Convert downstairs bathroom to utility room - clueless!

[shellyt2188]

Hi guys,

Just after some advice and hoping someone can point me in right direction as I’m currently clueless!

We currently have a downstairs bathroom, with a shower, sink and toilet directly off the kitchen with a door to separate, previous owner was an old couple, but this does not work for us, we’ve never used the downstairs loo and would like to convert this room into a utility room to house the washing machine and dryer which will give us more space in the kitchen.

We’ve been in our house for 3 years now and it’s always been a job we’ve wanted to do but just have no idea who to get in touch with or how to get it started.

If anyone could help it would be much appreciated, or if anyone has done something similar in their own home and could shed some light as to how to get started?

Thanks!x

How many bedrooms does the house have? Is there an upstairs bathroom and is the toilet in the downstairs bathroom the only one downstairs? Lastly, how long do you intend staying in the house?

You could lose value by not having a downstairs loo. But if you have a shower upstairs I would ditch that and replace with washing machine and drier so that you have the best of both worlds.

We converted ours a few years ago. We kept the loo as we didn't want to not have a downstairs loo, but it is in a small cubicle off the main utility room, there's no hand basin for it as we have a large utility sink.
It works really well.
Our bathroom was quite big though, we had a bath in there not only a shower cubicle (& we have an ensuite with shower as well, so the house still has 2 showers after converting the bathroom)
It's great having all the washing stuff tucked away, especially in winter, avoiding airers all over the place, we have wall mounted ones

I've always wondered why laundry rooms are associated with utility rooms and kitchens, located downstairs. We tend to change clothes upstairs, so have the washing machine in the bathbroom upstairs, too.

Thanks for the speedy replies!

@IstandwithJackieWeaver there are 3 bedrooms in total, just the 2 of us at the minute and no children. Upstairs we have a good sized bathroom, with toilet bath and shower. Probably plan to move from here in the next 2-3 years x

@cameocat my partner was concerned about value too, thanks, definitely something to consider

@hotcookie oh lovely! This sounds like exactly what we want too, glad to hear it worked out for you x

Call a plumber, they can convert and arrange additional trades needed. I would suggest stacking your laundry equipment do you can retain a downstairs loo and small basin as these really add value (or rather lack puts buyers off)

If you plan on moving that soon then find a way to keep the toilet. As a PP said you could get rid of the shower and house the WM and dryer stacked there instead, but you will lose value by not having a downstairs loo.

@FinallyHere

You can't have sockets in bathrooms in the U.K.- fire hazard plus the steam wouldn't do your appliances any good. I've personally never seen laundry equipment in a bathroom (with a bath/shower) and I've lived in multiple countries

I agree keep a toilet downstairs in the new utility

@FinallyHere

I've always wondered why laundry rooms are associated with utility rooms and kitchens, located downstairs. We tend to change clothes upstairs, so have the washing machine in the bathbroom upstairs, too.

We had our washer in the bathroom in London. The cable ran though the wall to the hall.

My friend up here in Scotland has her washer-dryer in the bathroom as she has a tiny cottage.

I'd do it here if I had the room. So convenient!

Based on your answers I would say definitely keep the downstairs loo and either fit the washing machine in somewhere in the room - it can be wired or plugged in in a bathroom providing it's sufficiently distanced from the shower - or remove the shower and put it in its place.

My in laws in their old house had off the kitchen a little laundry area with stacked machines and then the downstairs cloakroom off that - it worked well!
Was also nice for double doors ahead of the loo for privacy (first to laundry then to cloakroom).
You need an all round handy / tradesman thay can build small structure / plumb / electrics / tile... or a bathroom fitter maybe who has side contractors they have for eclectic / tiles etc

We had to read the regulations pretty closely @minniemoocher They focus mostly on the distance from bath/shower/basin. Anyone saying there is a blanket 'not allowed' in the UK cannot be very familiar with the current rules and regulations.

Entirely doable within the regs in the UK and signed off ok.

We did have the washing machine wired in rather than connected via a plug and socket because it made sense. It's sooo convenient, to avoid carrying baskets of laundry up and down stairs.

Definitely don't get rid of the WC! Super easy to convert if you have the space. We have stacked washer with dryer above and a utility sink, ceiling airer with pulley. It sounds like you should just put the washer and dryer stacked (loads of stacking systems out there) where the shower is which is a super easy plumbing job and a bit of DIY to remove the shower, tiles etc. and tidy up the walls. It's honestly a day's work for a builder with plumbing skills and a couple of hours of an electrician.

@FinallyHere

I've always wondered why laundry rooms are associated with utility rooms and kitchens, located downstairs. We tend to change clothes upstairs, so have the washing machine in the bathbroom upstairs, too.

Because until fairly recently most people hung their clothes outside to dry.

Ah, good point @Mamette

Thank you.

Sooo much more convenient upstairs.