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Property/DIY

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Downstairs toilet with no window?

55 replies

SomeCatsLikeCheese · 12/05/2021 20:08

We’re planning a single storey extension and are waiting for building control approval after securing planning permission. The extension will put a kitchen-diner on the back of the house and turn our existing galley kitchen into a downstairs loo (opening into the hall) and utility room (opening into the kitchen). I can’t link the floor plan but it’s a classic 1930s semi.

Our architect has just got back to me to say that we can’t put a window in the planned downstairs toilet because there is currently no window on that side of the house and it is overlooking the boundary. The boundary of our property is less than a metre from our house - it’s a fence - and the neighbouring house is about 30cm from the fence, albeit with no windows on the side wall facing our side wall so there’s no privacy to infringe, if you see what I mean. It would literally be a small frosted pane of glass. But apparently we can’t have a window.

He has suggested putting in a door with the top half in frosted glass for privacy purposes to let in light. I really don’t like the idea of this - it means when you walk through the front door into the hall, the first thing you’ll see will be a door with frosted glass in it, as opposed to a 1930s style door.

Has anyone else had this? What did you do to allow light in? Has anyone had a windowless downstairs WC?

OP posts:
OverByYer · 12/05/2021 20:10

My previous house had a toilet under the stairs. I hated it.

Bagelsandbrie · 12/05/2021 20:10

Toilets are tiny anyway so I don’t think it matters if there’s a window or not really. But maybe some sort of extractor fan sort of thing is good for smells...?!

Chasingsquirrels · 12/05/2021 20:11

I have, it originally had a window but I extended over it.
I had a piece of mirror cut to fit into the window space, which gives quite a lot of reflected light to the room. But obviously you always have to turn the light on whenever you use it.

luccyloo · 12/05/2021 20:12

I'v been in newbuilds with windowless toilets under the stairs. Has never bothered me - just make sure it's decorated nicely with good lighting.

Duckyneedsaclean · 12/05/2021 20:12

I've been in lots of loos with no windows, especially in new builds. You just need a light, surely, not a windowed door? That's what I've seen in other houses. And an extractor fan.

DelBocaVista · 12/05/2021 20:12

Out downstairs toilet has no window and it's fine. I've never even considered it an issue.

superking · 12/05/2021 20:13

We have one, I've never really thought about it to be honest! It's under the stairs which adjoins the neighbouring semi, so a window would never have been on the cards. It's not a room I would ever choose to relax in, but it serves its purpose pretty well. It has a light switch and a good extractor fan!

CointreauVersial · 12/05/2021 20:13

My downstairs toilet has no window. Neither does my mum's. I've never known it to be a problem - just fit a nice light and an extractor fan on a timer (in fact, building regs might mean you have to do the latter).

icklekid · 12/05/2021 20:13

1930s semi with toilet under stairs and no window, absolutely fine!

minipie · 12/05/2021 20:15

You could put a glass transom above the door. These were common in period properties anyway so shouldn’t look out of place.

I have to say I don’t understand why you can’t have one if it would be frosted so I would personally push a bit harder to understand what rule it is that forbids it. But I guess he’s the expert...

roses2 · 12/05/2021 20:15

We have a toilet under the stairs. Never had an issue with smell.

MeadowHay · 12/05/2021 20:16

Don't most downstairs toilets not have windows? Admittedly I don't know many people with one at all but none of them have windows. Our family bathroom doesn't even have a window hah. It will be fine, get the best extractor fan you can.

Wonderwalk · 12/05/2021 20:18

Your post isn’t clear, you say you have been granted planning permission, did the drawings show a window? Who has said you can’t have the window, the planner of your architect? Have you asked if it could be fixed with just a top hung opening? I can’t see why there would be an objection to that if the neighbours don’t have any windows to overlook

CustardyCreams · 12/05/2021 20:18

Our downstairs loo has no window, just a decent extractor fan. Not an issue.

Iwantacookie · 12/05/2021 20:21

I dont have a window in my downstairs loo and it's fine. Cant say I've ever thought about it not having one it's just how the house came.

ISaidDontLickTheBin · 12/05/2021 20:22

Our house is 10 years old and the downstairs loo has no window. It's fine. Does have an extractor fan though!

Rosesarere · 12/05/2021 20:24

We had a similar extention, our pantry was turned into a toilet, no window and the boiler above the toilet, I also have the whole room including the ceiling painted dark green, i have never been bothered by the fact there is no natural light, I would prefer no natural light than a frosted glass door opening into the hallway.

Toilenstripes · 12/05/2021 20:25

Can you knock a hole in the ceiling and install a sky light? That’s what we did.

maggiso · 12/05/2021 20:27

My late parents had a windowless downstairs cloakroom. It was fine. The only problem is the light chord needed to be long enough for younger children to reach as of course lighting is essential. It may also be worth having 2 lights ( for instance an additional spot light over the mirror/ sink) so that if the main light bulb dies there will still be some light to find your way out. ( And yes we found this out the hard way )

CMOTDibbler · 12/05/2021 20:28

Our downstairs loo isn't under the stairs exactly, but doesn't have a window, just an extractor fan. Its fine

Graffitiqueen · 12/05/2021 20:30

We extended across the window of our under stairs loo. Doesn't make the slightest bit of difference not having a window.

We have a daylight led lamp to put behind the old window which is still in situ. If it looks Stupid we will just board it up with plasterboard.

worriedatthemoment · 12/05/2021 20:36

We have a newish build with no window as terrace , you just have to turn light on
We also have a fan that comes on when you switch the light on that helps with humidity etc
Its no big deal and most people don't think about it

Robin233 · 12/05/2021 20:37

Our new house has a down stairs shower room plus toilet , smack in the middle of the house.
So no window.
It has a built in extractor fan which comes on as soon as the light is switched on.

LynetteScavo · 12/05/2021 20:38

We have a sky-light in our downstairs loo.

PragmaticWench · 12/05/2021 20:44

Have you checked your local planning portal to see if this is correct?

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