As people seek ways to enhance the luxury and value of their homes, many have decided to install or build a bar in their entertaining/entertainment area. While having a bar by itself may not generate a great return of equity on the investment, that goal can be enhanced by incorporating the bar into an area of the house where there are available such amenities as electronic devices and games of various types.
The first thing to consider is to make sure that you have enough space, not just for the bar itself but for seating and any amenities you may wish to have. How many people do you anticipate entertaining? Is there enough room for bar stools and other types of seating, if any?
At a minimum, one should expect to at least provide a television of some substantial size, whether for sporting events or perhaps watching movies on DVD. Is there room for people to move among the seating? Is there access to a bathroom without having to make people move out of the way
In addition to having room for guests, don’t forget to account for the space needed to make the bar functional. Some type of refrigeration is going to be needed, unless you intend to rely on ice buckets fed from a remote source. Would a small bar fridge be large enough to accommodate your guests needs, or will you require a full size unit? What about a supply of glassware? Where will you put the various types of glasses traditionally used for various kinds of mixed drinks? Do you intend to have beer on tap? Will you need to accommodate a half barrel of beer or just a quarter barrel?
Another major consumer of space is a sink. Not only will you need counter space to allow such a thing, if you opt to have one, but you need to account for access to both the supply and drain systems of the house itself. Will this require installing pipes that can’t easily be kept out of view?
Before going out and buying a ready made bar or starting construction on a custom home bar unit, be sure to take all of these things into account. Ask around among your friends and family for their thoughts and make a plan. By doing so you are off on the right foot to have a home bar that will maximize your return on your investment in it.
