry bar because it requires plumbing, fixtures, and sometimes appliances.
| Factor | Average cost installed |
|---|---|
| Cabinets cost | $150 – $500 per linear foot |
| Countertops cost | $50 – $150 per square foot |
| Backsplash costs | $10 – $50 per square foot |
| Electrical wiring costs | $4 – $9 per square foot |
| Flooring costs | $6 – $10 per square foot |
| Plumbing costs | $450 – $1,800 per fixture |
| Lighting costs | $100 – $650 per fixture |
| Sink installation costs | $380 – $1,400 |
| Faucet installation costs | $250 – $600 |
| Dishwasher costs | $550 – $1,600 |
| Refrigerator costs | $680 – $2,500 |
The following factors also affect installation costs:
Design / Décor – Adding furniture, lighting, or wall art raises costs.
Location – Costs vary for outdoor, indoor, and basement home bars. Adding electrical wiring, outlets, plumbing, or flooring will cost more than adding shelving to a finished space.
Seating – Bar stools cost $50 to $200 per stool, depending on the brand, height, and whether it has a back.
Stocking the bar – Liquor pricing is not included in bar construction costs.
Making space for common cocktail additions like herbs and citrus fruits adds color and fragrance to a home bar.
Labor costs to build a bar
The labor costs for building a bar depend on the type of professional hired:
Interior designers charge $50 to $200 per hour or $450 to $1,500 per room to help design the layout and décor.
General contractors charge $50 to $150 per hour or 10% to 20% of construction costs to hire subcontractors and oversee the work.
Carpenters charge $30 to $200 per hour, depending on their skill and experience level.
Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour, depending on experience level.
Electricians charge $50 to $130 per hour, depending on the project and their experience.
Wet bar cost vs. dry bar cost
A wet bar costs $2,000 to $30,000 with installation, depending on whether it’s prefabricated or custom. A dry bar costs $1,000 to $15,000 installed.
| Factor | Wet bar | Dry bar |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost installed* | $2,000 – $30,000 | $1,000 – $15,000 |
| Pros & Cons |
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*Not including stocking the bar with liquor or supplies.
Custom bar costs
The cost to build a custom bar depends on the size, materials, and features. A small custom bar with basic features costs the least to build but doesn't offer the same space for seating and entertaining as a mid-sized or larger bar.
| Bar type | Average total cost | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Basic or small custom bar | $2,000 – $5,000 | Bar cart or small counter, some storage |
| Mid-range or average custom bar | $7,000 – $10,000 | Sit-down bar with cabinets |
| High-end or large custom bar | $12,000 – $30,000 | Cabinets, premium counter materials, large sit-down bar |
Demolition – Gutting or demolition costs $4 to $10 per square foot, depending on if the wall is load-bearing.
Cabinets – Custom cabinets cost $500 to $1,200 per linear foot installed.
Outdoor bar costs
Building an outdoor bar may also include these additional costs:
Patio – A new patio installation costs $5 to $35 per square foot installed, depending on the material. Poured concrete is the cheapest, while natural stone costs the most.
Outdoor kitchen – An outdoor kitchen costs $7,000 to $16,000 for a pre-built unit with installation or $10,000 to $35,000 to build a custom kitchen..
Outlets – A new outdoor outlet costs $180 to $350 with installation.
Outdoor lighting – Landscape lighting costs $80 to $300 per fixture with installation.
Prefab bar prices
| Bar type | Average cost (materials only) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bar cart | $150 – $700 | Good for small gatherings or occasional usage |
| Freestanding bar cabinet | $200 – $800 | Non-permanent storage space |
| Freestanding sit-down dry bar | $1,500 – $5,000 | Non-permanent storage with stool-height counter |
| Built-in wall cabinet dry bar | $1,000 – $2,500 | Permanent cabinets, sometimes with counter space |
How to build a home bar on a budget
You can build a home bar on a budget by using prefabricated materials, recycling preowned shelving, and doing some or all of the project yourself. A DIY wet bar kit costs $500 to $7,000 on average, depending on the size and materials.
Home wet bar FAQs
What is a wet bar?
A wet bar typically includes a countertop, sink, storage, and sometimes a mini fridge. Dry bars have counters and cabinets but no sink.
Does a wet bar add value to a home?
Wet bars tend to go in and out of style but generally add value to a home, especially if the room design is good for entertaining. Home bars can also be used as a dessert or coffee station.
What is a good size for a home bar?
Home bar sizes vary but are typically 6 to 8 feet long and 36 to 42 inches tall. A home bar can be as small as a cart or as large as a kitchen, depending on your needs.
Getting estimates from home bar builders
Before hiring home bar builders near you, remember the following steps:
Compare several estimates from companies with 5+ years of experience.
Read reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Confirm that they have a license, insurance, and surety bonds.
Beware of the lowest quotes because they usually result in low-quality work.
Ask for a written bid and contract before work starts.
Only make final payments after the work is complete.
Questions to ask
Consider the following questions to find the best contractor:
How many years of experience do you have building home bars?
Can I see pictures of past projects?
How long will the project take?
Do you offer a warranty?
What types of building materials do you recommend?
Does this estimate include materials, labor, and cleanup?
Will you hire any subcontractors to help you?
What unexpected costs might come up for this kind of project?
Will you handle any necessary permits?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.