Installing a Downstairs Toilet - Everything You Need to Know

Wed, Jul 03, 2024 03:10 CET

If your home doesn’t currently have a downstairs toilet, the choice to add one can be very beneficial and can add some significant value to your property. People will often shy away from installing a downstairs bathroom as many people believe that it’s a very large and expensive job. However, you'll likely find that it costs much less than you expect. It's also quite a simple and straightforward process for a skilled contractor.

A toilet with text overlay

Description automatically generated

Below, plumbing expert David Cruz at MyJobQuote.co.uk goes over everything you need to know about installing a downstairs toilet, including the costs involved, the process, and the benefits to this type of work. Take a look at the extensive guide below.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Downstairs Toilet?

The price you will pay for a downstairs toilet will vary depending on several factors. These factors include the quality of the fittings and materials, the ease of access, the difficulty of the job at hand, and your specific location in the UK. Homeowners based in London will pay more for the work than people who reside in other areas of the UK.

The average cost of installing a downstairs toilet is around £2000 - £4000. This type of work will typically take around 8 - 12 days to complete. A simple toilet and basin set will cost around £200-£400 for the materials alone. This is without the cost of labour and without any of the additional costs such as decorating or additional pipework.

On average, you can expect a plumber to charge around £100 - £150 per day for their work. Most plumbers will work on their own for this type of job. You may need to hire some additional contractors for the work, such as flooring specialists, electricians, plasterers, and decorators. The labour costs, in general, will depend on your location. However, you can expect the total price for labour to be around £1000 - £1500.

How Long Will It Take to Install a Downstairs Toilet?

A plumber will usually work on their own to complete a downstairs toilet installation. The work will most usually take roughly 4-10 days to complete. The specific time it takes will depend on the size of the room, the type of fixtures that are being fitted, and any additional work that may be needed.

If you are installing your new downstairs toilet in a very compact space, such as a closet or cloakroom, then it could take a bit less time to complete. However, if you are installing your new downstairs toilet in a larger room, such as an extension or spare rooom, then the work will likely take longer.

What is The Process of Installing a Downstairs Toilet?

The process of installing a downstairs can vary depending on the location of the installation. Choosing the right spot for your downstairs toilet installation is the first step in the process. The location could be anywhere from a larger cupboard or utility room to a downstairs cloakroom. Once you have decided on an area and had it surveyed, you can then progress with the installation.

Below is an overview of the steps involved in installing a downstairs toilet.

Remove the Old Fixtures

The first step in building your new downstairs toilet room is to clear the chosen area. This will usually involve removing all furnishings and fittings from the existing space, stripping the flooring and walls, and doing a good, deep clean of the area.

You will also need to switch off any heating and water in the area to prevent the possibility of leaks during the installation process.

Fitting The Electricity

Once the area is completely cleared, you will then need to bring in an electrician who can check that all the required electrics are in the correct positioning for the new bathroom. If not, the electrician may need to reroute some of the wiring or install new wiring to power any new fixtures that require electricity.

Once all of the wiring work is complete, the electrician will check over everything to ensure it is working properly and to ensure everything is safe.

Preparing The Walls

The contractors you hire will begin by preparing your bathroom walls for all of the new pipework to be installed. This step involves checking that there are no leaks in the walls that could cause disruption during the installation. They will also check for any dents, cracks or uneven patches on the walls that they must correct before the work begins.

Adding The Plumbed Fixtures

Once the room is completely prepared, the plumber will then replace or fit any of the pipework needed for the job, and they will go on to fit the toilet and basin. They will also then fit any additional items that you require, such as a shower or towel radiator, if the space is big enough.

Once everything is fitted, the plumber will then test each of the fittings to ensure everything is working correctly.

Plastering and Tiling

After all of the new bathroom fittings have been installed, you can then hire a decorator to come in and finish off the flooring and walls. The first step involves tiling the room. This will involve installing resilient tiles which can prevent any water damage. Afterwards, the walls will be plastered and painted as needed, and the contractor can then install new flooring.

Finishing Touches

Once the room is complete and everything is fully decorated, the contractors will then assess the fixtures once more to make sure everything has been installed correctly. All that's left to do then is add the extras such as shelves, lighting, mirrors and cupboards to complete the room.

Planning Permission and Building Regulations When Installing a Downstairs Toilet

As long as you are not making any alterations to the outside of the home, you won’t need to worry about applying for a full planning application for most toilets and sinks. However, it is still always worth checking with your local authority beforehand just to make sure. If you live in a listed building or a conservation area, then you may need to get planning permission. It’s best to check with your local council for more information on this.

For your safety and the safety of those around you, it is important that you adhere to all relevant building regulations when installing a downstairs toilet. The installation will involve plumbing, heating, and electrics – these all need to comply with certain safety standards. Once the work is complete, it will need to be signed off by a building control officer. Once the work is signed off, you will receive a building control completion certificate to prove that the work was completed under the relevant building control rules.

There are certain building regulations that are important to adhere to with this type of work. Ventilation is very important. You will need to install an extractor fan that can remove 15 litres of water from the air per minute. Alternatively, you will need to install a window that can open more than 15 degrees.

In order to make sure the plumbing meets the UK building regulations, it is highly recommended that you hire a professional plumber to complete the work for you. Your plumber will ensure that there is proper drainage, efficient waste disposal, access to sewage and drainage systems, your pipes run downhill, and your plumber will also ensure the work adheres to the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS).

What Are The Benefits of a Downstairs Toilet

There are a number of benefits to installing a toilet downstairs. Below is a list of the main benefits of doing this type of work:

Increased Property Value

Adding a downstairs toilet in your home is very appealing to property buyers due to its convenience. Installing a downstairs toilet can add up to around 5% to the value of your propert. So, your initial investment will certainly pay off

when you come to sell your home.

A Touch of Luxury

An additional toilet in the home is thought to be quite luxurious. This is something that people look fondly at, and it can improve the overall feel and experience of being in your home. This is something you can really show off to guests.

Great for Guests and Larger Families

Adding an additional toilet in your home is perfect for larger families and guests. It provides a seperate space for guests and family members to use the toilet if the main bathroom is currently occupied. So, effectively, you can have a shower or bath in peace without worrying about people needing to use the toilet part way through your wash.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it! Installing a downstairs toilet can be a great way to add value and convenience to your home. While there are some costs and regulations to consider, the benefits can outweigh the initial investment. Remember to plan ahead, get the right permits, and hire qualified professionals to ensure a smooth and safe installation.

MyJobQuote is one of the UK's top trades matching sites that helps individuals find a reputable tradesperson in their local area.

MyJobQuote also has a wide range of experts with extensive knowledge in interior design, cleaning, gardening, property, construction and more. MyJobQuote's experts have been featured in over 700 publications, including Woman and Home, The Times, House Beautiful, BBC News and more.