Do buyers want a wet bar in the basement?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What’s wrong with having some bar seating? Whenever we entertain, people always immediate take the bar seats on the bar we have on our covered porch and our island seating before our other, arguably much more comfortable furniture. I think that type of seating leads to easy conversation and a more laid-back atmosphere.

I think the issue is would it get used in a basement. Me personally, I would never entertain adults in my basement and that wouldn’t be any kind of gathering point. It’s where the kids go during a party. And I have a nice basement. It’s just my above ground space is much nicer and plenty big.

I can also say I have never been encouraged to hang out in the basement at anyone else’s gatherings or parties either. It’s either family space or kid space.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wet Bars haven’t been a thing in 20 years.

Find me a single new build in McLean or Bethesda around 2million or so that doesn’t have a wet bar.

McMansion filler that I’ve yet to see anyone use in 30 years, which isn’t surprising because hard liquor sales have been declining over a similar time period.

Boomers are getting older, drinking less, the richest Millennials just discovered Scotch and are pretending to like it, and Gen Z drinks even less. I doubt wet bar is even a top 20 category in Houzz.

At least you can argue those extra bathrooms are for entertaining, but there’s diminishing returns after the 5th bathroom.

I guess you’ve been living under a rock then if you haven’t seen them used in 30y because this one was built last year and has a real wet bar... https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1241-Kurtz-Rd_MC-Lean_VA_22101_M64238-21430

This link totally makes the case that it’s McMansion filler! Sure if you have 8000 square feet and you have massive large room after massive large room, go for it! Still don’t think it will get used much but it’s not hurting anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What’s wrong with having some bar seating? Whenever we entertain, people always immediate take the bar seats on the bar we have on our covered porch and our island seating before our other, arguably much more comfortable furniture. I think that type of seating leads to easy conversation and a more laid-back atmosphere.

I think the issue is would it get used in a basement. Me personally, I would never entertain adults in my basement and that wouldn’t be any kind of gathering point. It’s where the kids go during a party. And I have a nice basement. It’s just my above ground space is much nicer and plenty big.

I can also say I have never been encouraged to hang out in the basement at anyone else’s gatherings or parties either. It’s either family space or kid space.

But the point is a wet bar isn’t an actual bar. (Though I agree with the PP you’re responding to that bar seating can be inviting.) It’s a place for drinks and such. Our kids and oversight guests use ours all the time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What’s wrong with having some bar seating? Whenever we entertain, people always immediate take the bar seats on the bar we have on our covered porch and our island seating before our other, arguably much more comfortable furniture. I think that type of seating leads to easy conversation and a more laid-back atmosphere.

I think the issue is would it get used in a basement. Me personally, I would never entertain adults in my basement and that wouldn’t be any kind of gathering point. It’s where the kids go during a party. And I have a nice basement. It’s just my above ground space is much nicer and plenty big.

I can also say I have never been encouraged to hang out in the basement at anyone else’s gatherings or parties either. It’s either family space or kid space.

But the point is a wet bar isn’t an actual bar. (Though I agree with the PP you’re responding to that bar seating can be inviting.) It’s a place for drinks and such. Our kids and oversight guests use ours all the time.

Lol, overnight guests*

I have a feeling the term “wet bar” invokes a lot of 80s paneling and bar seating. I have nothing against wet bars and/or sometimes full bars in basements if done well on a small scale—which hopefully would be what OP would put in. I wouldn’t want an 80s kitchen in my new build or an 80s wet bar. But they can be done to look very pretty if desired...or entirely basic in a way they fade into the background and are just a usable benefit for those who spend time in their basements.

[Anonymous]

I am renovating my basement and adding a space that would get labeled a wet bar, though for me it is a small kitchenette area, intended for use by someone who might be staying with me for an extended time, like my mom.
Also, I have two friends who rent out there basements on AirBnB, with wet bar type setups that serve as a food prep area for the guests.
Maybe you won’t ever use your basement in those ways but some people do and for me, having that space already there would be a plus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wet Bars haven’t been a thing in 20 years.

Find me a single new build in McLean or Bethesda around 2million or so that doesn’t have a wet bar.

McMansion filler that I’ve yet to see anyone use in 30 years, which isn’t surprising because hard liquor sales have been declining over a similar time period.

Boomers are getting older, drinking less, the richest Millennials just discovered Scotch and are pretending to like it, and Gen Z drinks even less. I doubt wet bar is even a top 20 category in Houzz.

At least you can argue those extra bathrooms are for entertaining, but there’s diminishing returns after the 5th bathroom.

I guess you’ve been living under a rock then if you haven’t seen them used in 30y because this one was built last year and has a real wet bar... https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1241-Kurtz-Rd_MC-Lean_VA_22101_M64238-21430

This link totally makes the case that it’s McMansion filler! Sure if you have 8000 square feet and you have massive large room after massive large room, go for it! Still don’t think it will get used much but it’s not hurting anything.

Well the PP said “that I haven’t yet seen in 30 years”. OPs question was about a 5000sqft house. Here is another example currently being built below 5000sqft which has a wet bar. https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3841-Military-Rd_Arlington_VA_22207_M98481-88740

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What’s wrong with having some bar seating? Whenever we entertain, people always immediate take the bar seats on the bar we have on our covered porch and our island seating before our other, arguably much more comfortable furniture. I think that type of seating leads to easy conversation and a more laid-back atmosphere.

I think the issue is would it get used in a basement. Me personally, I would never entertain adults in my basement and that wouldn’t be any kind of gathering point. It’s where the kids go during a party. And I have a nice basement. It’s just my above ground space is much nicer and plenty big.

I can also say I have never been encouraged to hang out in the basement at anyone else’s gatherings or parties either. It’s either family space or kid space.

But the point is a wet bar isn’t an actual bar. (Though I agree with the PP you’re responding to that bar seating can be inviting.) It’s a place for drinks and such. Our kids and oversight guests use ours all the time.

Yeah, I'm not hung up on whether it's a bar. Area for food and drink and food and drink prep. I don't and wouldn't really want to do that in my basement. That's just me. I don't find them horribly offensive or anything though.

[Anonymous]

In the past 20 years with the popularity of rooftop patios in the DC area, I've seen many new townhouse developments offer the wet bar option on the 4th level. The 4th level is the new basement with the patio and the the enclosed space as a tv room.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wet Bars haven’t been a thing in 20 years.

Find me a single new build in McLean or Bethesda around 2million or so that doesn’t have a wet bar.

McMansion filler that I’ve yet to see anyone use in 30 years, which isn’t surprising because hard liquor sales have been declining over a similar time period.

Boomers are getting older, drinking less, the richest Millennials just discovered Scotch and are pretending to like it, and Gen Z drinks even less. I doubt wet bar is even a top 20 category in Houzz.

At least you can argue those extra bathrooms are for entertaining, but there’s diminishing returns after the 5th bathroom.

I guess you’ve been living under a rock then if you haven’t seen them used in 30y because this one was built last year and has a real wet bar... https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1241-Kurtz-Rd_MC-Lean_VA_22101_M64238-21430

This link totally makes the case that it’s McMansion filler! Sure if you have 8000 square feet and you have massive large room after massive large room, go for it! Still don’t think it will get used much but it’s not hurting anything.

Well the PP said “that I haven’t yet seen in 30 years”. OPs question was about a 5000sqft house. Here is another example currently being built below 5000sqft which has a wet bar. https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3841-Military-Rd_Arlington_VA_22207_M98481-88740

I like the one in this house. If you're going to do it, that's the way to go. The photos do paint the use case that we're all hanging out in the basement playing pool and throwing back drinks. Fine and also something I would never do at a party and totally gives me frat house vibes. But doesn't mean other people can't do it and have fun!

[Anonymous]

No. That’s 1970s or before style.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes OP. It will add value to your basement in the DMV. Make sure it’s a kitchenette.

This. Kitchenette is key.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wet Bars haven’t been a thing in 20 years.

Find me a single new build in McLean or Bethesda around 2million or so that doesn’t have a wet bar.

McMansion filler that I’ve yet to see anyone use in 30 years, which isn’t surprising because hard liquor sales have been declining over a similar time period.

Boomers are getting older, drinking less, the richest Millennials just discovered Scotch and are pretending to like it, and Gen Z drinks even less. I doubt wet bar is even a top 20 category in Houzz.

At least you can argue those extra bathrooms are for entertaining, but there’s diminishing returns after the 5th bathroom.

I guess you’ve been living under a rock then if you haven’t seen them used in 30y because this one was built last year and has a real wet bar... https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1241-Kurtz-Rd_MC-Lean_VA_22101_M64238-21430

This link totally makes the case that it’s McMansion filler! Sure if you have 8000 square feet and you have massive large room after massive large room, go for it! Still don’t think it will get used much but it’s not hurting anything.

Well the PP said “that I haven’t yet seen in 30 years”. OPs question was about a 5000sqft house. Here is another example currently being built below 5000sqft which has a wet bar. https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3841-Military-Rd_Arlington_VA_22207_M98481-88740

Ugh the tiny, tiny yard on this one. Skip the kitchenette and make the house smaller and give me some actual outdoor space. It could still be a nice and large house.

[Anonymous]

Think most will find it a benefit, or at least not be scared off, as long as you stick to the typical new-build set-ups like this:

https://images.app.goo.gl/9n4rHjetKhvQGzZv9

Folks interested in doing more entertainment in their basement can always build off something like that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wet Bars haven’t been a thing in 20 years.

Find me a single new build in McLean or Bethesda around 2million or so that doesn’t have a wet bar.

McMansion filler that I’ve yet to see anyone use in 30 years, which isn’t surprising because hard liquor sales have been declining over a similar time period.

Boomers are getting older, drinking less, the richest Millennials just discovered Scotch and are pretending to like it, and Gen Z drinks even less. I doubt wet bar is even a top 20 category in Houzz.

At least you can argue those extra bathrooms are for entertaining, but there’s diminishing returns after the 5th bathroom.

I guess you’ve been living under a rock then if you haven’t seen them used in 30y because this one was built last year and has a real wet bar... https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/1241-Kurtz-Rd_MC-Lean_VA_22101_M64238-21430

This link totally makes the case that it’s McMansion filler! Sure if you have 8000 square feet and you have massive large room after massive large room, go for it! Still don’t think it will get used much but it’s not hurting anything.

Well the PP said “that I haven’t yet seen in 30 years”. OPs question was about a 5000sqft house. Here is another example currently being built below 5000sqft which has a wet bar. https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3841-Military-Rd_Arlington_VA_22207_M98481-88740

Ugh the tiny, tiny yard on this one. Skip the kitchenette and make the house smaller and give me some actual outdoor space. It could still be a nice and large house.

Yeah, if they only didn't have that kitchenette, house could drop 1,000 square feet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Think most will find it a benefit, or at least not be scared off, as long as you stick to the typical new-build set-ups like this:

https://images.app.goo.gl/9n4rHjetKhvQGzZv9

Folks interested in doing more entertainment in their basement can always build off something like that.

I going to announce to all that no one in my house drinks alcohol, like my friends of course, and that wine rack is offensive to me. Wouldn't buy that house! $$$ to remove.