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AIBU?

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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:
Forthesteps · 13/04/2026 12:50

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.)

I'd have one just for the convenience [sorry].
As someone with a downstairs bathroom who wishes there was space for an upstairs loo...

Sgreenpy · 13/04/2026 12:53

Downstairs loo definitely.

mindutopia · 13/04/2026 12:54

Yes, absolutely. I wouldn’t want visitors in my upstairs. I actually don’t think I’d buy a house without one. It’s such a basic.

DoggerelBank · 13/04/2026 12:54

If kids, downstairs loo. If not, no downstairs loo if you're happy to never sell to a family with kids

JackandVictor · 13/04/2026 12:55

I would also always want a downstairs toilet. It was one of the first things we added here.

Needtoscream · 13/04/2026 12:59

I would never buy a house without a downstairs loo

Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain · 13/04/2026 13:00

Yes to downstairs loo.

Goblinkingsqueen · 13/04/2026 13:04

I wouldn't consider buying a house without a downstairs loo.

Bushmillsbabe · 13/04/2026 13:06

Our old house didn't have a downstairs loo, but when we sold, the feedback from many viewers was they wouldn't buy due to no downstairs toilet. Apparently they hadn't seen one on floor plan but had thought there must be one!

Lovemycat2023 · 13/04/2026 13:06

100% team loo! We don’t have one and I spend too much time thinking about how we could fit one in. It’s a pain and there are only two of us!

Wanderdust · 13/04/2026 13:07

Now that I've owned a house without downstairs loo, I wouldn't be without one! Great for little kids or those with mobility issues.

ShodAndShadySenators · 13/04/2026 13:07

A loo on each level or at least a second loo has become more than desirabble over the years, it's considered essential.

And anyone who's been stuck outside the bathroom getting increasingly desperate, or is feeling sick but there's someone in already, or can't manage the stairs reasonably quickly, or has crutches, can testify to this. If there's space and you're renovating anyway, it's a total no-brainer. Why is your partner even quibbling about this? The lunacy!

We have another loo but it's only accessible from the garden. I shall be changing this to an inside loo as soon as we can...

MrsMoastyToasty · 13/04/2026 13:08

A couple of years ago I broke my leg and was using a zimmer frame rather than crutches. It meant I couldn't get upstairs and I was sleeping downstairs in the dining room. Without a downstairs toilet I would have had to use a commode. Luckily we have one downstairs.

Solmum1964 · 13/04/2026 13:09

Inertia · 13/04/2026 12:12

I’d go further and say that if you have space for a boot room and the space under consideration would otherwise be unused, can you fit in a downstairs shower room with loo?

We did this and use it loads - saves trailing muddy/ wet / grass covered clothing upstairs after walks/ cycling/ gardening/ messy or wet outside work.

We did this when we added an extension when DC were about 7. Made it so much easier having two bathrooms going through the teen stage. DH much prefers it to the upstairs one as the downstairs shower runs off the boiler and is quite powerful as opposed to the electric shower upstairs.
It made refitting the upstairs bathroom an easy job as the builders didn't have to leave a functioning toilet
It also means that in the future we could live downstairs, rather than having the hassle and cost of moving in our old age, by turning the dining room into a bedroom.

Myblueclematis · 13/04/2026 13:09

I've had downstairs loos in most of my homes but this one I can't. There is just nowhere unless I have an extension put in. I'd love to have one again.

It is extra handy if you have elderly relatives/friends visiting, not everyone can manage stairs.

I'd definitely vote yes to a downstairs one.

Happyholidays78 · 13/04/2026 13:09

I don't have a downstairs loo & it is the one thing I would change about this house. I'd definitely get one if I had space for 3 reasons

  1. Toilet training my son when he was little was harder (doable but harder).
  2. You can also store coats/loo rolls/toiletries etc in there.
  3. If you get older/frailer it is a godsend to have a downstairs loo.
ThisRightHereISwearWillEnd2Soon · 13/04/2026 13:09

Team Loo here

Our neighbours have managed to fit a narrow boat bath - a bit like a Sitz or mini Japanese bath - into their downstairs loo space. That's my ambition. Perfect for dogs and children.

Whyhaveibeencutoutofmamsnot · 13/04/2026 13:11

When we had a second loo (shower room) put in we wondered how we had managed before.
The location depends on where you have space and plumbing

MyDeftDuck · 13/04/2026 13:11

Downstairs loo every time! Ideal when you’ve got people popping in during the day…..no need for people traipsing upstairs for the toilet. And, a bonus when you’ve got workmen in too.

Blorengia · 13/04/2026 13:12

Definitely go for a downstairs loo as you have the room for it.
One loo means trailing upstairs every time but...
Two loos, no trek. 😉

Settle an argument- downstairs loo or not…?
gannett · 13/04/2026 13:12

A downstairs loo wasn't one of our red lines when we were house-hunting and I am grateful on a daily basis that we got a place with one anyway. It should have been the reddest of lines. There are more moments when people when to use the bathroom/loo simultaneously than you'd think!

Purplecatshopaholic · 13/04/2026 13:13

Essential. I wouldn’t have a house without one. You never know when you, or a visitor, might be unable to get up the stairs.

Maybeitllneverhappen · 13/04/2026 13:14

2 loos minimum, ideally with one downstairs. Madness not to choose this if you have the option.

Waitingfordoggo · 13/04/2026 13:16

Defo yes to downstairs loo. I wouldn’t buy a property that didn’t have one.

tara66 · 13/04/2026 13:16

If you break a leg skiing you'll need a downstairs loo for 6 weeks.