How to Buy a Home Bar

Would you love to have a home bar? Whether your choice is simply a counter where you drink a few beers while the game's on or place where you can entertain in a lavish style, this article will give you suggestions and guidelines needed accomplish what you want.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen and paper (for notes)
• Graph paper
• Tape measure
• Catalogs
• Internet

How to Buy a Home Bar

1. Consider how much space that can be used for a home bar and where the preferred location will be.

2. 
    
   Small Bar Unit

   Measure the room or area where the bar will be. Draw on graph paper the desired size of the bar. Can the bar be accessed comfortably from one or both sides? Is there room for bar stools in front of the bar? Will you be devoting an entire room for the bar or will it be incorporated into an existing room such as the family room? Are there small children in the household? If there are, consider a bar with a locking liquor cabinet. Is there a bathroom nearby?

3. 
    
   Vintage Bar with overhead

   Determine how much storage area will be required for spirits, glassware and bar utensils. Is a back bar, or shelving behind the bar in your plans, if so allow extra space for ease of movement behind the bar. Will the bar have an overhead rack for glassware or lighting? Is the ceiling high enough to accommodate that?

4. Think about whether a sink, refrigeration or beer taps are going to be installed. Is plumbing and electricity accessible? If this must be installed or plumbed, add the additional cost to your budget.

5. 
    
   Bar with Foot Rail

   Will you be using an ice bucket and tongs, or an ice maker? Ice makers require both electricity and plumbing. Will a wine cooler be included? If so, draw in the additional footage required.

6. Do you allow smoking in the bar area? If so a vent fan is strongly recommended.

7. Consider the location of a television and or stereo system. Will the television be easily viewable from the bar stools?

8. Will the home bar have a theme? There are many options for themed bars, including South Pacific island and modern.

9. Will you be buying a bar from a retailer or having it built? When purchasing a home bar from a retailer or off the Internet, consider the freight and installation charges. If the bar is being built, get estimates from reliable contractors as well as expected completion time frames. If you are considering building the home bar yourself, do you have the skills and required tools?

References

• Advice on buying or building a bar
• Home bars