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Original poster

Would you swap a 2nd toilet for a small utility?

136 replies

Opos · 14/01/2023 20:28

Moving soon and the kitchen is about the same size as mine now but we have under counter space for dishwasher, fridge, freezer, washer, dryer.

New place only has undercounter space for one plumbed in appliance, so it's going to be my beloved dishwasher.
Going to have to get a tall fridge freezer for next to cupboards.

Theres no other room in the kitchen for any other large appliances.

There's a downstairs loo that could fit a stacked washer/dryer and some utility shelves of we remove the toilet.

The only other combo is to have washer dryer in the kitchen and the fridge and freezer in the dining room but I really don't want to do that.

We have a downstairs loo in this house now and I never use it. DH mostly uses it at night when he can't be bothered to go upstairs and the kids use it occasionally when someone is in the bathroom upstairs. The kids are all Highschool age so not toddlers.

I feel like it would be a much better use of space to have a little utility rather than just a toilet but I'm thinking about those moments of emergency when someone's in the bath, 😂

But they are rare and I really don't want appliances in my dining room.

Plus there's already a water supply into the room so should be an easy job.

OP posts:
Original poster
Opos · 14/01/2023 21:19

titchy · 14/01/2023 21:11

Because all new builds have to have a downstairs loo, and removing an existing one would go against the regulations (designed to improve life for older and disabled people - not you, but future residents in your house):

https://www.labc.co.uk/news/can-downstairs-toilet-be-removed-home

It's not a new build though.

And it can always be put back in.

OP posts:
Original poster
Opos · 14/01/2023 21:20

Maytodecember · 14/01/2023 21:11

There's no basin in there. Just a loo.

OP posts:
Original poster
Opos · 14/01/2023 21:20

I could leave the toilet and still put the stacked washer dryer in there with no folding space.

But that feels VERY unhygienic

OP posts:

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Home improvement
MudLady · 14/01/2023 21:22

DD is a toilet refuser & I have slight bowel damage. But if neither of those were an issue I'd happily forgo a downstairs loo in favour of a utility area. We're in the same position as the OP - only space for 1 plumbed appliance in the kitchen, unfortunately it had to be a washing machine. We rent so can't change the layout. I'd really love a dishwasher... it would definitely be a priority over a tumble drier.

Floralnomad · 14/01/2023 21:24

If there is no basin I’d get rid of the loo anyway , what’s the point of a toilet with nowhere to wash your hands

MudLady · 14/01/2023 21:24

It's not really any more unhygienic than having the toilet in the same room as the bath towels, toothbrush etc.

BigotSpigot · 14/01/2023 21:26

If you can get them both in the room then I would say do that... however, I don't think I could live without a sink next to a loo! Could you squeeze a tiny wall hung one of these in if you are going to be fiddling around with the plumbing anyway.

paintitallover · 14/01/2023 21:27

Have the utility and folding area. We raised a family in a very old house with one loo, because of its design. It was fine.

Thelondonone · 14/01/2023 21:27

No, ridiculous idea. Do not do it!

Original poster
Opos · 14/01/2023 21:28

Floralnomad · 14/01/2023 21:24

If there is no basin I’d get rid of the loo anyway , what’s the point of a toilet with nowhere to wash your hands

Well there's a whole kitchen next door with a sink.

The toilet downstairs I have now has no basin either.

We've always just used the kitchen sink.

OP posts:
Original poster
Opos · 14/01/2023 21:28

MudLady · 14/01/2023 21:24

It's not really any more unhygienic than having the toilet in the same room as the bath towels, toothbrush etc.

Good point!

OP posts:
titchy · 14/01/2023 21:30

It's not a new build though.

I know, that was just background. If you read the link you'll see you won't be able to get building reg approval. If you're happy not having that, and will reinstate once you sell, and can manage without despite a large family go for it.

titchy · 14/01/2023 21:32

A loo with a sink in the cistern would sort the lack of sink issue (and be environmentally friendly as the waste water from the sink fills the cistern!)

B1993 · 14/01/2023 21:32

I'd definitely keep the downstairs toilet, but that's my preference. We are are a growing family (3.5 year old and pregnant with DC2) so different circumstances.

We recently renovated our downstairs to make the kitchen, dining room and living room all open plan (separate downstairs loo, small porch are and added a small utility). Before that, we had a smaller separate kitchen with space for a slimline dishwasher and washing machine. When we wanted a tumble dryer, DH removed a cupboard and we put it there. Less cupboard space was annoying, but definitely worth it for the extra appliance. Is this an option? Getting a slimline dishwasher to save space?

ChristmasCakeAndStilton · 14/01/2023 21:33

Are you really saying you won't have a washing machine until the work is done?
Whilst I agree I wouldn't want to be without a dishwasher, I would really struggle to be without a washing machine.

Britinme · 14/01/2023 21:34

Opos · 14/01/2023 21:20

I could leave the toilet and still put the stacked washer dryer in there with no folding space.

But that feels VERY unhygienic

Could you put a fold-down shelf for folding laundry over the cistern? Close the toilet lid and it's not unhygienic.

Oblomov22 · 14/01/2023 21:34

No. Never remove a downstairs toilet. That's a very bad idea.

BananaFrangipani · 14/01/2023 21:34

Is there any way to compromise and rework it as a ‘loo-tility’? So toilet but with room for the washing machine etc.

Moomoomeemee · 14/01/2023 21:34

I'd keep the second toilet

Original poster
Opos · 14/01/2023 21:37

BananaFrangipani · 14/01/2023 21:34

Is there any way to compromise and rework it as a ‘loo-tility’? So toilet but with room for the washing machine etc.

It's a really small space. Literally just a loo.

OP posts:
Original poster
Opos · 14/01/2023 21:38

ChristmasCakeAndStilton · 14/01/2023 21:33

Are you really saying you won't have a washing machine until the work is done?
Whilst I agree I wouldn't want to be without a dishwasher, I would really struggle to be without a washing machine.

I often go to the laundrette so don't mind waiting a few weeks.

OP posts:
Ponderingwindow · 14/01/2023 21:38

Have you and your DH ever done a multi-day day battle with severe food poisoning while only having one toilet?

i know the answer is no, because if you had that suffered through that experience you would never consider living in a home without a second toilet again on your lifetime.

Original poster
Opos · 14/01/2023 21:40

Britinme · 14/01/2023 21:34

Could you put a fold-down shelf for folding laundry over the cistern? Close the toilet lid and it's not unhygienic.

Show quote history

Not really. When I said I could leave the loo in and put the washer/dryer I mean they will be right there at the door and you'd have to squeeze passed to use the loo in an emergency. It's not like there would be enough room to carry a basket of washing through the gap to the toilet

OP posts:
Original poster
Opos · 14/01/2023 21:48

Not to scale but...

Would you swap a 2nd toilet for a small utility?
Would you swap a 2nd toilet for a small utility?
OP posts:
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