Adding a sink where there is no plumbing
A wet bar sink needs supply lines and a drain with proper venting. In a basement, the drain may have to go to an existing stack or a pump. Plumbing is done by a licensed plumber.
Serving 49 Chicago-area suburbs
Home Bars & Coffee Stations in Chicago & the Suburbs
Built-in wet bars, dry bars and coffee stations for Chicagoland kitchens, dining rooms and basements.
- Local crews working in the Chicago suburbs, from Naperville to Evanston
- Design, permits and every trade on one schedule
- A written, itemized estimate before any work
Home bar and coffee station problems we solve in Chicagoland
A home bar or coffee station is a small project with a lot packed in: cabinets, a counter, sometimes a sink, a beverage fridge or an ice maker, each with its own power, water and clearance needs. We build them in Chicagoland kitchens, dining rooms and basements, with plumbing done by a licensed plumber when there is a sink.
Ice maker that needs a drain
An ice maker is plumbing as well as an appliance. We confirm the drain type it needs and where it will go.
Glassware and bottles with no home
Built-in glass racks, wine cubbies and closed cabinets keep bottles and glassware organized and out of sunlight.
Unused dining room or hallway wall
We often turn a narrow wall into a built-in with cabinets below and glass or open shelving above.
Bar that doesn't match the house
A built-in bar should look like part of the home. We match cabinet style, trim and finishes to nearby rooms.
Not enough outlets or breakers tripping
We check the appliance requirements and have the right circuits and GFCI-protected outlets installed near the counter and sink.
Beverage fridge overheating or failing
We size the cabinet opening to the fridge's installation instructions so it can breathe.
Bar seating and counter height
If you want stools, the counter height, overhang and knee space need to be planned for comfortable seating.
What's included
- Visit and planningWe look at the location, measure and check where water, drain and power are.
- Permits where requiredWe pull the permits the village requires for new lines or circuits.
- Plumbing rough-inWater and drain lines go in before the cabinets, done by a licensed plumber.
- Electrical rough-inWe have new outlets, circuits and lighting wired before the walls are closed.
- Cabinet installationBase and wall cabinets or open shelves are installed level and secured.
- Countertop and sinkThe counter is templated and installed, with the bar sink and faucet set.
- Appliances and finishingFridges, ice makers and coffee machines are connected, and trim and hardware go on.
Finishes and options
Bar sinks and faucetsSmall sinks made for bars, matched with a faucet that fits the space.
Cabinet styles to matchShaker, flat-panel or raised-panel doors in paint or stain to match the house.
Glass-front doors and open shelvingGlass doors, open shelves and wine racks for display.
Quartz, stone and wood topsHard-wearing stone or quartz tops, or a sealed wood top where water use is light.
Water filters for coffeeAn under-sink or inline filter for a plumbed espresso machine or coffee station faucet.
Home Bars & Coffee Stations across Chicagoland
The same job looks different in a 1920s bungalow, a 1970s split-level and a new subdivision. Here is what we plan for in different parts of the region.
Condo and townhome towns
Coffee station or bar in a condo
Condos have rules about plumbing and electrical work. We check what the association requires before planning a sink.
Mount Prospect, Glendale Heights, Schaumburg, Woodridge, Evanston, Lombard
Before and after: home bar or coffee station near you
Before
AfterBefore and after: a prewar foursquare in Evanston
This one is a prewar foursquare in Evanston. The reason for the call: wanting a place to entertain downstairs. The result: a built-in wet bar with base cabinets, a beverage fridge, open shelves and a small bar sink. The job covered cabinet installation, countertop and sink, plus appliances and finishing.
Home Bars & Coffee Stations in Evanston →
Before
AfterBefore and after: a 1950s ranch in Elmhurst
This one is a 1950s ranch in Elmhurst. What bothered the owners most: an unused corner with no purpose. After: a built-in wet bar with base cabinets, a beverage fridge, open shelves and a small bar sink. On site this meant permits where required, countertop and sink, plus appliances and finishing.
Home Bars & Coffee Stations in Elmhurst →
Before
AfterA Tinley Park two-story colonial from the 1990s: before and after
A two-story colonial from the 1990s in Tinley Park, a typical kitchen for Tinley Park. The reason for the call: nowhere to keep glassware and drinks. After: a built-in wet bar with base cabinets, a beverage fridge, open shelves and a small bar sink. Work included visit and planning, plumbing rough-in, plus appliances and finishing.
Home Bars & Coffee Stations in Tinley Park →From first visit to final walk-through
- Tell us what you wantA few pictures and your must-haves help us plan the visit.
- Visit and designOn site we confirm what fits and where water and power come from.
- Written estimateYou get an itemized estimate and, once approved, a schedule.
- Build and connectWe build it, connect it and test everything.
Questions about home bar or coffee station
How much does a home bar cost?
It depends on size, cabinets, countertop, appliances and whether plumbing is needed. We give a written, itemized estimate after the visit.
What is the difference between a wet bar and a dry bar?
Wet means plumbing; dry means no plumbing. A dry bar is simpler to place, a wet bar more convenient for cleanup.
Does a beverage fridge need ventilation?
We follow the installation specs for clearance so the fridge runs properly.
Do I need a permit for a wet bar?
Plumbing and electrical work generally needs one. Cabinets alone usually don't.
Do coffee stations need a dedicated circuit?
Often, yes. It keeps breakers from tripping when several appliances are on.
Which towns do you serve?
Chicago and 49 suburbs, from Naperville and Aurora to Evanston, Schaumburg and Orland Park. Pick your town below for local details and ZIP codes.
Home Bars & Coffee Stations near you
Pick your town for local details, ZIP codes and nearby projects.