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Original poster

Settle an argument- downstairs loo or not…?

362 replies

TheBeaTgoeson1 · 13/04/2026 11:58

Please help settle an argument…

Starting on a small renovation. One person thinks that a downstairs loo is important as part of the work, there is space for it.

The other doesn’t see that it adds attraction to a property, and there’s a nice bathroom with loo at the top of the stairs…

Those who have or haven’t got one, who is reasonable?

(It would bring the total of loos in the house to two.)

OP posts:
grizzlyoldbear · 13/04/2026 12:42

4 people = 2 loo's minimum

Newusername0 · 13/04/2026 12:40

We’ve just sold our house and the couple that bought it said they were originally not even going to view at all because the listing didn’t include a downstairs toilet. When they saw we had one they were thrilled and made an offer same day.

Hellometime · 13/04/2026 12:40

I’d say it’s a no brainer to include loo downstairs. For convenience and re sale. Convenience for visitors.
If anyone has an injury or illness and cannot manage stairs eg

MyMilchick · 13/04/2026 12:38

Definitely yes to the Downstairs loo. Not sure what I voted for though, it's confusing 😂

Nourishinghandcream · 13/04/2026 12:37

Definitely yes to a downstairs loo but with caveats.

I absolutely hate a utility/toilet. Just seems wrong (to me) to have a toilet in the same room as the laundry and would always go for a separate toilet.
I also dislike a tiny toilet crammed into an unsuitable space but has been done just to provide that second toilet. Apart from being cramped, these almost always include a tiny sink or another pet peeve, a sink/cistern combo.
Finally is the location of the downstairs loo. Off a hallway or utility is great but direct access from a living room, kitchen etc is not nice (noise, smells etc).

Rounder888 · 13/04/2026 12:37

I don’t have a downstairs loo and god I miss one!! Seriously considering whether we can squeeze one in our porch. My elderly father in law can’t come round as can’t use the stairs to the bathroom, got a toddler who’s potty trained that I’d give my right leg to use that instead. Honestly a whole boot room/laundry and bathroom/shower downstairs is the ultimate dream!

ItWasnaMeGuv · 13/04/2026 12:36

TheBeaTgoeson1 · 13/04/2026 11:58

Please help settle an argument…

Starting on a small renovation. One person thinks that a downstairs loo is important as part of the work, there is space for it.

The other doesn’t see that it adds attraction to a property, and there’s a nice bathroom with loo at the top of the stairs…

Those who have or haven’t got one, who is reasonable?

(It would bring the total of loos in the house to two.)

I would have loved a downstairs loo, so handy for toileting young children, and for our visitors convenience etc. No room unfortunately in our small house. We have lived here (happily) for 32 years, brought our kids up here.

nOlives · 13/04/2026 12:35

The only absolute requirement when we moved was 2 loos, one up and one down.
This is even more important when the only loo is in the same room as the only bath/shower.
I was pregnant with our second and trailing up and downstairs was a nightmare.
Now with 4 adults in the house the first thing I would magic in would be a third loo.
I did find the vote a bit confusing but seems I went with the popular opinion.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 13/04/2026 12:34

angelopal · 13/04/2026 12:00

Second loo is always a bonus. If you have visitors they don't need to go upstairs.

Really handy for young children especially if potty training.

Also anyone who finds stairs difficult

AmazingGreatAunt · 13/04/2026 12:33

Downstairs loo is essential. I prefer the old-fashioned cloakroom style, where you could hang coats and keep shoes as well.
Window also very important.

Leapintothelightning · 13/04/2026 12:33

My children (6&3) always seem to need to use the loo at the exact same moment. 2 toilets would make my life a hell of a lot easier!

redskyAtNigh · 13/04/2026 12:33

I think a house of that size with only 1 loo is too restrictive.
we would be forever having to cross our legs when DD has her long showers and spends age putting on her makeup

Spinksie · 13/04/2026 12:32

As you’re team loo I’ve voted you are not being unreasonable which contradicts your second post on page 1.
#confusedvoter

SP2024 · 13/04/2026 12:32

Yes absolutely for a family house. Great for kids, potty training, guests, elderly people visiting

loislovesstewie · 13/04/2026 12:31

When we last moved I would not consider a house with no loo downstairs. Which meant that lots of houses, which were otherwise really nice houses, didn't get on the list. As it happens we found a house with a downstairs shower room so I was even more pleased. If any of the houses had had a space where a loo could have been fitted, that would have made the list but very few had that.

LostThestral · 13/04/2026 12:31

We added a downstairs loo to a 3 bed house to give us 2 loo's - absolutely wouldn't be without it now

maz210 · 13/04/2026 12:31

Yes to the downstairs loo. I have mobility issues, and wouldn’t consider buying a house without a downstairs toilet. I struggle at friend’s houses without one, particularly if their stairs are steep/awkward.

DripDripAprilshower · 13/04/2026 12:30

It would bring the total of loos in the house to two.

You can’t just have one loo in the house

BoredZelda · 13/04/2026 12:30

Absolutely yes. Excellent for young families, disabled people, elderly people, and those who can’t be arsed going upstairs for a quick pee a gazillion times a day.

Morepositivemum · 13/04/2026 12:30

It should be a legal requirement that every house has a downstairs toilet- watching my mum trying to get to the toilet on time is horrendous, I think every house should have the option

TheChosenTwo · 13/04/2026 12:29

Absolutely team downstairs loo here.
its a lifesaver, we regularly host family get togethers for about 25 and sometimes all 3 loos in the house are in use!
But even so, as a family of 5 where there are often 7 in the house (partners of dc) the more loos the better.

CautiousLurker2 · 13/04/2026 12:28

Considered pretty essential by most estate agents these days. A quick google states that current building regs require all new builds in the UK (so not just ireland) to have an accessible downstairs loo now too.

So yes for practicality, and the onward saleability of your home, one is pretty essential these days.

DoloresDelEriba · 13/04/2026 12:28

I wouldn't buy a house without a downstairs loo...

Original poster
TheBeaTgoeson1 · 13/04/2026 12:28

Yellowstri · 13/04/2026 12:26

Definitely have the loo if you can. The only situation in which I'd say no is if the loo would have to come straight off a reception or kitchen, which apparently is allowed these days but I find really grim.

No, it doesn’t do this! Boot room off coridor to side of front door and loo from boot room!

OP posts:
Yellowstri · 13/04/2026 12:26

Definitely have the loo if you can. The only situation in which I'd say no is if the loo would have to come straight off a reception or kitchen, which apparently is allowed these days but I find really grim.

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