How Much Does It Cost to Build a Bar in Your Home in 2024?

Average Cost to Build a Bar

Cost Factors for Building a Bar

Some major cost factors that influence the total cost to build a home bar include the materials used, the size of your bar, whether you choose a wet or dry bar, and labor costs for installation.

Materials 

Materials make up a significant component of your total cost to build a home bar, particularly if you’re creating a custom space. Cabinets and countertops comprise much of your bar space, so choosing materials for these features is a key part of creating your budget.

Size

The bar size has a major impact on the total cost. To decide how spacious you’d like your bar to be, it’s helpful to balance the size of your space and the number of guests you plan to entertain with the average project cost.

Wet or Dry 

A wet bar includes a sink, while a dry bar has no plumbing elements installed. Both styles offer counter space and typically include storage space such as cabinets or drink racks. They may also include outlets for electrical appliances. On average, a wet bar costs $2,000 to $30,000 to install, while a dry bar costs $1,000 to $15,000.

Wet bars typically have a higher installation cost than dry bars because plumbing installation requires more labor time. However, the added flexibility of a sink and other options like a dishwasher make this an appealing investment for many homeowners.

Labor

Labor typically accounts for about 50% of the cost of building a home bar. However, labor rates may fluctuate depending on where you live. Areas with high living costs, such as New York or Los Angeles, may have higher labor rates. 

If you’re building a custom bar rather than installing a prefabricated model, labor usually makes up a larger percentage of your total cost. Costs to hire a carpenter for making and installing cabinets range from $75 to $100 per hour, while a painter costs $20 to $50 per hour. A general contractor costs $50 to $150 per hour and can help you install a prefab bar or oversee the construction and installation of a custom design.

Additional Home Bar Cost Factors

In addition to the materials and labor required to install a home bar, it’s important to budget for add-ons like plumbing and electrical functions, appliances, and custom details to add the finishing touch.

Plumbing and Electrical 

If you’re installing a wet bar, you’ll need to pay for plumbing for a sink and other features like a dishwasher. Hiring a plumber costs $45 to $200 per hour, depending on their experience and the job's complexity. If you’re converting an existing space, such as a countertop, you may save on plumbing costs by modifying some plumbing rather than installing an entirely new system.

While some dry bars are as simple as a countertop and storage space, most wet and dry models include electricity. This lets you plug in basic appliances and possibly use the space as a coffee station. Hiring an electrician costs $50 to $100 per hour, though some electricians may also offer quotes per project.

Appliances

The most common appliances to install in a home bar are a refrigerator and a dishwasher. A mini refrigerator that fits under the counter typically costs between $100 and $400, while standard refrigerators range from $300 to $1,000 on average.

Refrigerators offer great versatility if you’re planning to serve food and drinks, but a wine fridge is an alternative for those seeking a beverage-specific cooler. Depending on the size, most wine fridges cost between $99 and $500.

If you’re installing a wet bar, you may also choose to add a dishwasher. Compact dishwashers cost an average of $250 to $500, while standard 24-inch-wide dishwashers range from $400 to $1,200.

Customizations

Adding custom details to your bar increases the cost, but it also allows you to create a unique and beautiful space. Custom cabinets are a popular customization for home bars and typically cost from $500 to $1,200 per linear foot for materials and installation.

Lighting is another way to add a custom atmosphere to your home bar. If you’re building your bar in a finished space like a living room, you may be able to use existing wiring to add overhead fixtures like pendant lights. Footlights, task lighting, or under-cabinet lights built into the bar can add function and style. Under-cabinet lighting costs as little as $20 to $50 per unit, not including wiring installation.

Home Bar Cost by Feature

Home bars vary from simple countertop and cabinet designs to full-service bars with sinks, lighting, and appliances. Here are some of the most popular features and how they influence total bar installation costs.

Cabinets

Cabinet costs depend on the materials and whether you opt for prefab or custom cabinets. Average costs range from $150 to $500 per linear foot for materials and installation, with wood veneer and laminate for more budget-friendly options or solid wood designs for a more luxurious style.

You can also choose from pre-made stock cabinets or custom-made designs. Stock cabinets are more affordable than custom designs. For example, solid wood stock cabinets cost $100 to $600 per linear foot, while custom solid wood cabinets range from $500 to $2,000 per linear foot.

Countertops

Countertops are key to wet and dry bars, so it’s important to balance style, function, and budget. Most homeowners spend $50 to $150 per square foot on home bar countertops. Laminate is among the most affordable options at $20 to $80 per square foot. However, it’s prone to wear, fading, and scratches. Natural stone ranges from $50 to $150 per square foot and has a longer lifespan, while metal averages $80 to $200 per square foot and is especially durable and stain-resistant.

Backsplash

Installing backsplash costs $10 to $50 per square foot and can add beauty and function to your home bar. The material is the primary cost factor. Most home bars have a smaller backsplash area than a kitchen, so some homeowners opt for more costly decorative materials. Ceramic backsplash averages $10 to $30 per square foot, granite costs $20 to $45 per square foot, and marble costs $30 to $150 per square foot.

Sink

It costs $300 to $1,400 on average to install a sink in a home bar, not including installing the plumbing lines. Drop-in sinks are one of the most affordable options because they’re quick and easy to install, often starting as low as $250 for the unit and installation. Undermount sinks are slightly more costly, starting at $350, while a space-saving corner sink typically starts at $450.

Faucet

If you already have a sink and just need to add or change a faucet, expect to pay between $250 and $600 for the fixture and installation. High-arch faucets range from $50 to $2,500 for luxury models, while pull-out faucets range from $35 to $2,000.

Prefab vs. Customized Home Bars

Prefab bars come ready to install in your home, making them a convenient and budget-friendly option. They offer fewer options than a custom design but can be a great fit for affordable home bar installation. A prefab dry bar costs an average of $1,000 to $5,000 for materials and installation, while a prefab wet bar costs $2,000 to $12,000. 

In contrast, custom designs for a dry bar may range from $5,000 to $15,000, while a custom wet bar costs anywhere between $10,000 to $30,000. Although upfront costs are higher, custom bars offer countless options for creating your own design. They’re also good for spaces where entryways may not allow you to install a prefab bar.

Does Building a Bar Increase Home Value?

Adding a bar to your home may increase the value depending on homeowner preferences and the popularity of home bars in your area. Wet bars typically add more value than dry bars and are popular in rooms designed for entertaining, such as living rooms, dining rooms, and basements, as well as unique options like an outdoor patio bar.

While adding a bar can increase home value, it doesn’t guarantee a major return on investment. If you’re considering building a home bar, focus on whether you’ll get use and enjoyment from the space.

Budgeting for Building a Bar

Installing a home bar can be an investment, but there are plenty of steps you can take to keep your project more budget-friendly:

• Compare wet vs. dry bars for your home. Installing plumbing is one of the biggest cost factors, but it can also be a major asset, depending on the bar’s location. If your bar is set far from the kitchen—for example, in the basement or on a patio—it may be worth investing in the extra convenience. However, if it’s located in a nearby room with only a short trip to access the sink, save on costs by installing a dry bar.

• Measure before you buy. Prefab options are stylish and affordable, but they may not fit into every home. Before you purchase a design, measure your entry space to ensure you can bring it home and have room for installation.

• Plan ahead and shop for sales. You may be able to find beautiful materials on sale or talk to your contractor to see if they receive special pricing.

• Contact multiple home builders in your area to compare quotes for building a home bar.

• Add the finishing touches yourself. While plumbing and electrical work are best left to the pros, DIYing tasks like painting can help reduce your total cost.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.