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Original poster

how important is downstairs loo

34 replies

talkingtorch · 15/05/2015 22:18

We are adding an ensuite to an upstairs bedroom as unless we do a full ground floor extension,are unable to put a loo downstairs (small plot:no space at side or to fore of property). We are planning to move in a few years (5-10)and after reading a thread on aibu,where so many have said a downstairs loo is essential,im worried now?

Would love a loo downstairs mainlyvso i could wash gardening hands etc in the loo sink rather than in my kitchem sink as we have no utility.i am fine with guests using upstairs loo and potty traing was ok as we took potty down stairs and have no carpets on ground floor.it is annoying going up to wash hands though!

OP posts:
Janethegirl · 15/05/2015 22:19

Downstairs loo is totally essential IMO.

MuttonCadet · 15/05/2015 22:21

It's nice, I've lived without though and it wasn't a nightmare.

marmaladegranny · 15/05/2015 22:25

Downstairs loo was on my 'must have' list when I was house hunting, having had one for many years. However location and budget caused it to slip off the list and very surprisingly I find I am managing without - going up and down stairs is good exercise I tell myself!

SunnySomer · 15/05/2015 22:27

I don't think it's essential. Have never had one, and managed to toilet train without.

IgnoreMeEveryOtherReindeerDoes · 15/05/2015 22:28

Not important as everyone seems to use upstairs loo in my house.

Come winter its like an igloo in downstairs one.

DramaAlpaca · 15/05/2015 22:30

Essential for us.

FatAli · 15/05/2015 22:32

Essential.

Original poster
talkingtorch · 15/05/2015 22:32

Wow thanks for speedy replies.why is it an essential - the reasons in my opening post (day guests, washing gardening hands rather than tramping upstairs)?
Im just so chuffed to have another one even though upstairs!

OP posts:
Lizaa · 15/05/2015 22:34

Not essential in my opinion. I would rather people did their business in the upstairs bathroom away from my living and kitchen area. Second bath/shower room upstairs would be preferable to me but I may feel differently if I had several young children.

Original poster
talkingtorch · 15/05/2015 22:34

im sorry about all the typos,stupid fat fingers on a tablet.

OP posts:
JustWantToBeDorisAgain · 15/05/2015 22:35

Currently living with 1 upstairs loo, moving now for a second toilet don't care which floor!

Eversobusyeveryday · 15/05/2015 22:36

Completely non negotiable

Fedupofallthemud · 15/05/2015 22:36

I'd say essential too, mainly because I don't really want visitors tramping through the house to use the loo, and the same goes for the kids. Much easier for changing nappies too.

Teacuptravells · 15/05/2015 22:39

I dont like going in people's downstairs loos - they often feel a bit close to wear everyone is and I worry they can hear me!!

We don't have a downstairs loo. I often wonder if a second loo would be helfpul for when the kids are both "desperate" but it wouldn't have to be downstaris as such iykwim!

Original poster
talkingtorch · 15/05/2015 22:41

Would it put anyone off buying a house, 2 loos but both on first floor? Worrying a bit in advance!

OP posts:
Floggingmolly · 15/05/2015 22:47

Multiple loos are a fairly recent phenomenon in average sized houses. When did become "essential" and "non negotiable"?

NurNochKurzDieWeltRetten · 15/05/2015 22:55

I much prefer a downstairs one for guests as don't really want adult drop in guest going upstairs because I've usually only tidied downstairs I don't mind child guests going upstairs as they do anyway to DD'S rooms, but generally guests use downstairs loo not upstairs bathroom and I prefer that.

Our downstairs loo is right by the door and much better for kuds playing outside to nip to quickly.

For the family 2 loos upstairs is ok - certainly just one would be tricky on days everyone gets up at the same time, even with 2 between 5 people there is a certain amount of stress and yelling "hurry up"...

People actually call a downstairs toilet the "guest" toilet don't they?

It wouldn't be a deal breaker not to have one downstairs as long as there was one accessible from the landing upstairs (2 en suite bathroom/ toilets and no family babathroom would be rubbish though).

Original poster
talkingtorch · 15/05/2015 23:20

Yes in a few weeks it will be one main family bathroom and one accessible from largest bedroom only. Im looking forward to being able to shower or brush my teeth in peace.

OP posts:
Elvish · 16/05/2015 07:38

Good luck with that TalkingTorch, my DD moved her toothbrush into my en suite and comes to find me in there when I try to have a wee in peaceBlush.

We do have a downstairs loo and I was looking for a house with more than one toilet, but I wasn't so bothered about where it was in the house iyswim we probably don't need the 5 we ended up with though

mandy214 · 16/05/2015 18:36

But if you can't fit a downstairs loo in OP, you can't do anything about it can you? You are doing the next best thing by adding a 2nd loo via the ensuite but there's no use in worrying about it. Especially as you're not moving for years.

Lucy61 · 16/05/2015 19:37

Not important at all, in my opinion. Many ppl mention toilet training for dcs but my 3 yr old is capable of taking himself upstairs, going to the loo and coming back himself. Toilet training is so short term that it would not be a deciding factor in choosing my new home.

LastNightADJSavedMyLife · 16/05/2015 19:40

More than one loo was important (there are 5 of us) but where not so much. Downstairs is helpful though

SchnitzelVonKrumm · 16/05/2015 19:51

After being stuck for longer than expected in a house without one - essential.

blessedenough · 16/05/2015 19:54

We dont have a downstairs loo and only 1 in whole house. Potty training was fine but just about to move to a house with 3 loos, one of which is downstairs - it will come in handy as we fairly regularly have 9 people in the house and 3 yr olds dont understand you have to go when its free or wait!!

EddieVeddersfoxymop · 16/05/2015 20:03

Its a must have for me. I like it as it means that guests don't have to use my bathroom nor traipse through my house. Although we have 3 bathrooms - an ensuite for us, a family bathroom next door to my DD's bedroom that she treats like an ensuite and the guest bathroom downstairs.