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Original poster

How useful are downstairs loos?

111 replies

mussinboots · 24/02/2022 20:48

On the search for a property to house us all and I'm seeing quite a few properties with a tiny downstairs loo. We're in a flat currently and with twin toddlers that's a godsend at present with last minute toilet dashes but once they're fully toilet trained, is it worth having a downstairs loo?

OP posts:
AgeingDoc · 24/02/2022 21:15

I find it incredibly useful as I have mobility issues. I've got more surgery coming up soon and will be on crutches for months afterwards. Having to go up and down the stairs whenever I needed the toilet would be a nightmare. I know you probably don't think that will ever apply to you, but most of us don't,and you never know what's round the corner.
Also if you have elderly visitors ever they will probably appreciate it. Also once you have ternagers who spend hours preening themselvrs in the bathroom it's very handy! If you are planning to stay in your next home for a long period it is definitely worth thinking about.

AnneLovesGilbert · 24/02/2022 21:15

Best. Thing. Ever.

We weren’t looking for one but this house has one and it’s so useful. Visitors don’t go upstairs, it’s tiny and easy to clean, potty training has been way easier. I’d never be without one now.

seven201 · 24/02/2022 21:16

I love our downstairs loo! It's old, dated and just not a nice place, but oh so useful! I'd never get rid of it.

Jonny1265 · 24/02/2022 21:19

I wouldn't buy a house without one.

Starseeking · 24/02/2022 21:21

Extremely useful. Not having one initially isn't a dealbreaker for me, as long as there is space to install one. Under the stairs is my favourite go-to. Any house I've bought that hasn't already had one, I've installed one straight away.

Beautiful3 · 24/02/2022 21:21

I love my downstairs loo. We all use it, when downstairs. Visitors use it too.

WouldIwasShookspeared · 24/02/2022 21:21

There are 4 of us in this house and it was a bloody pain when we only had one loo. Even two isn't always enough to stop someone standing outside yelling that they're "bursting"

ExactlyThis · 24/02/2022 21:22

My downstairs toilet is right next to the front door and I do know what you mean - someone has a poo and then the postman knocks! But it’s just one of those things.

I would rather deal with that than not have one!

Ricksteinsfishwife · 24/02/2022 21:27

Totally a downstairs loo is a must have if you possibly can. It’s so much better than traipsing upstairs every time you need to pee, and when I broke my ankle it was a godsend, I’d have been peeing in a bucket otherwise,

Ricksteinsfishwife · 24/02/2022 21:28

@mussinboots

Oh wow! I wasn't expecting these responses! I would hate to use someone's downstairs loo for fear of sounds being heard outside, smells, etc. especially a loo right next to the front entrance. I was thinking of converting any downstairs loo to an actual 'cloakroom' for coats, jackets, wellies, etc.
Terrible idea.
redambergreengo · 24/02/2022 21:29

Useful, essential and stops visitors going upstairs. All new houses are built with them now. We've gone full circle from the days of the toilet in the yard to thinking we were posh moving it upstairs and now putting it back downstairs again. We spend most of our time on the ground floor why would you not want a toilet there?

pilates · 24/02/2022 21:29

God yes

RandomUsernameHere · 24/02/2022 21:33

Very useful. The upstairs ones barely get used in our house in comparison.

BananaPie · 24/02/2022 21:35

Not a priority for me. Two loos is important but no need for one of them to be downstairs. Downstairs is for living not for weeing.

We had one in a previous house and rarely used it even when potty training. Don’t have one now by design.

Mushypeasandchipstogo · 24/02/2022 21:37

Agree a downstairs loo is an absolute must!

loislovesstewie · 24/02/2022 21:38

oh, god yeah! Please keep the loo. At ours it saves me traipsing upstairs, and I keep a toothbrush in there, so I can clean my teeth during the day. (Actually we have a downstairs shower room as that really is useful)

TheFormidableMrsC · 24/02/2022 21:40

I have 3 loos in my house but all upstairs. It's a nuisance to be honest, I wish I'd thought about it. I'd love a downstairs loo. I always feel a bit awkward with people going upstairs.

TheCraicDealer · 24/02/2022 21:43

With that layout you'd have two closed doors between your plopping and any guests in the reception area. Is it really any worse than the current set up in your flat?

I grew up in a 3 bed with only one loo between the four of us and it was crap, although my parents had sensibly resisted the urge to knock the bathroom and separate toilet into one room.

At least with a downstairs loo you're never going to have kids swinging off the door going "muuuuum I need a poooooo" when you're trying to wash your hair.

Kite22 · 24/02/2022 21:43

I can't really say 'essential' as obviously millions of people manage without, but, as far as I am concerned I wouldn't buy a house without a downstairs toilet or a reasonable option to put one in.

Let's say a real plus point, for all the reasons mentioned.

Changechangychange · 24/02/2022 21:43

I would kill for a second toilet, I couldn’t care less if it is upstairs or downstairs, just not directly next to me needing a bum wipe when I am trying to have a bath.

If that also meant DH didn’t hog the bathroom doing a massive shit when I am trying to get ready for work, bonus.

Mydogmylife · 24/02/2022 21:47

@mussinboots

Oh wow! I wasn't expecting these responses! I would hate to use someone's downstairs loo for fear of sounds being heard outside, smells, etc. especially a loo right next to the front entrance. I was thinking of converting any downstairs loo to an actual 'cloakroom' for coats, jackets, wellies, etc.
This is not a good idea! I would hate not to have a downstairs loo - even when it's just me and DH it's brilliant not having to run up and downstairs when having a film night etc. When visitors are in I don't have to worry about them going upstairs (saves cleaning -always a good thing ) as others have said I wouldn't do without one
BoredZelda · 24/02/2022 21:47

I wouldn’t buy a house without one. My daughter is disabled and although she can get up the stairs, it has been a godsend when she has had surgeries etc.

I know nobody thinks it will happen to them but having to navigate stairs even with a sprained ankle is not fun when you need to pee!

userxx · 24/02/2022 21:49

I'd kill for a downstairs loo and there's only 2 adults in the house.

DuesToTheDirt · 24/02/2022 21:57

I don't care if guests go upstairs, but I'd hate to have only one loo. If someone is on the loo, or in the bath, or in the shower, I don't want to wait till they've finished to have a wee.

And if there are a few of you leaving together and all want the loo before you go out, it takes forever to get out of the house.

mrsbyers · 24/02/2022 22:05

Our new house has one and we love it , I rarely venture upstairs now during the day as I work downstairs plus my disabled dad can come and visit with less stress