To toilet or not to toilet...

[Ldak]

Opinions needed please!

We are renovating our 3 bedroom house. The original layout was that the toilet was in a separate room next to the bathroom. We wanted a toilet in the bathroom though, so this has now been installed with the bathroom renovation.

The plan was to leave the separate toilet as it is, for just in case reasons. However to replace the soil stack the plumber also had to remove the separate toilet temporarily. Now it's out he says its pretty broken and will need to be replaced. This has prompted me to think about whether we should replace the loo at all or just convert it to a storage space?

We are also installing a downstairs loo and basin unit. The toilet space upstairs is fairly small, with a normal internal door and window, and has no room for a sink unless its one of those with a sink above the cistern.

Our options are to keep the separate toilet, so there would be two upstairs and one downstairs, or convert it into a storage space for towels/sheets etc? We are currently fairly low on storage options in the bathroom, so would have to use under bed areas for these things otherwise. We have no kids but one on the way, so I'm trying to plan ahead as what is the best use of the space.

My husband and I have differing opinions on this. One of us thinks it's better to have a spare loo upstairs for when the bathroom is occupied, and the other thinks its best for storage!

It's already plumbed in for a toilet so this could be a selling point if we ever sell that it can easily be converted back. Would it affect value of house to take out a toilet?

What would you do? 😅

Thanks in advance!

spare loo every time

How many people are in the household? We are a family of 5 and two loos are fine.

just the two of us at the moment, with a baby on on the way. trying to plan ahead envisaging a family of 4, but would you say an extra loo upstairs is useful for guests?

Not really. I think a cupboard would be more useful.

With a downstairs loo and an upstairs bathroom, it isn’t needed.

If the layout works, I’d covert it to an ensuite to the master bedroom. If not, then storage is always very useful.

If you have a downstairs loo you don't need another one upstairs especially if you are short of storage and a baby is on the way!

Storage, you already have two toilets.

Presumably to use when the bathroom is occupied, but am I right there would be no room for a sink in extra upstairs toilet?

Storage, storage, storage. But I may be biased because I fucking hate cleaning toilets. The less in the house the better!

Sorry just seen could go above the cistern.

a toilet with no sink is grim.
You've already got 2 loos so would opt for Storage

because you have a downstairs loo, I think the extra upstairs loo is unnecessary.
I would have a good sized cupboard instead

Out of interest, do you have a window on the landing?
Could you configure it so that window gives light onto the landing, with cupboards under/next to/round it? (and remove the door obviously)

If you don't already have a separate utility I'd turn it into a mini laundry with stacked washer and drier

As you have a downstairs loo I'd use the space for storage. Two toilets in a three bedroom house is fine.

You don’t need 3 toilets in 3 bed house. I’d use it for storage.

If you don't already have a separate utility I'd turn it into a mini laundry with stacked washer and drier

this is genius.
Have a good extractor fan, and a rail for hanging hangers and a clothes house, and washing machine/drier. Then you never have to have wet washing round the house again, and can put it all to dry in here, without using a tumble drier loads too.

I agree utility but if its only the size of a loo then get a stacking washer/dryer and if possible some sort of hanging rail that you can raise and lower (sheila rail?). You wont be able to fit much else.
Surprised you didn't remove the loo and enlarge the bathroom into that space though.

Stacked washer and dryer definitely. Proper tumble drier is a godsend with kids unless you have loads of time to peg out washing.

Great suggestion! Luckily we already have a utility room though.

Cupboard or mini laundry room.

I've lived in a house with an upstairs laundry room and loved it. It's really useful.

I’d probably swing towards storage. But I suppose that depends on what you’ve already got.. like there’s no point in more toilets when you have two, very unlikely two people will need 3 loos.. families of 4 manage with one so it’s not unreasonable to do away with it. But if every room has massive cupboards, the lofts done n all that jazz I wonder if it could be something fancier.. walk in wardrobe? Coat n mud room? But it’s upstairs..

A fancy bedroom for a dog? Clearly the winner.

If you have a baby on the way, definitely storage!! few shelves in there - you will be amazed how many clothes/toys etc need storing away - things people give you that wont fit yet, books etc. Storage with kids is a godsend!

Storage. We are a family of 5 and went from 3 loos to 2 and it is rarely an issue.

Going forward, extra bedding and towels will make you very grateful for it.