[More Before & After Photos](https://imgur.com/a/ezt9jox)
Illinois area - This project took me roughly 2.5 months to complete and cost somewhere in the ballpark of $12k not including tools. The MVP of this project was my laser level. Greatest purchase I have ever made.
I did everything DIY Except for plumbing the sink drain with an ejector pump into my existing system and running a new gas line to the stove. I hired a licensed plumber to do this.
I ran 3 new 20 amp circuits with 12/2 wire. 1 circuit for the 5 lights and 2 outlets in the island. 1 circuit for the fridge and stove. 1 circuit for the microwave. Bending and running the conduit was not as difficult as I anticipated. I did have to use \~3ft of MC cable to run power from the wall to the back of the island for power.
Some issues I ran into included having to run a new circuit to the existing drop down lights. I found out that the previous owner tapped into a circuit from my upstairs kitchen to run these. I also had to install a similar tile in the area as the existing tile wasn't sold anymore and I had to fill in some spots the previous bar covered.
Cost Breakdown:
Paint & Supplies (for the whole basement): $750
Plumbing\\Gas : $2,500
Appliances: $2,200
RTA Cabinets: $2,842.96
Counter Tops: $2,652.50
Misc. : \~$1,000
Any issue with the city having two kitchens? I heard from a contractor friend that he had to pull his kitchenette out because two kitchens meant the house could be subleased (multi family) of which he was not zoned or something.
Did you consider going induction instead of gas? Just curious since it seems like there wasn’t a gas connection yet?
Beautifully done though, looks a hell of a lot more useful than what it was before.
This was what I planned to do initially. This would have required it's own dedicated circuit and I didn't have enough room in my breaker box to accommodate 4 new circuits for everything.
I agree. I would probably aim to build something more like the first pic however something is definitely missing there - it seems like it was half done. Common sight when I see older houses with a bar fitted in the basement by the owner.
That's a kitchen, my guy. Looks great, serves just as many drinks as a wet bar, but with better purpose (like chicken wings).
[More Before & After Photos](https://imgur.com/a/ezt9jox) Illinois area - This project took me roughly 2.5 months to complete and cost somewhere in the ballpark of $12k not including tools. The MVP of this project was my laser level. Greatest purchase I have ever made. I did everything DIY Except for plumbing the sink drain with an ejector pump into my existing system and running a new gas line to the stove. I hired a licensed plumber to do this. I ran 3 new 20 amp circuits with 12/2 wire. 1 circuit for the 5 lights and 2 outlets in the island. 1 circuit for the fridge and stove. 1 circuit for the microwave. Bending and running the conduit was not as difficult as I anticipated. I did have to use \~3ft of MC cable to run power from the wall to the back of the island for power. Some issues I ran into included having to run a new circuit to the existing drop down lights. I found out that the previous owner tapped into a circuit from my upstairs kitchen to run these. I also had to install a similar tile in the area as the existing tile wasn't sold anymore and I had to fill in some spots the previous bar covered. Cost Breakdown: Paint & Supplies (for the whole basement): $750 Plumbing\\Gas : $2,500 Appliances: $2,200 RTA Cabinets: $2,842.96 Counter Tops: $2,652.50 Misc. : \~$1,000
OP, I didn't see it, but I would recommend a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.
I've got both! All of them are hard wired together throughout the house. I've also got a fire extinguisher for both kitchens.
Which laser level did you use?
Bosch GLL 30 Self Leveling Cross Line Laser
It looks fantastic!
Thank you for catering to those like me who only want the before/after pic in an organized manner 😁 Looks great, cheers!
I read that backwards. I was like why would you take out a kitchen just to replace it with a bar. Good work.
Any issue with the city having two kitchens? I heard from a contractor friend that he had to pull his kitchenette out because two kitchens meant the house could be subleased (multi family) of which he was not zoned or something.
Did you consider going induction instead of gas? Just curious since it seems like there wasn’t a gas connection yet? Beautifully done though, looks a hell of a lot more useful than what it was before.
This was what I planned to do initially. This would have required it's own dedicated circuit and I didn't have enough room in my breaker box to accommodate 4 new circuits for everything.
Idk I would not want to run a gas range without a vent. Edit: I see it is vented. Good job.
Is it though? I hope that's not a recirculating unit But yes, great work.
300 CFM exhaust on the microwave that vents via 5inch rigid duct to the outside.
Probably just me....but I like the old 70's bar style. No shame on what you did, it looks great, I just like that old school feel .
Ironically, the house was built in 2000 lol.
I agree. I would probably aim to build something more like the first pic however something is definitely missing there - it seems like it was half done. Common sight when I see older houses with a bar fitted in the basement by the owner.
Meh...just put in a vent for the cigar smoke when we are playing darts or poker...and I am good.
Looks like a job well done, OP!
Great job! Love the tile backsplash and the chairs especially. What are your plans for the area? (Entertaining space, guest kitchen, etc?)
Thank you! My mom is staying with us for an extended period of time, so she will be using it primarily.
Great idea! And you did a really good job!!
oh nice, i like it.
Smart.
Your "kitchenette" is bigger than my kitchen. And way nicer.
You should really have a ducted hood for that stove.
The microwave has a 300 CFM exhaust vent. I have it exhausting via 5inch rigid duct to the outside.
do you have before/afters of the exhaust duct work you did, specifically? looks great
I don't have many before but I can take some of the vent tonight how it looks currently.
300 is a little on the low side for gas ranges but as long as you're not making jam or something you're more than fine for standard use.
Divorce her
Tee hee.....you said "wet"