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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to argue a tumble dryer is more important than a downstairs toilet

288 replies

user1471462428 · 15/02/2021 15:18

I have a three bed townhouse. Top floor has en-suite,middle floor has a family bathroom and ground floor with a small toilet. I would like to rip this out and replace with a small laundry washing machine, tumble dryer and a pulley maid. My mum thinks I will devalue the house doing this and it will be inconvenient for the kids. I’m looking to move in the next five years but don’t want to be running to the laundrette to dry clothes till then. AIBU

OP posts:
JosephineDeBeauharnais · 15/02/2021 15:44

@TheCountessofFitzdotterel

I would do it. It would be easy to replace the loo when you move if it turns out it’s losing you buyers.
This - we took out our downstairs loo and put the washing machine in there plus good deep shelves and access to under stairs storage space. We have a small two storey apartment, with 2 beds and 2 baths upstairs and the current arrangement works really well for our needs. It would be a simple matter to put the loo back in if we thought we needed to do that in the event of selling up, but tbh, everyone who has seen it has said what a good idea and good use of space it is. Also doing that freed up cupboard space in the kitchen which we have had new recently. Disclaimer- no kids at home.
dandelionbayts · 15/02/2021 15:45

Can't you get a washer dryer? I know they're not great but preferable to going to the laundrette or knocking out the downstairs loo when you'll be potty training.

Lou98 · 15/02/2021 15:46

We are planning on doing exactly this a bit later this year. We have a tiny toilet downstairs with the toilet and shower so going to rip it out and put in the washing machine and tumble dryer! We don't need a downstairs toilet but we could do with more cupboard space in the kitchen (washing machine currently integrated) so decided it was the best option for us.

If the only reason you're considering it though is to dry clothes if your house is cold, have you thought about getting a heated clothes dryer? We used to have one before the tumble dryer and it was great. They just fold up and look like a clothes horse but they heat up so dry quickly!

SpiceRat · 15/02/2021 15:47

Nah I’d kill for a downstairs loo and have never used a tumble dryer since university. I don’t understand when people say they’re essential tbh. But it’s whatever works best for your household. If you’re planning on being in the home long term you shouldn’t worry too much about the value and make it work for you.

MargaretThursday · 15/02/2021 15:49

Definitely downstairs loo.

We live on an estate with lots of 3 bed terrace. They're very similar from the outside, but inside there are a few little differences. The ones without the downstairs toilet go on average for £5-10k less than those with.

myusernamewastakenbyme · 15/02/2021 15:50

I'm house viewing at the moment and wont consider a house with no downstairs loo...

borageforager · 15/02/2021 15:50

I don’t have a tumble drier & would always choose a house with a downstairs loo.

But I’m a believer in having your house the way you want it, so if you’ve got another 5 years then it’s worth having it as you want it...

viques · 15/02/2021 15:51

@EarringsandLipstick

Do not get rid of downstairs toilet. You will be very grateful come the summer & your toilet-training toddler.
And for the next few years when your child is “really involved in a game mummy, I’ll go in a minute “ and hangs on and hangs on until they are dancing with desperation! Also elderly visitors will appreciate not going upstairs, and you will appreciate nosy visitors not having an excuse to go upstairs for a snoop into open rooms.
whenwillthemadnessend · 15/02/2021 15:52

Get a washer dryer
why you would not rather than devalue your home

4amWitchingHour · 15/02/2021 15:52

How many kids do you have and how old are they? I'd go for loo over tumble dryer - the only things I find a tumble dryer useful for are bedsheets and towels, so it's be a waste of space for me. If you can find space for a dryer elsewhere I would. Laundry room is a luxury, downstairs loo isn't.

Original poster
user1471462428 · 15/02/2021 15:53

@SquirtleSquad the ground floor is a small kitchen diner, middle floor living room and bathroom, top floor bedrooms. Tiny footprint. Just reading the other replies. Thanks for everyone’s opinions. Currently running round with a tape measure.

OP posts:
AaronPurr · 15/02/2021 15:53

and you will appreciate nosy visitors not having an excuse to go upstairs for a snoop into open rooms.

The toilet training is a good reason to keep the downstairs toilet, but this is also a massive benefit to having one. Grin

TheKeatingFive · 15/02/2021 15:53

Get a washer/drier

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 15/02/2021 15:54

I toilet trained 3 children without ever feeling the need for a downstairs loo.

I can’t imagine caring if visitors look in my rooms- we must have very different priorities!

PuppyMonkey · 15/02/2021 15:54

Another vote for downstairs loo. Especially if you’re potty training a toddler.

whenwillthemadnessend · 15/02/2021 15:54

Loads of models available

Snowwaiting · 15/02/2021 15:55

Don’t get rid of a downstairs loo that’s a selling point and your toddler will use it loads ...

Emeraldshamrock · 15/02/2021 15:55

Keep the bathroom fittings in the shed and refit if moving. I don't have a downstairs loo but I'd love a laundry room for my washer & dryer everything out of sight.

Original poster
user1471462428 · 15/02/2021 15:55

Two kids, single parent, provide respite for my friend for her disabled son two weekends a month.

OP posts:
halcyondays · 15/02/2021 15:57

I wouldn’t be without a tumble dryer and you’d still have two loos which is more than many of us have.

duckalemon · 15/02/2021 15:57

People without driers. Where do you dry your clothes, towels and bed linen in the winter?

DrCoconut · 15/02/2021 15:57

If the house already has 2 toilets (I'm assuming from the description) a laundry room would get my vote. Though I've often thought it must be a pain having people (as in visitors) going upstairs to the toilet. Our bathroom is downstairs and I prefer that. Ultimately it's what you and down the line a buyer want.

MyCatHatesEverybody · 15/02/2021 15:58

I'd definitely prefer a downstairs toilet and get a washer/dryer.

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