Do buyers want a wet bar in the basement?

[Anonymous]

we had a small one put in when we had our basement renovated a couple of years ago. It didn't cost much because it was literally on the same wall (opposite side) that the hot water heater is on, so the plumbing was really simple to do. It has a small sink, a beverage fridge, some drawers, a counter, an upper cabinet and upper microwave. We use it pretty regularly, and since our main TV area is down there it is nice for having a few snacks, some drinks, and a popcorn maker.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have young kids so when I see them its a big minus. Its part of a basement the kids can't play in and I can't leave them downstairs alone (they'd turn on the sink and start making a mess playing in the water).

You know every sink has a water shut off right? Just turn the water shut off if you don't want it being used.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have young kids so when I see them its a big minus. Its part of a basement the kids can't play in and I can't leave them downstairs alone (they'd turn on the sink and start making a mess playing in the water).

When those kids are teenagers you will love a wet bar. We have a drink fridge, sink, dishwasher and microwave. We also have a full size fridge and freezer in the laundry room. Our basement is a kids lounge with TV, game system, foosball, etc. and We have a separate set of dishes for the kids to use down there. They are responsible for getting their food and cleaning everything up!

[Anonymous]

Not the kind that looks like an actual bar where someone stands behind it and serves drinks. Screams 70’s. I like houses with a counter against the wall with built in wine fridge, small sink, and storage for glasses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, thank you. Who on earth wants to socialize in a basement??? Basement are useless except for storage.

Maybe yours is. Mine is fully ground level on two sides, halfway on one side, and sub-ground only on one. So not very "basement-like". The sub-ground level portion is mostly staircase down, a couple of closets, and the HVAC systems.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For me, the ones that are set up like an actual bar are a detraction, because they take up a lot of space and it's not really how I entertain. We mostly use our basement as kid hangout space, and it's nice having a lot of open space. I can, however, see big benefits in having an extra fridge (or mini fridge, or wine fridge) down there for beverages, as well as a sink and dishwasher. And definitely a plus if you have a guest room in the basement, as you could use the area for snacks, coffee, sodas, etc. for guest.

I'd probably be hesitant to keep alcohol other than wine down there, though, as my kids got older.

My kids are legal drinking age now, but we never had any issues with them taking our liquor. Meaning that they never stole any from us. If they're inclined to do that, they will regardless of where you keep it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, the ones that are set up like an actual bar are a detraction, because they take up a lot of space and it's not really how I entertain. We mostly use our basement as kid hangout space, and it's nice having a lot of open space. I can, however, see big benefits in having an extra fridge (or mini fridge, or wine fridge) down there for beverages, as well as a sink and dishwasher. And definitely a plus if you have a guest room in the basement, as you could use the area for snacks, coffee, sodas, etc. for guest.

I'd probably be hesitant to keep alcohol other than wine down there, though, as my kids got older.

My kids are legal drinking age now, but we never had any issues with them taking our liquor. Meaning that they never stole any from us. If they're inclined to do that, they will regardless of where you keep it.

Sometimes I read posts on this forum about what people's kids will do and I wonder who these kids are? They don't remind me of any kids I've known.

Like what sort of kids are going to turn on a sink and splash water everywhere?

[Anonymous]

If you have a bedroom in the basement I would definitely do it. That way you have the flexibility of a guest suite/Airbnb/etc. and that is a valuable feature to have.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not the kind that looks like an actual bar where someone stands behind it and serves drinks. Screams 70’s. I like houses with a counter against the wall with built in wine fridge, small sink, and storage for glasses.

+1 I like a small wet bar, but this seems to border on tacky. I probably wouldn't buy a home that had one of these, especially if it takes up a majority of the basement's entertaining space.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For me, the ones that are set up like an actual bar are a detraction, because they take up a lot of space and it's not really how I entertain. We mostly use our basement as kid hangout space, and it's nice having a lot of open space. I can, however, see big benefits in having an extra fridge (or mini fridge, or wine fridge) down there for beverages, as well as a sink and dishwasher. And definitely a plus if you have a guest room in the basement, as you could use the area for snacks, coffee, sodas, etc. for guest.

I'd probably be hesitant to keep alcohol other than wine down there, though, as my kids got older.

My kids are legal drinking age now, but we never had any issues with them taking our liquor. Meaning that they never stole any from us. If they're inclined to do that, they will regardless of where you keep it.

Sometimes I read posts on this forum about what people's kids will do and I wonder who these kids are? They don't remind me of any kids I've known.

Like what sort of kids are going to turn on a sink and splash water everywhere?

My kids never did that either. Apparently I raised little angels. jk, obviously. I think they just didn't find sinks super-exciting, I can't think of a single time they ever did anything like that...it was usually a struggle to get them near water intended for washing and brushing of teeth.

[Anonymous]

I hate it when people entertain in the basement. It’s a kids zone only in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not the kind that looks like an actual bar where someone stands behind it and serves drinks. Screams 70’s. I like houses with a counter against the wall with built in wine fridge, small sink, and storage for glasses.

+1 I like a small wet bar, but this seems to border on tacky. I probably wouldn't buy a home that had one of these, especially if it takes up a majority of the basement's entertaining space.

Really, these are tacky? I like the island because otherwise its just a counter against the wall that is on display, and it looks untidy and out of place.

https://cdn.decorpad.com/photos/2013/09/16/e6a302ff8528.jpg

https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/pictures/basements/basement-wet-bar-fbc-remodel-img~ddb1d38701474a59_9-6546-1-e5ce84a.jpg

https://empire-s3-production.bobvila.com/slides/23383/original/soapstone-bar.jpg?1591226494

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Who socializes in a basement? Well we throw all of our kid birthday parties in the basement/back yard and it's used a lot then. Everyone runs in an out from the birthday activities in the yard to the buffet of food we set up in the basement. Our basement is huge though and has a big walk out to the yard. We can set up long tables to eat at (summer birthdays, adults don't want to be outside). It wouldn't make sense to host birthday parties on our first floor. We have ours set up more as a bar/ kitchenette. Less alcohol on display (because it's a kid area!). We also thought the wet bar/kitchenette would be useful in case if our parents ever moved in or we had a live in nanny. Then it could be more of an inlaw suite downstairs.

+1 Our kids are a bit older and having the small bar works great! We have big super bowl parties and the basement accommodates the 70 foot tv and extra large sectional couch very well.

There is also an exercise room with a rubber floor and full bath and bedroom.

Our bar is on one wall with stacked stone backsplash and quartz countertop.

it has drink cooler, sink, microwave and cabinets for glassses and drawers for storage.

We have a full size refrigerator in onn of the storage rooms nearby.

Not using your basement for entertaining is so old school thinking. Basement renovations have come along way since the 50's with the wood paneling.

[Anonymous]

My basement came with a wet bar. I use the fridge for extra beer storage but the sink barely ever gets used and the bar itself gets used for folding laundry more than anything else.

If you plan on setting up your basement as designated entertaining space it's worth it, but otherwise it's a minor convenience at best. Honestly the only houses I've seen do a basement wet bar well are man caves and walk-outs that lead directly to a pool or big patio. That way you can go inside to the bar if it rains or just keep the doors open and people can migrate in and out as they please, plus you can keep the food inside where it stays out of the sun and away from bugs.

[Anonymous]

100% have them do the rough-in. it will cost like $350 now, doing it later will cost many thousands.