Yes, a dry bar is built without any plumbing, and that is the only kind of bar we build. It includes a counter, glass display, bottle storage and a beverage fridge that plugs into an existing outlet. Adding a sink means new supply and drain lines, which is permit work outside our scope.
A dry bar gives you most of what people use a bar for. Typical pieces include a counter for mixing and serving, glass-front uppers for display, racks or drawers for bottles, stemware storage, and a beverage fridge set into the base cabinets. Plug-in LED lighting can run inside the glass cabinets to show off what is on the shelves. Because it is cabinetry installed against an existing wall, it usually fits the same scope as a bookcase or media wall.
The fridge is the item to plan first. It has to land near an existing outlet, and it needs the ventilation the manufacturer calls for, so we choose the appliance before the cabinet drawings are final. Good locations include a dining room wall, a den, a family room alcove or a space under the stairs where the existing outlet is close by. If a location has no usable outlet, a new one may need a permit, so we would suggest a different spot.
A bar sink requires water supply and drain lines, and that requires a permit and is outside the projects we take on. We keep our projects within the scope that does not require a building permit, and we tell you at the first visit if what you have in mind would need one. A dry bar with glass display and a beverage fridge generally falls in our $15,000+ tier, depending on size and finish, and lead time is 3 to 6 weeks from design approval.
Answered by Legacy Construction & Design · CA License #790442 · October 2026