How much value will a second toilet add?

[macaroni]

We reno-ing our laundry and we're able to add a toilet for additional cost of approx $1000. The downside is that in order to make it feel like a guest toilet, rather than a loo shoved in a laundry corner, we will have to put in a vanity unit instead of a laundry tub. (The laundry appliances can run along another wall and be hidden behind a floor-to-ceiling curtain - or sliding doors if we win Lotto.)

We plan to live in this house for another 4 years then sell. It's a 3-bedroom house with two living areas. We think we could stage the 2nd living area as a possible bedroom when we put the house on the market eventually, and we've been advised to add a 2nd toilet if we hope to attract those looking for a 4-beddie. Is this good advice?

We are slightly reluctant to add the extra toilet because our renovation is already significantly over budget, and it's another grand we'll have to steal from the landscaping budget. Also it will mean less useable laundry space for necessary clutter like drying racks, buckets etc. And losing the laundry tub will mean using the kitchen sink for washing up paintbrushes and that kind of thing. Minor inconveniences but would be worth it if a second toilet will add value - what do you reckon?

[speights boy]

Value to house guests ?............possible;
Value to future buyers ?............probable;
Value to you if the other one blocks ?.........priceless.

[Davo36]

I would ask yourself this question: Will you find it useful over the next 4 years?

Like is the new one going to be just off a living area for instance?

Will it be used quite a lot?

If so, put it in, it will add value. Impossible to say how much, but I would guess a lot more than $1000.

[macaroni]

I would ask yourself this question: Will you find it useful over the next 4 years?

Like is the new one going to be just off a living area for instance?

Will it be used quite a lot?

It's going to be right next door to our existing toilet!

To be honest we have no need at all for a second toilet at the moment, but both kids are still in nappies so that may well change!

It would give us the option of combining our existing toilet and very small bathroom into one much larger space, in which case a separate toilet would be good to have. But our budget doesn't really allow for that, and again, I'm not sure of the return on investment. We're not in a great area - but have a nice enough house on a 1100m2 section.

[elguapo]

How can you add a toilet for $1000? The building consent would cost much more than the actual cost of buying and installing a toilet.

[macaroni]

Ha! The plumber never said anything about needing a building consent and the thought never crossed my mind. Newb! Ah well, problem solved I guess.

ETA: For now, I mean, since there's no time to get consent in order to fit it in the 'current round' of works. Would still consider adding the extra toilet in future if this area improves in value and we decide to borrow more so still keen on your opinions - this is very helpful, thanks.

[north shore]

Ha! The plumber never said anything about needing a building consent and the thought never crossed my mind. Newb! Ah well, problem solved I guess.

If it was me as a mum of 3 teenagers and pets, I would have a second toliet but not at the expense of no laundry tub. I also wouldn't buy a house like that for myself or a rental, you need a laundry tub.
Also I don't like toliets in with the rest of the bathroom, prefer them separate.

[grip]

I think adding the second toilet would add significant value to your property.

Washing paintbrushes can be done outside so wouldn't affect you.

Your second sink/vanity can also double up as laundry sink.

How do you guys think people who live in apartments manage without laundry tubs?

[north shore]

I think adding the second toilet would add significant value to your property.

Washing paintbrushes can be done outside so wouldn't affect you.

Your second sink/vanity can also double up as laundry sink.

How do you guys think people who live in apartments manage without laundry tubs?

You cope, been there done that with an apartment, I also have a friend who takes stuff home to family to wash in the tub there.
I would prefer a laundry tub. The thought of washing e.g: shoes and other things in a sink/vanity even though you would clean it afterwards is yuk. But that is just my opinion.

[grip]

The thought of washing e.g: shoes and other things in a sink/vanity even though you would clean it afterwards is yuk. But that is just my opinion.

I don't get it. Why would you wash your shoes in the vanity sink when you live in a standalone house with presumably an outdoor tap?

i'm just saying if you can wash the yucky stuff outdoor definitely pay the $1k for the extra toilet.

[macaroni]

Anyone know how much consent is for adding a loo?

[Davo36]

Anyone know how much consent is for adding a loo?

Think of a figure, say, how much you think the council could possibly charge for a toilet.

Multiply by 5 and you'll be close.

Don't get the council involved is my advice.

[elguapo]

Anyone know how much consent is for adding a loo?

In Auckland, around $4,000.

[macaroni]

What the what? That multiple of five is about right. Not sure about doing it off the books though, could well be a real pain at selling time if house doesn't match the plans on the LIM.

[jimO]

What the what? That multiple of five is about right. Not sure about doing it off the books though, could well be a real pain at selling time if house doesn't match the plans on the LIM.

that terlit was always there