where could I put a downstairs WC?
I’m struggling to work out a good place to put a downstairs toilet. The only places I can think are marked on the floor plan but would leave me with odd shaped rooms. Any geniuses with ideas?
Comments (10)
PROMy Claybrick Home
3 years agoLauren H
3 years agoRelated Discussions
Downstairs WC/utility room or "family room"?
Comments (12)I appreciate that it is difficult to know without seeing the layout of the house so here's a rough drawing to scale that I have done of the proposed new layout to help - light blue line = existing glass doors to kitchen, red line = proposed new glass doors to lounge, black lines = existing walls, dark blue lines = proposed new studwork walls and lighting layout (probably will use downlights for maximising the light and lamps in the reading room as well). Hope this gives more of a clear idea of what we are planning to do - I say "utility room" but actually our idea is to do something similar to what OnePlan suggested utilising the understairs cupboard off the WC as a utility cupboard with the washing machine/tumble drier in and then hang a drying rack from the ceiling. The cloakroom area would give us a valuable space for shoes and coats as currently you walk straight through into the main body of the house and mess gets everywhere (we have a small dog that gets very muddy)! The floor will be tiled the same as the hallway through the cloakroom and WC and wood flooring laid in the reading room with the fireplace. It's a very good idea to ask local estate agents Man About The House so thanks for that suggestion....See MoreDownstairs redesign to include WC
Comments (30)Campo73, I do see what you mean... - Double doors are currently 150cm wide and really this is as much about bring light in from the rear, as anything else but could drop to one door if works better elsewhere - I would need to push the wall out further towards island for stud wall to go all the way & miss the window, still keeping this inside the utility space. If works better then not a big issue but will reduce the 90cm space between counters or make for a smaller island. - WC would also have to change shape (with stud wall moving out) but would then take up less room in utility space, although pan & sink would no longer be side-by-side can I put these back to back instead - Bigger issue is what to then do about the fridge freezer/pantry cupboard - these seem well placed to grab a drink/snack on the go without walking around the kitchen island but could also be relocated I've not doubt! If this works better for a range cooker for instance... Choices, choices, it really does feel like there ought to be a wrong/right way to all this but in any case, I'm not feeling particularly confident on the existing plan so will perceiver until we run out of time! Any suggestions, so that I can try and bring this layout to life on MagicPlan and give it a go?...See Moreswap the utility and downstairs w.c. / shower room
Comments (4)Hello, I personally think it is a great idea and suits your needs very well. I would also (as mentioned) above, getting the plans redrawn to ensure you are happy with everything. You could use a service who will offer a few option on the layout of the space. We offer a layout service that does that where no major works are needed - at a fraction of the cost of an architect so also make sure you shop around when looking to get plans redrawn. If you had sliding doors on both sides of the new utility room you wouldn't have any issue getting to it from upstairs with linen or with food shopping from the front door etc but it wouldn't have to be used as the main entrance to the kitchen. Best of luck with your project. It's a good idea. Gina...See Morewhere best to put a downstairs bathroom/utility room?
Comments (6)The headroom would only be low in approx 1/4 of the overall space and still manageable, there’s plenty of examples of houses with successfully under stairs wc’s. If the room is to double up as a utility the wm could go where the headspace is lowest, or sink there may even be enough headspace to put toilet there....See More
Nick
3 years ago- PRO
My Claybrick Home
3 years ago 
Nicola M
3 years agoLauren H
3 years agoNicola M
3 years agoHi Lauren,
I'm not sure if my initial thoughts will work on a practical point of view but I've given more details below.
Other things to consider or talk to a professional about is Building Regs, I think you may be required to consult building control as you're adding a toilet in a room where there isn't one.
DrainageWhere are your existing waste/stack pipes currently located? Ideally, any new runs need to connect to an existing inspection chamber (manhole) without bends or you may be required to fit a rodding eye or new inspection chamber if a change of direction is needed. This gives direct access for rodding (in case of blockages). This is normally something that Building Control will sign off on if you have notified them of work. If you come to sell the house in the future you will probably be asked for the certificate so is usually recommended.
Option for New ToiletMy first thought would be to use a bit of the space in the cupboard under the stairs where there is limited headroom room to put the W/C sink in there so that you only take minimal space from the family room. Depending on the headroom you could put the toilet where the sink is too.
BUT unless you have a bathroom above it and the waste coming downstairs first, this could be a big job. This is what I was thinking anyway... but think it's going to be too much work.
Is the wall between the kitchen and the family room a supporting wall? The other option would be to nick a bit of space from the kitchen and the family room so you don't have to take as much from just the family room.
If it is a solid wall, the best place is probably going to be where you have it in your drawing in the family room, and you can probably get away with 90cm if it's just for a WC. Opening up between the kitchen/diner would give you a lovely large space.
annabellaamy
3 years ago
Lauren HOriginal Author