Basement Kitchens, Kitchenettes & Wet Bars
Adding a second kitchen, kitchenette, or wet bar to your basement turns finished space into a fully self-contained living area — perfect for in-law suites, entertaining, or simply not climbing stairs for a snack.
Winder, GA
Where Basement Expertise Meets Kitchen Know-How
This is the project we were built for. John Tidwell and Sons made its name finishing basements — and kitchens are one of the most requested features in every basement build. We have installed full basement kitchens, compact kitchenettes for in-law suites, and custom wet bars for speakeasy-themed entertainment spaces. Visit our basement remodeling hub to see the full scope of what we do below grade.
Because we handle plumbing rough-in, electrical, framing, and finish carpentry in-house, adding a kitchen or bar to your basement is a single-contractor project — no juggling multiple trades. See our main kitchen remodeling page for upstairs projects.
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A Second Kitchen, Not a Compromise
When the basement needs to function as a self-contained living space — for an in-law suite, a rental unit, or a family that lives on both floors — a full kitchen is essential. We install standard-depth cabinetry, full-size appliances, granite or quartz countertops, and layered lighting just like we would upstairs. Plumbing for the sink and dishwasher ties into existing basement rough-ins or we run new lines as needed. See our in-law suite remodeling page for how we integrate kitchens into complete living quarters.
"John and his team were great to work with. We had a 1600+ sq ft job on our unfinished basement. Kitchen, bedroom, bathroom & living area added. Plumbing, electric, separate HVAC added, all managed by John!"
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Everything You Need, Nothing You Don't
A kitchenette is the sweet spot for basements that need food prep capability without dedicating a full wall of cabinetry. We typically build these around a 6- to 8-foot cabinet run with a sink, under-counter refrigerator, microwave, and enough counter space to plate a meal. Kitchenettes are a staple of our in-law suite builds and work equally well in guest suites or teenage hangout spaces.
"From start to finish, their team was professional, attentive, and skilled. They took the time to understand our vision, providing valuable insights that enhanced the final design. The craftsmanship is exceptional."
See our profileFrom Casual Bar to Full Speakeasy
Wet bars are the centerpiece of every entertainment basement we build. Whether you want a simple bar counter with a sink and mini fridge or a full speakeasy-style build with granite bartop, glass shelving, under-cabinet lighting, and a kegerator tap, we design and build it from scratch. Our speakeasy bar projects are some of the most-viewed pages on our site — and for good reason.
"John and his Sons did a FANTASTIC job totally remodeling our entire 1600 sq ft daylight basement including a new kitchen in Lawrenceville, GA."
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We Handle the Hard Part
The biggest difference between a basement kitchen and an upstairs kitchen is plumbing. Basement sinks often require a sewage ejector pump or gravity drain tie-in depending on your home's foundation and sewer line depth. We assess your basement's plumbing situation during the estimate, spec the right solution, and handle all rough-in work in-house — so you are not coordinating between a plumber and a finish carpenter.
"I have worked with John Tidwell and sons for about 10 years....they are detail oriented on time and they are great at "making things work" when those little issues arise in renovations."
See our profileWe assess your foundation and sewer line during the estimate so there are no surprises once framing begins.
John and his Sons did a FANTASTIC job totally remodeling our entire 1600 sq ft daylight basement including a new kitchen in Lawrenceville, GA. From bringing in a huge dumpster and demolishing the old kitchen to helping me design what I wanted for our new downstairs kitchen including a beautiful granite bar to ripping out the old carpet, installing luxury vinyl floors, removing and installing gorgeous new drop ceilings to helping me pick paint colors. My husband and I were totally comfortable with John, his Sons and his entire team.
Basement Kitchen & Bar FAQ
In most jurisdictions in our service area, yes — especially if you are adding plumbing, electrical circuits, or gas lines. We pull all required permits and schedule inspections so you do not have to deal with the county directly.
A basic kitchenette — 6 to 8 feet of cabinetry, sink, under-counter fridge, countertop, and lighting — typically falls in the mid-to-upper four figures. Full basement kitchens with full-size appliances and custom cabinets run higher. We provide detailed estimates with no hidden costs.
Yes, as long as the space meets code for ventilation and clearances. Electric ranges are straightforward. Gas ranges require a gas line extension and proper venting, which we handle in-house.
An ejector pump moves wastewater from a below-grade drain up to your home's main sewer line. You need one if your basement floor is below the sewer line — which is common. We assess this during your estimate and include the pump in the scope if required.
Absolutely. We retrofit wet bars and kitchenettes into finished basements regularly. We open the necessary sections of wall to run plumbing and electrical, then patch and finish so the bar looks like it was always part of the plan.
A finished basement with a kitchen or kitchenette consistently adds value — especially when configured as an in-law suite or rental-ready unit. Appraisers and buyers both recognize the utility of a self-contained lower level.
Related Services
Basement Remodeling
Complete basement transformations from unfinished concrete to fully finished living space.
Learn MoreIn-Law Suite Remodeling
Private living quarters with bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette, and separate entrance.
Learn MoreMedia & Game Rooms
Home theaters, game rooms, and entertainment spaces designed for your basement.
Learn MoreAreas We Serve
Three Steps to Your Basement Kitchen
We have been building kitchens in basements since day one. Let us show you what is possible in your space.
Call or Request a Quote
Reach us at (404) 202-4796 or submit our online form.
Free Basement Assessment
We inspect your basement, check plumbing access, and deliver a detailed written estimate.
Construction Begins
Our crew handles framing, plumbing, electrical, cabinets, countertops, and finish work — one project at a time.