Downstairs bathroom/no garage - thoughts?

Melv

We've been to see a property today which we really liked. It's a 1960s build, chalet-style with 3 beds upstairs & 1 bed (converted garage) downstairs. Well maintained, good road.

The main quirk is that the family bathroom is downstairs. There's a toilet on the first floor and room to build 2 more ensuite shower rooms in the eaves (which we would do if we bought it), but we wouldn't want to convert a bedroom into the bathroom as this would reduce the spec of the house.

I know it's a matter of taste, but I wondered what the consensus was re. the main bathroom and lack of garage? We intend to stay in our next house for at least 10 years, but re-sale also needs to be a consideration. Would these aspects put any of you off?

hazyjo

Is there room in the garden for storage (shed, etc)?

Is there off street parking?

Are there other reception rooms?

My friend had huge probs trying to extend a chalet bungalow and in the end had to move. They were strict on planning, and head height is an issue. If you definitely have the ceiling height to put in a shower, it might be feasible.

Was the bathroom upstairs originally? I would expect so in a 1960s' house.

I wouldn't buy a house with a downstairs bathroom, but might if if it had the potential to install one upstairs.

If they got rid of the garage and there's no OSP, they more than likely devalued the house, so make sure you compare against other similar houses nearby.

Jx

Melv

Thanks hazyjo. There's a large shed with electrics in the back garden and a decent drive which would take about 5 cars. Also, 2 good-sized reception rooms - lounge & dining room + large conservatory.

Upstairs, there are two bedrooms with eaves space (approx 1.5m width), which could hypothetically be extended into dormer en-suites, but as you mention, this would depend on planning. The main bedroom is on the front gable end so maybe this would be restricted? I guess we would need to do some asking around.

The price is at the top end of that particular street, but we would offer at least 7% under this (in line with the price we've been offered for our house).

fashionlover10

The downstairs bathroom wouldn't bother me at all but the lack of garage would unless there was sufficient storage space in the house and/or room for a shed in the garden.

We're currently renting a flat with a massive lack of storage space and so it's one thing I won't budge on when we come to buy.

Dunroamin

A downstairs bathroom is less of a problem if there's a loo upstairs. Is there a basin in with it or could you fit one or more in the bedrooms?

Melv

Thanks - there's a basin in the upstairs loo. Also potential space for 2 ensuite shower rooms - just not a main bathroom. Big shed in the garden & lots of storage cupboards in the house.

CLAPTON

with wc/basin and shower upstairs then I'ld have no problem with main bathroom downstairs but if you couldn't put a shower upstairs that would be no-go with me as we always shower in the morning and wouldn't want to go up and down stairs.

again off street parking is essential but an actual garage only a nice to have

maybe ask the council for an indication of whether dormer windows would be allowed?

Melv

That's an excellent idea Clapton. I'm going to contact the council tomorrow. If we can't convert the eaves then it would be a no-go.

martinthebandit

To be honest I think a good shed with electrics etc is as good as a garage to most people, how many people actually use a garage to park their car in nowadays?

Downstairs bathroom plus an upstairs loo would be fine for me too.

xyellowx

two houses ive just viewed had garages both had washing machine tumble dryer spare fridge freezer in dont think many people use the garage for its proper use any more

as for the shower you take your clothes with you to the downstairs bathroom shower then get dressed job done no need to walk through the house

dimbo61

We owned a 1960,s chalet style 3 bed house with the main bathroom downstairs.
We hated the position of the bathroom door near the front door.
Got a good local builder to move the door position so that it became an en suite to the downstairs bedroom.
He managed to squeeze a bathroom in upstairs to serve the kids bedrooms at a great price as well.
When we decided to sell an older couple with 2 teenage sons loved the layout as they wanted a downstairs bedroom with en suite.
If they had visitors they could use the upstairs bathroom.
The two sons were nearly ready to fly the nest and happy with there own bathroom