'Lootility'

[Twotinydictators]

Currently refurbishing, our old small kitchen is being turned into a utility room with a toilet at the end, obscured by a dwarf wall.

The builder is half way through, DH says he thinks this is an error and we should build a full height stud wall with separate door. I think it will be dingy and not the best use of space.

I've looked online and found a few examples of new builds designed with a 'lootility' and other properties listed on house purchase websites being advertised as having a one. I'd never heard this hybrid word before tonight, which makes me think it's not as an usual as DH believes. He says it'll put buyers off.

YABU - a lootility is a bad idea and will put buyers off
YANBU - it's a good use of space and becoming more common

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Oliver'smummy short version is you can, as long as its more than a certain distance from bath/shower. The plug is the problem as you're not allowed those within 3m of bath or shower- which is why ours is on a fused spur so the switch is outside the bathroom

[StatisticallyChallenged]

Don't get me wrong if we had space a stand alone utility would be lovely - although I'd still be tempted to have it upstairs. But like most people we don't have room, so the toss up is between wedging it in to the not very big kitchen and having no drier or dishwasher, or having it in bathroom and having all 3. No other options really

[IAmNotAWitch]

I would love to have a washer/dryer upstairs. Right now all of the things that need washing are upstairs and the washer/dryer is downstairs. A bit annoying.

If we ever get around to renovating the main upstairs bathroom I might put a washer/dryer in there and just have a washing machine downstairs.

I do like to dry sheets and towels on the line in the sun though.

I watched an episode of House Hunters once where the master suite had an ENORMOUS closet with it's own laundry off to the side with a door you could access via the landing as well. Now THAT is the way to do it!

I spend too much time thinking about/doing the washing.

[FreeButtonBee]

I have one. T was here when we moved in and Ian v handy. It we are in a small London Victorian terrace so every inch counts! We have tumble drier and washing machine on one side with work top space above and 2 deep shelves on the wall with hooks on the shelves. Then a sliding door with more hooks and a shelf above. At other end a loo and small sink and mirror. Sorry lanudry basket under the sink. Shelves for cleaning products above the loo.

I can stand an Airer up in there if necessary too or it squeezes down the side of the washing machine when not in use. It’s not very pretty but a good use of space and keeps the washing machine and therefore laundry out of the living space which is a big bonus for me

[cacklingmags]

You should worry, I have a lav directly off my kitchen - I have always encouraged the family not to take a dump in there.

[BingoLittlesUncle]

They are vile and we have refused to buy a place that had one for that very reason. Your DH is right.

[GlitterMagicPompom]

Unhygienic because of the particles that fly around when the toilet is flushed. Not an unreasonable or ridiculous statement given the research carried out on the subject! Just a quick google of “toilet plume” brings up an eye opening array of relevant articles, including one from the respected American Journal for Infection Control (link below)
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4692156/

This is why I flush with the lid down and keep my toothbrush in the cupboard and not exposed in the bathroom.

[Oliversmumsarmy]

I think most people don’t have a bathroom big enough to have a washing machine in their.

[ActualHornist]

Wtf does lootility even mean? A bathroom where you have the washing machine?!

Put a door on it. You’re being mad woman.

[PurpleFlower1983]

Remind me of a prison cell, your husband is right.

[Footiefan2019]

No solids downstairs. That’s my rule

[IAmNotAWitch]

Yeah, totally get the space restraint/electrical issues.

I am just not really understanding the "vile" and "unhygienic" responses. I can't see how washing/drying clothes in a bathroom is any less hygienic than wearing clothes in a bathroom. Maybe it's a cultural/climate thing.

But then MNers do get very het up about bathroom and washing habits. It always makes for an enjoyable thread!

[Cherrysoup]

Our downstairs loo is like a Harry Potter cupboard under the stairs without the sloping roof, very narrow, but separate from the utility, which is like a big kitchen, sink unit, 3 double cupboard units, wm, td, tall fridge freezer. Given it’s only a 3 bed semi, we’re very lucky that someone converted the coalshed years ago!