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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:
greenteaandlimes · 14/04/2026 19:03

Definitely downstairs loo, every time

VikingLady · 14/04/2026 19:09

I don’t want to follow DH into a toilet where he's just had a poo. I doubt he wants to deal with my aftermath either. And what about illnesses?

BooneyBeautiful · 14/04/2026 19:10

Pearlstillsinging · 13/04/2026 12:03

After having to.put a commode at the bottom of the stairs when I was recovering from a badly broken leg, I would definitely prioritise a downstairs loo. In fact I'm trying to identify a space for one here.

Last year I had a downstairs loo installed in the cupboard under the stairs. I wanted it signed off by Building Control (saves a lot of hassle when it comes to selling) and because it was being installed in an existing building, it didn't have to comply to current building regs when it came to the size of the doorway and the measurements of the floor area. It did have to have an extractor fan (mid-terrace so no access to a window) and also had to have a basin for hand washing. Due to it being too difficult to access main drainage, I had to have a macerator toilet installed (Saniflo), but that hasn't been a problem at all. I love it and so do all my visitors!

Partypants83 · 14/04/2026 19:12

Absolutely yes to downstairs loo.
We are older people and it was a strong contributor to us deciding on this house. Even though it's tiny.

Buffs · 14/04/2026 19:16

Absolutely yes

talktalkme69 · 14/04/2026 19:18

I have a downstairs loo and it is a must couldn’t do without it !! Definitely go for a downstairs loo👍

Single50something · 14/04/2026 19:25

2 loos def. We moved last year ans finally have a downstairs loo. Love it :) if someone was less able having a loo downstairs so much easier as well.

Dellaandthedealer · 14/04/2026 19:41

Absolutely get the downstairs loo! These days we wouldn’t consider buying a house without one or at least space for one.

Preferably a downstairs shower too!

celticprincess · 14/04/2026 19:47

yes yes yes yes yes
I am in a one loo house and am desperate for a second loo but nowhere we can add one. Can’t afford to move. It cause so many issues on a morning with getting showered and having to wait for someone on the loo!!
so, seriously if you can add one I would.

Ariana12 · 14/04/2026 19:48

Hard agree to downstairs loo. All the reasons given. Can't begin to fathom what your DH has against it

ithinkilikethislittlelife · 14/04/2026 19:52

when we moved into our current house it only had one bathroom. Now it has three. There are four of us in the house and often three toilets are in use. We are currently renovating the downstairs bathroom and we all miss it so much. The more the merrier.

TallPhil · 14/04/2026 20:02

A legal requirement in all new builds…and I think major refurbishments (but don’t quote me). I’d suggest that not having one will drastically reduce the appeal in the future….

Ladymeade · 14/04/2026 20:14

Definitely an asset. If enough room, you could use it for coats and shoes.

Sally2791 · 14/04/2026 20:16

Definitely downstairs loo!

222DaisyDo · 14/04/2026 20:24

Having brought up my family in a house with just an upstairs loo in the bathroom, and now living in a house with the bathroom and a downstairs loo, I don’t know how on earth we coped. I’d definitely go for it if there is the room for it.

Sadworld23 · 14/04/2026 20:46

Hrft but many many times ive wished we had an extra loo and occasionally wished we had a downstairs loo. Toilet training toddlers, family illness, caring for older reps, people staying over, even just visiting. All good reasons to have a downstairs loo..

smilingontheinside · 14/04/2026 20:48

Absolutely yes to a downstairs loo. Had one pur in an old family home it was a godsend. When I moved into my next home made sure it had a downstairs WC. Something I would not be without now.

Sheepsmellnice · 14/04/2026 20:54

We are also embarking on a renovation project and a priority is a downstairs loo.
It will make such a difference when we have visitors I hate people traipsing upstairs and also when we look after our Granddaughter.

Aniceempirebiscuitandacupoftea · 14/04/2026 21:00

I don’t have a house but I’d definitely opt for a downstairs loo if I had the chance (and a house).

FlorianTV · 14/04/2026 21:20

Always have an extra toilet if you can. Those who say no have obviously never lived in a home where everyone had a diarrhoea bug at the same time.

plus it would surely add value? I personally wouldn’t buy a house without one.

Violinist64 · 14/04/2026 21:32

In our first marital home, we had a thirties semi with an upstairs bathroom with separate toilet. We managed perfectly well but when we moved to a more modern house complete with downstairs toilet few years later, it made a huge difference to our our lives because we had three small children by then and it made our lives so much easier during the toilet training stage. In addition to this, when we had visitors to the house, it was so much better for them to use the downstairs toilet rather than traipse through the house among more private areas to the bathroom. This was even more so on the occasions when my music pupils were in need of it.

Leedsfan247 · 14/04/2026 21:41

Downstairs loo widens the appeal to potential buyers when you come to sell

Donsyb · 14/04/2026 21:47

A downstairs loo was on our must have list when we were buying.

Reallyneedsaholiday · 14/04/2026 23:40

I'm team "always get a downstairs loo" but £15,000 is an insane amount to spend on it tbh. You won't get that back when you sell it. I'd look into rejigging the space to bring the cost down. Average cost is £2-4,000.

SemiRetiredLoveGoddeess · 15/04/2026 00:18

Duwnstairs loos went from being really naff ala Hyacinth Bucket. Epectally when they were sited under the stairs to the latest must haves.

If you have the room. Great if you can make a diwnstairs bath room complete with loo, shower and and windoe ventilation to vent smells and ket in fresh air.