Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
zantez · 13/04/2026 12:26

I got one put in during other renovations. An older property also. I live alone, don't use it much as a loo TBH, I make myself run up and down the stairs to avoid bungalow legs at my advanced age of nearly 70! But it's handy if short taken.

However I also got the washing machine in there with plenty of space leftover for a big cupboard for the loo stuff like toilet rolls, cleaning stuff etc.

It's also invaluable when there are visitors. I no longer have to make sure that all the bedrooms are pristine upstairs, people are nosey and they do peek!

OriginalSkang · 13/04/2026 12:25

I think anyone with children will want a downstairs loo when looking to buy a house

Rewis · 13/04/2026 12:25

Toilet in each floor is a must in my book.

ToadRage · 13/04/2026 12:25

I would 100% go for a downstairs loo. It's a big deal to me. As I am disabled, the less I have to use the stairs the better. While I can do stairs, its slow and wears me out. So doing my business downstairs when i am helps. Two loos are always better than one.

Original poster
TheBeaTgoeson1 · 13/04/2026 12:25

(It’s to be housed in its own mini extention, hence costs)

OP posts:
Original poster
TheBeaTgoeson1 · 13/04/2026 12:24

I’m very tidy / minimalist so don’t worry about the dumping ground aspect! Thanks all.

Team downstairs loo will prevail.

BTW the reason for the hesitation is it’s part of an overall job and will add about 15,000 on to Costs.

I think we’ll end up sucking it up.

OP posts:
Thatcannotberight · 13/04/2026 12:23

It's a game changer and you'll wonder how you ever lived without one.

NerdyBird · 13/04/2026 12:22

I have a bowel condition and absolutely need a downstairs loo. Plus having recently broken a leg there was no way I could have got upstairs in the first few days. If you’ve got the space and money to add one I definitely would.

Silverbirchleaf · 13/04/2026 12:22

Yes to downstairs loo, especially for a three bedroom house. Maybe different if it were a one bedroom.

monkeysox · 13/04/2026 12:21

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.)

Whether downstairs or not always more than one toilet.

Tinytimmy123 · 13/04/2026 12:20

With a shower all the better. Think.of it as future proofing for your later years or for resale-ability. Mad if you dont if you have the space for it.

Createausername1970 · 13/04/2026 12:20

I have a downstairs loo. Space was tight so we got one where the sink is part of the cistern so you don't need to also find space for a sink.
Plus water used to wash hands is part of the cistern refill process.

maggiecate · 13/04/2026 12:20

Team Downstairs loo! Especially if you’re planning for it to be your forever home. If you have mobility issues in the future it will be an absolute godsend, especially if you’re putting in a shower as well. My mum had to move downstairs eventually and having the downstairs loo was one of the factors that enabled her to stay at home rather than go into care.

Notmyreality · 13/04/2026 12:19

All houses should have a minimum of 2 loos, one up, one down.

Illbethereinaminute · 13/04/2026 12:19

We have one but barely ever use it because it's a dumping ground for stuff that needs to go somewhere else.

I would prefer to turn it into a laundry room but it's not cost effective if we then have to turn it back to sell/if we need it for whatever reason.

However, we don't really have people over and when we do they usually end up going upstairs because the downstairs is full of crap. Plus we have an ensuite too.

I like having one but it's not a massive deal breaker if I could use it for something more useful.

HoskinsChoice · 13/04/2026 12:19

For me, it's not just about house selling and the future it's about your own current circumstances. If you have guests around life is so much easier if you have an accessible downstairs loo so that you can keep your upstairs fully private.

Error404FucksNotFound · 13/04/2026 12:18

Absolutely yes to the second loo.

Original poster
TheBeaTgoeson1 · 13/04/2026 12:17

Inertia · 13/04/2026 12:15

No utility changes things - how much space are you talking about?

Can you combine a utility room with a sectioned-off loo & basin?

Boot room would be the lowest priority- boots and coats can go in a cupboard somewhere, they don’t need a whole room to themselves.

Thanks! We have an enormous garage / utility already which is why we aren’t doing utility room ☺️

OP posts:
RitaFires · 13/04/2026 12:17

Downstairs loo makes sense in terms of personal comfort and for resale.

HoppityBun · 13/04/2026 12:17

Yes!

TeenLifeMum · 13/04/2026 12:16

For me, a 3 bed house ideally needs 2 loos (whether that’s upstairs or downstairs). Anyone who has had a sickness bug in the house with dc will want more than one loo.

purplecorkheart · 13/04/2026 12:16

As someone who lived in a house with only one loo growing up and now in a house with three I would say a big big yes to the downstairs loo.

Inertia · 13/04/2026 12:15

No utility changes things - how much space are you talking about?

Can you combine a utility room with a sectioned-off loo & basin?

Boot room would be the lowest priority- boots and coats can go in a cupboard somewhere, they don’t need a whole room to themselves.

KimberleyClark · 13/04/2026 12:15

Team downstairs loo.

Tinytimmy123 · 13/04/2026 12:14

Downstairs loo every day of the week. Mad if you dont. As someone has said if you break a leg it will be a lifesaver.
If you have children as in small kids you will be glad of it than having to go up and down stairs all the time.
Also handy if you get elderly visitors to stay or visit.
Not to mention if any visitor needs the loo they wont have to go upstairs into the more private area of your house to use the toilet.
It will add value to your home.

Swipe left for the next trending thread