is 3 bathroom on 2nd floor a must?

[eilrach]

hi guys,

have never really owned a home before but am shopping for one right now... one of the things ive noticed is that for the size of the houses i want (eg 2700-3000 sq ft), most of them only have 2 bathrooms on the 2nd floor (+1/2 on the ground)... i would prefer 3 bathrooms but usually, houses with 3 bath on the 2nd floor are in the 3200-3500 sq ft range -- which is a tad too big for a newly married couple... the reason why i prefer 3 bathrooms is our plan to have 2 kids (may or may not happen of course)... on the other hand, for a potential family of 4, i thought 2700-3000 sq ft would be the "right size"... i tried to look at the 3 bedroom 3 washroom bungalow/bungaloft routes (eg. 2100-2300 sq ft) but it seems they're also a tad small....

anyone has any preferences based on their own experiences of the pros and cons of each? any thoughts would be much appreciated... eg. should i prioritize the a) size or b) the # of washrooms, etc...
thanks

[gman]

hi guys,

have never really owned a home before but am shopping for one right now... one of the things ive noticed is that for the size of the houses i want (eg 2700-3000 sq ft), most of them only have 2 bathrooms on the 2nd floor (+1/2 on the ground)... i would prefer 3 bathrooms but usually, houses with 3 bath on the 2nd floor are in the 3200-3500 sq ft range -- which is a tad too big for a newly married couple... the reason why i prefer 3 bathrooms is our plan to have 2 kids (may or may not happen of course)... on the other hand, for a potential family of 4, i thought 2700-3000 sq ft would be the "right size"... i tried to look at the 3 bedroom 3 washroom bungalow/bungaloft routes (eg. 2100-2300 sq ft) but it seems they're also a tad small....

anyone has any preferences based on their own experiences of the pros and cons of each? any thoughts would be much appreciated... eg. should i prioritize the a) size or b) the # of washrooms, etc...
thanks

Why do you need 3 bathrooms (for a potential family of 4)? Do you want to have 3 baths happening at the same time?

We have 2 bathrooms and I have a wife and 2 teenage girls. It works fine for us.

[ullyeus]

I just can't relate to people that think they need that huge of a house...wow....

[Si98]

Houses with 3 washrooms on the second floor between 2500 to 3000 square feet do exist. What is your budget and desired location?

[eilrach]

hi guys thanks for some of your inputs and to answer some of your questions:
eg. why 3 bathrooms? if i could do it, would prefer kids (assuming there's 2) not sharing bathroom -- dunno i grew up that way...

[hitman_24]

hi guys thanks for some of your inputs and to answer some of your questions:
eg. why 3 bathrooms? if i could do it, would prefer kids (assuming there's 2) not sharing bathroom -- dunno i grew up that way...

i wish we all had our own bathrooms growing up
we had 1 bath for 6 people
wish my parents spoiled me with my own room, let alone my own bathroom

[CaptSmethwick]

I personally think that sharing a bathroom builds character and provides opportunities to teach consideration of others, etc. Besides, fewer bathrooms = easier house cleaning.

We have two full baths on the 2nd floor and a powder room on main floor in a house at the upper end of the size range the OP is considering with 4 bedrooms and 4 people and it's more than enough.

[nalababe]

We live in a 1800 sqft house and have two bathrooms--one upstairs main hall, one basement. This easily handles 3 of us (our fourth is just a baby). We have also had friends and family over to visit and they are easily accommodated.

[kellya]

Our house is just a little over 2500 sq ft for five people. We have our own bathroom, my daughter has her own bathroom and my two sons share a bathroom (yeah I feel badly for them :lol:) We also have a powder room on the main floor. I actually think it is silly to have so many bathrooms. I personally don't think it is necessary for each kid to have their own bathroom. I also agree with a pp who said it makes for more cleaning. Anyway we purchased our house because we got a great deal on an inventory house but I would have been perfectly happy with a house that had 1 or two bathrooms upstairs and then own downstairs (also taking into consideration that another bathroom will go in the basement when that eventually gets finished)

Kelly

[dcor]

we've managed to live in a townhouse with 1 main bath and 1 powder room. This is for 2 adults and 4 kids. It's getting tough especially with kids growing up and getting to teenage years. I think sharing rooms and pitching in to keep the house in order for the family builds character and concern for each other. Having said that, we will be moving to a house with 3 full baths in 2F and powder room in main floor. One of my main considerations was number of bathrooms. I think I would've been ok with 2 full baths in the 2F and one powder room.

[Jon Lai]

Kids do NOT need their own bathrooms...

[boyoflondon]

The square footage that you are looking for is more then enough.

Even 2500 sq/f would be more then enough.

I really fail to see the need for 3 bathrooms upstairs. Let the kids share. If they don't learn when they are young, they never will.

[coolspot]

I personally prefer a house with 3 bathrooms on the second floor - ideally each with an ensuite.

It's not necessarily the kids, but when guests are over, it's the third bathroom really pays off.

But obviously this depends on your budget - I think a 3rd bathroom adds at least 10 - 20K to the cost of the house, if not more.

[slinger99]

3 bathrooms...nice to have but really not needed. Right now you have no kids so the other 2 bathrooms go unused most of the time. You probably would find 3 bathrooms nice to have only when your 2 kids are teenagers and if they are girls. That's a long time from now. If you do have 2 kids, why should each get their own bathroom while both parents have to share one. Kids need to learn to share.

I have seen 3 bathrooms on 2nd floor in 2700+ sq ft houses. These are newer houses in areas north of Toronto. Pioritize not on size or number of bathrooms but on overall layout and location.

[stealth]

2 bathrooms on the 2nd floor, 1/2 on the ground floor, and another 1/2 in the basement if you finish it, is plenty.
Its a house not a hotel.

[Mayoo]

I don't know ur price range and the area looking .. i just put Brampton, Milton and for size i put 2500 - 3000 and got this

http://www.newinhomes.com/ontario/brampton-development-2165/floorplans-18306.html

http://www.newinhomes.com/ontario/milton-development-2629/floorplans-15615.html

[TrevorK]

2 bathrooms on the 2nd floor, 1/2 on the ground floor, and another 1/2 in the basement if you finish it, is plenty.
Its a house not a hotel.

Good point - by the time the kids are old enough to really want to have their own bathroom you could have a bedroom/bathroom in the basement development for them.

[rdx]

Number of bathrooms in the house is a selling feature.

For a nice luxury home, they will have an ensuite in each bedroom.

It is true that usually only houses over 2500 sq ft will have 3 bathrooms on the 2nd floor, and 2+ ensuites.

[gman]

One may also want to look at another angle.

For a 2000 sq ft 2 storey house, do you prefer to reduce the space of your bedrooms so that you have the 3rd bathroom?

i.e. Do you prefer to have 1 master bedroom, 3 tiny bedrooms and 3 bathroom?
Or, 1 master bedroom, 3 bigger bedrooms and 2 bathrooms?
Or, 1 master bedroom, 2 bigger bedrooms and 3 bathrooms?

[eilrach]

thanks for your tips guys... i can see some emphatic statements about the need for sharing et al... i can also see the viewpts of others why 3 bath is also a plus... which is precisely what im trying to get here -- just wanted to see the differing viewpoints and decide on my own based on the merits of both... it is obviously a subjective decision... and many thanks also to those who went out of their way to show me some houses that are available in the format im looking for... will check out those houses in the next couple of weeks too...

[TruHP]

Too bad you aren't looking near KW (we're selling our house). We have an ensuite for every bedroom. After living with it, I would never want to live without it. It makes potty training sooo much easier too..lol. Nothing like when you have guests over for them to have their own bathroom as well. We have a 1/2 bath on the main floor and right now a rough in bathroom in the basement big enough for a tub/shower. All of our bedroom as a very good size so that doesn't really come into issue of cutting into bedroom space or even storage space for that matter. I wouldn't want it any other way again. Spoiled I know, but we work hard. A bathroom for each bedroom will be a must when we start looking for a new house or we'll build again.

[Tacoma]

hi guys,
....
anyone has any preferences based on their own experiences of the pros and cons of each? any thoughts would be much appreciated... eg. should i prioritize the a) size or b) the # of washrooms, etc...
thanks

I would prioritize top 3 as follows:

(1) Location - check out all the neighbourhoods you'd like to live in considering your price point, distance travel to work, proximity to shopping/restaurants, close to public transit, demographics, etc. Since you're considering kids, look for areas closer the better schools (which will tend to cost more).
(2) Location
(3) Location

After the top 3, then, I'd look at the house characteristics such as type (e.g., bungalow), size, garage (double, single, none), new/old, move in condition or fixer-upper, big backyard, finished basement, main floor laundry, # washrooms, etc. These all really comes down to a matter of personal preference and so other people's opinions are just that and nothing more... unless you're talking about what adds most to the price/value of a home... in which case we're back to location again. :D

[rdx]

Yes, for real estate, location is everything. Believe or not, a tiny house on Avenue road downtown, 1700 sq ft on a 15 ft lot can ask for $1 million.

I personally won't pay $1 million to live in a tiny house, but there is a market for that.

I think you have to balance it between price and location. Find a decent size house on a decent location at a reasonable price. I know it is easy to say.........

BTW, to OP, for 2700-3000 sq ft houses, it shouldn't impact the size of all bedrooms too much, with 2 ensuites and 3rd bathroom. A bathroom for each of the 4 bedrooms would be even nicer : )
I would prioritize top 3 as follows:

(1) Location - check out all the neighbourhoods you'd like to live in considering your price point, distance travel to work, proximity to shopping/restaurants, close to public transit, demographics, etc. Since you're considering kids, look for areas closer the better schools (which will tend to cost more).
(2) Location
(3) Location

After the top 3, then, I'd look at the house characteristics such as type (e.g., bungalow), size, garage (double, single, none), new/old, move in condition or fixer-upper, big backyard, finished basement, main floor laundry, # washrooms, etc. These all really comes down to a matter of personal preference and so other people's opinions are just that and nothing more... unless you're talking about what adds most to the price/value of a home... in which case we're back to location again. :D

[Narci]

More bathrooms means more cleaning hehehe

[dlhunter]

I owned both (2500 w/ 2 baths & 3200 w/ 3 baths) and find 3 baths upstairs more convinient, especially when having guests staying over. And I did share single bathroom with 5 other people while growing up - I'd not want to be in that situation again.

I guess the reason they don't build 3B in less than 2700 sq ft is bedroom size, and even then you need at least 3000...

[rdx]

Agree, all my guests commented on how good it is to have their own bathroom in their guest room.

I owned both (2500 w/ 2 baths & 3200 w/ 3 baths) and find 3 baths upstairs more convinient, especially when having guests staying over. And I did share single bathroom with 5 other people while growing up - I'd not want to be in that situation again.

I guess the reason they don't build 3B in less than 2700 sq ft is bedroom size, and even then you need at least 3000...

[Cheap Cat]

i wish we all had our own bathrooms growing up
we had 1 bath for 6 people
wish my parents spoiled me with my own room, let alone my own bathroom

Same here on both counts. We aren't related are we? But I guess that was the norm back then. My elderly mother always complains that she has never had her own bedroom (she shared with my sister and then my dad). I guess she has also never had her own bathroom either. At least now she only shares it with one person instead of six.

I don't think kids need their own bathrooms. When they are teenagers, who will get them out of the bathroom if there isn't someone waiting to get in? Who will be cleaning them all especially when they are young?

[TruHP]

Having more bathrooms it is easier to keep them clean. Each one gets used on avg less. You also don't have to have kids bath toys all over the place when you have guests over and each one can be custom decorated for each room. What boy would want a pink princess bathroom or girl want a blue dino bathroom? You could always go with say a "jack and jill" bathroom where the only doors to the bathroom are from two bedrooms. It would cut down the number of bathrooms, yet give each bedroom a bathroom attached to it. So for a 3 bedroom house you could only have 2 bathrooms upstairs, yet all have their "own" bathroom.

[sockboy]

3 bathrooms, upstairs, a "must"???

I have never lived in any house with more than one and a half bathrooms in the entire house!!

Sometimes I really can't relate to the topics here . . .

[dlhunter]

3 bathrooms, upstairs, a "must"???

I have never lived in any house with more than one and a half bathrooms in the entire house!!

Sometimes I really can't relate to the topics here . . .

when you do, you will understand:D

[rdx]

3 bathrooms, upstairs, a "must"???

I have never lived in any house with more than one and a half bathrooms in the entire house!!

Sometimes I really can't relate to the topics here . . .

Really? Even the condo I used to live in had two full bathrooms.

[AA0913]

my wife and i opted for this.

we have 4 bedrooms on the 2nd floor of a new home.

1 master bath

1 bath per bedroom except for a jack/jill shared/connecting full bath for the other 2 rooms.

aspen ridge offers this on their Chipman floorplan which is a modest 2400sq/ft - 47ft lot.


we have noticed some homes do not seem to offer this option on lower/economical floorplans.... your mileage may vary.

[rdx]

I have the same in my house. I only use one room as the den, so if I close the bathroom door from the den's side, I get 3 ensuites : )

BTW, most of the floor plan I have seen, only those are close or over 3000 sq ft offer 3 bathrooms on the 2nd floor.



my wife and i opted for this.

we have 4 bedrooms on the 2nd floor of a new home.

1 master bath

1 bath per bedroom except for a jack/jill shared/connecting full bath for the other 2 rooms.

aspen ridge offers this on their Chipman floorplan which is a modest 2400sq/ft - 47ft lot.


we have noticed some homes do not seem to offer this option on lower/economical floorplans.... your mileage may vary.

[AA0913]

I have the same in my house. I only use one room as the den, so if I close the bathroom door from the den's side, I get 3 ensuites : )

BTW, most of the floor plan I have seen, only those are close or over 3000 sq ft offer 3 bathrooms on the 2nd floor.


and even with that room acting as a den, its nice cuz it has windows and a direct bathroom when you need it! w00t! great for distractions!

yeah, i think it really depends on the builder.

We checked out Country Wide, Minto, and quite a few others that i have forgotten and although the homes were as large as +3800sq/ft, they wouldn't offer ensuite bathrooms in anything smaller than 2800sq/ft and in some builders, smaller than 3100sq/ft... and this pushes into 50' lot premiums...

[gman]

3 bathrooms, upstairs, a "must"???

I have never lived in any house with more than one and a half bathrooms in the entire house!!

Sometimes I really can't relate to the topics here . . .

Really? Even the condo I used to live in had two full bathrooms.

Same here. My last condo unit has 2 full bathrooms too.
I personally do not know anyone who owns a house which is built within last 20 years has only 1 bathroom.

By the way, what is a half bathroom? Can you take a bath (or a half bath) in a half bathroom? :D

[rdx]

Same here. My last condo unit has 2 full bathrooms too.
I personally do not know anyone who owns a house which is built within last 20 years has only 1 bathroom.

By the way, what is a half bathroom? Can you take a bath (or a half bath) in a half bathroom? :D

Half bathroom means only toilet and sink, no shower or bathtub

[gman]

Half bathroom means only toilet and sink, no shower or bathtub

I know but if you can't take a bath, how can it still be a half 'bathroom'? :D

[rdx]

Wow, 3800 sq ft without 2nd ensuite. That would be a big minus for future resale !!! If I buy a 3800 sq ft, I even want a bathroom in every bedroom :)



and even with that room acting as a den, its nice cuz it has windows and a direct bathroom when you need it! w00t! great for distractions!

yeah, i think it really depends on the builder.

We checked out Country Wide, Minto, and quite a few others that i have forgotten and although the homes were as large as +3800sq/ft, they wouldn't offer ensuite bathrooms in anything smaller than 2800sq/ft and in some builders, smaller than 3100sq/ft... and this pushes into 50' lot premiums...

[gman]

Wow, 3800 sq ft without 2nd ensuite. That would be a big minus for future resale !!! If I buy a 3800 sq ft, I even want a bathroom in every bedroom :)

He said 2800 but he did write his sentence oddly.

[AA0913]

I know but if you can't take a bath, how can it still be a half 'bathroom'? :D

you never tried bathing in a toilet? geezes where are u from? hahah

[AA0913]

He said 2800 but he did write his sentence oddly.

yeah, it was a run-on.

[gman]

you never tried bathing in a toilet? geezes where are u from? hahah

Damn! I am spoiled. I guess one can bath the bottom half there.

[rdx]

He said 2800 but he did write his sentence oddly.

Ops, sorry, I misread it.

BTW, the only exception I found 2nd ensuite (total 3 bathrooms on 2nd floor) in a small house was in Upper Thornhill Estates from Century Grove Homes. It is the Jonkind model. The house is only 2300 sq ft and single garage on a 36' lot, but has 4 bedrooms and 2 ensuite.

[patrob]

3 bathrooms on 2nd floor in a house of 3,000 sq. ft. plus is a must especially for re-sale. It's not a matter of "need" (well sometimes it is) it's more of a "want" :D
We have 3 full bathrooms upstairs now & with 3 kids it's nice & convenient. I guess we are spoiling our kids, I wish I had my own bathroom & a walk-in closet when I was a teenager :( :cheesygri

[antman59]

You could probably find some new builds in Richmondhill and Aurora with what you are looking for. My current house has 3 Bathrooms upstairs. Also some designs will let you add a bathroom for about $5000, that was the case with mine.

[mork]

Sometimes I really can't relate to the topics here . . .

I think its a regional thing sockboy (not knowing where you are from). I know a lot of people, and only two people I know have a house anywhere near 2,000 sq.ft. which people in the East consider to be "modest".

Typical new construction in my area is ~1,200 sq.ft. above grade. this would generally be 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms (a main bath and an en suite). I couldn't even imagine knowing a newlywed couple buying their first home considering a 3,000 sq.ft. home like the OP is, but that is from my limited perspective in SK I suppose.. I can honestly say I don't think I have been in a 3,000 sq.ft. home in my life (and I've been to the homes of some very wealthy people).

A starter home for a young couple in SK would usually be less than 1,000 sq.ft. and have a single bathroom.

[slinger99]

The truth is you can never have too many bathrooms.
If toilets are seldomly used, remember to flush them every few weeks to prevent evaporation of the water and sewer gases coming up.
Ideally the master bedroom should have his and her bathrooms (one for the mom and one for the dad).

[Narci]

I can only assume that they removed some bathrooms on the second floor of a large house because of costs.

[nalababe]

The truth is you can never have too many bathrooms.
If toilets are seldomly used, remember to flush them every few weeks to prevent evaporation of the water and sewer gases coming up.
Ideally the master bedroom should have his and her bathrooms (one for the mom and one for the dad).

sure you can...one per floor would be enough for us (and we don't have that).

[sockboy]

Same here. My last condo unit has 2 full bathrooms too.
I personally do not know anyone who owns a house which is built within last 20 years has only 1 bathroom.


Housing age (and neighbourhoods) would be a major reason why I've never lived with multiple baths. The "newest" place I have ever lived in was a 1970s apartment building. In fact, I don't know if I have even BEEN in a house with 3 bathrooms upstairs . . . I can't imagine having "spare" toilets that I have to remember to flush every now and then! It seems a bit excessive . . .

[sockboy]

when you do, you will understand:D

I honestly can't even imagine it! None of my "dream" homes have that many baths - so even if I won the lottery . . .

[rdx]

I honestly can't even imagine it! None of my "dream" homes have that many baths - so even if I won the lottery . . .

I have heard from friends and relatives complaining there are too many bathrooms. Most of them are wishing to have more.

Maybe you are just living by yourself. So, one is enough.

But for me, even just for myself, I would want one for each floor (main, 2nd and basement) :)

[speedyforme]

I live in a semi and have a powder room on main floor, a main bath upstairs and ensuite.

I use all three depending on where I am.

[canuckgirl]

We just bought a house that is just over 2700 sq ft. It has 5 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms upstairs. We paid extra to get the extra bathroom, not only because we *need* it (we have 5 children) but because we knew that for resale it would be extremely desirable. Even with 2 children, I think it would definitely be worth it!

[rdx]

We just bought a house that is just over 2700 sq ft. It has 5 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms upstairs. We paid extra to get the extra bathroom, not only because we *need* it (we have 5 children) but because we knew that for resale it would be extremely desirable. Even with 2 children, I think it would definitely be worth it!

You have 5 bedrooms on 2nd floor, should definitely have 3 bathrooms. Good choice, and it will definitely help on resale.

[Detox99]

You have 5 bedrooms on 2nd floor, should definitely have 3 bathrooms. Good choice, and it will definitely help on resale.

I think it depends on the neighbourhood you are buying. If most of the houses you in the neighbourhood you are buying in have 3 bathrooms on the 2nd floor, than make sure the house you intend to buy doesn't have less than 3.

Many really old neighborhoods with expensive homes, are lucky to have more than 1 bathroom period.

[nalababe]

I think it depends on the neighbourhood you are buying. If most of the houses you in the neighbourhood you are buying in have 3 bathrooms on the 2nd floor, than make sure the house you intend to buy doesn't have less than 3.

Many really old neighborhoods with expensive homes, are lucky to have more than 1 bathroom period.

bang on...

Our little Semi is worth around 600k and has one 5x7 bathroom upstairs and one 8x8 bathroom in the basement. With the two of us and two kids (both young), we have never needed more...

...now we do wish that the upstairs bathroom was a bit bigger...and maybe a powder room on the main floor, but other than that we really wouldn't want more.

[rdx]

I think it depends on the neighbourhood you are buying. If most of the houses you in the neighbourhood you are buying in have 3 bathrooms on the 2nd floor, than make sure the house you intend to buy doesn't have less than 3.

Many really old neighborhoods with expensive homes, are lucky to have more than 1 bathroom period.


I hear you. That's why I said on the other post that someone is buying a tiny 15' lot house on avenue road for a million, probably half an century old. But, I don't understand paying a million to live a small and old style house, regardless how expensive its land is.

House is built to live in and enjoy. If I can't enjoy living in there, it does not matter how good the neighbourhood is.

[bobbings]

Try 500 sq ft apartment with 1 washroom for a family of 6 in Hong Kong lol

3 on the 2nd floor is not a must but would be nice to have. 2700 to 3100 sq ft house is not a must for a family of 4 but would also be nice to have. Overall, it's just personal preference, not to mention if you're financially able to go for it.

If you want 3 washrooms on the 2nd floor, go for it!

[rdx]

I know what you mean. Typical apartment size in HK for a family 4-5 is 400 sq ft. People work their whole for the mortage of their tiny apartment (easily a million dollar for a new one)

But, you are now in Canada, don't you want to improve your life style. I guess that's one of main reason you moved here, right? :)

There is nothing really a must feature for the house as long as all are within the building codes. All features , like 9ft, 10 ft ceiling, door to garage, 2nd ensuite on 2nd floor, etc, are just nice features to help out resale in the future, and also give you more conveniences while you live there.



Try 500 sq ft apartment with 1 washroom for a family of 6 in Hong Kong lol

3 on the 2nd floor is not a must but would be nice to have. 2700 to 3100 sq ft house is not a must for a family of 4 but would also be nice to have. Overall, it's just personal preference, not to mention if you're financially able to go for it.

If you want 3 washrooms on the 2nd floor, go for it!

[sockboy]

I think it depends on the neighbourhood you are buying. If most of the houses you in the neighbourhood you are buying in have 3 bathrooms on the 2nd floor, than make sure the house you intend to buy doesn't have less than 3.

Many really old neighborhoods with expensive homes, are lucky to have more than 1 bathroom period.

This is exactly it. My house has only one bathroom. Two of us live there. A family of three lived in it before us. A family of 5 lived in it in the 1950s. None of the other houses on the street have more than 1 full bathroom. The majority don't even have a toilet on the main floor, so we aren't at a disadvantage with the "comparables".

[rdx]

This is exactly it. My house has only one bathroom. Two of us live there. A family of three lived in it before us. A family of 5 lived in it in the 1950s. None of the other houses on the street have more than 1 full bathroom. The majority don't even have a toilet on the main floor, so we aren't at a disadvantage with the "comparables".

I believe the reason OP is asking that is because he is looking for a brand new house where 2 bathrooms on the 2nd floor is a standard, and 3 would be a bonus feature for bigger house. I bet 9 ft ceiling is standard for what he is looking for too. So, can't really compare what he is looking for to the old neighbourhood, probably 8 foot ceiling is standard.

To OP, you really have to look at what are the "standard" in the neighbourhood you are looking. Like you mentioned, most new developments I have seen only have 3rd bathroom for bigger floor plans. You might find one or two exceptions. Like I mentioned, I found there is a 2300 sq ft single garage detached, 4 bedrooms in Upper Thornhill Estates with 2 ensuites and 3rd bathroom on the 2nd floor.
But people might not like to have 4 bedrooms with one garage.

Check out the Jongkind model at the Upper Thornhill Estates site from the link. http://centurygrovehomes.ca/ Selling for $544,990, nice floor plan, only thing missing is the 2nd garage.

[eilrach]

rdx and the rest of the group (and most especially rdx :P), you really hit the points i wanted to ponder on... yes, exactly the points i was trying to gauge -as i didnt quite know the "what's in your neighborhood angle" until you guys pointed it out to me... and the resale angle too... i guess a lot of it has to do with what one "feels" is right given personal preferences (eg. do you wanna clean an extra bathroom, or flush every so often if unused) AND intellectual thought/honest to goodness research on what's happening in the neighborhood (eg. for resale purposes in the future)... i too have lived in both >5k sq ft houses in asia (where land is cheaper - dead giveaway that this isnt hong kong or singapore im talking about), and in studio condos in north america... but ive never owned a house ever... it might seem a big jump and thus my posting here coz a house is a "complex" purchase, unlike stocks or automobiles... yes, location is key of course as well if not the most impt... but i was just observing/comparing a 2700-3000 sq ft that may only allow 2 washrooms on 2nd floor vs having to get another bigger one, say 3300-3500 sq ft that allows for a 3rd washroom -- both have 4 bedrooms... it is both entertaining and interesting to see a lively discussion in this forum... will keep you posted on what i decide in the next few weeks/months...

[eilrach]

rdx, thanks for your addendum too on the 1 vs 2 car garage... that is also the reason i posted before on rfd - i had a similar question... seems like the conclusion i get is that if one can afford a 2 car garage, one should go for that... assuming the size of the houses are similar... again, at first i thought a one car garage is already fine -- eg even if i may need 2 cars, i can park the other outside... but then it seems like 2 car garage has more "resale" value or easier to sell vs. a 1 car garage even if i dont intend to have more than 2 cars... hence, my earlier comment that this house looking is prolly my most complex purchase that i am thinking of in my life so far...

[kellya]

rdx, thanks for your addendum too on the 1 vs 2 car garage... that is also the reason i posted before on rfd - i had a similar question... seems like the conclusion i get is that if one can afford a 2 car garage, one should go for that... assuming the size of the houses are similar... again, at first i thought a one car garage is already fine -- eg even if i may need 2 cars, i can park the other outside... but then it seems like 2 car garage has more "resale" value or easier to sell vs. a 1 car garage even if i dont intend to have more than 2 cars... hence, my earlier comment that this house looking is prolly my most complex purchase that i am thinking of in my life so far...


Absolutely. We wouldn't even consider a 1 car garage house. While you can park one car in the garage and one in the driveway it is a real pain when say the person with the car in the garage needs to leave and the person with the car in the driveway has to go out and move their car. Also in our subdivision they tend to group all the 1 car garage houses together - which results in a lot of street congestion since everyone ends up storing stuff in their garage and the second car ends up getting parked on the street. Personally I would say the 2 car garage would be a bigger issue than 2 vrs 3 bathrooms on the upper level.

Kelly

[rdx]

Another thing when you look for your new house is to check the general size of the houses in your neighbourhood. You don't want to get the significiantly bigger one, let say a 3000+ house in a mainly townhouses and/or semis neighbourhood, it will impact the long term growth value of your property. On the other hand, if you get a 3000 sq ft house surrounding by the same size or even bigger houses, it is perfectly fine (e.g in Bayview Hill community, I think the smallest one there is over 3000 sq ft).

So, don't just look at what the house offers inside, most importantly is the neighbourhood forthe long term growth. You might find a 2700 with 3 bathrooms (what you are looking for), but if it is the biggest house in the neighbourhood, you might not want it. It is not good to be "outstanding" on the whole street :P


rdx and the rest of the group (and most especially rdx :P), you really hit the points i wanted to ponder on... yes, exactly the points i was trying to gauge -as i didnt quite know the "what's in your neighborhood angle" until you guys pointed it out to me... and the resale angle too... i guess a lot of it has to do with what one "feels" is right given personal preferences (eg. do you wanna clean an extra bathroom, or flush every so often if unused) AND intellectual thought/honest to goodness research on what's happening in the neighborhood (eg. for resale purposes in the future)... i too have lived in both >5k sq ft houses in asia (where land is cheaper - dead giveaway that this isnt hong kong or singapore im talking about), and in studio condos in north america... but ive never owned a house ever... it might seem a big jump and thus my posting here coz a house is a "complex" purchase, unlike stocks or automobiles... yes, location is key of course as well if not the most impt... but i was just observing/comparing a 2700-3000 sq ft that may only allow 2 washrooms on 2nd floor vs having to get another bigger one, say 3300-3500 sq ft that allows for a 3rd washroom -- both have 4 bedrooms... it is both entertaining and interesting to see a lively discussion in this forum... will keep you posted on what i decide in the next few weeks/months...

[coolspot]

but then it seems like 2 car garage has more "resale" value or easier to sell vs. a 1 car garage even if i dont intend to have more than 2 cars... hence, my earlier comment that this house looking is prolly my most complex purchase that i am thinking of in my life so far...

Most of the people I know who bought a single car garage now regret it... they all wished they spent the extra 50K for a double garage.

[rdx]

Exactly, even you don't need two cars does not mean your potential buyers do not need two by the time you sell. Even with only two people live in there, they might need to drive to work individually. So, the more the bedrooms, the higher chance of people looking for two garage. Yes, one car can park on the driveway, but it is a pain especially in the winter. So, yes, if you can afford it, get double garage, especially for 4+ bedrooms.

rdx, thanks for your addendum too on the 1 vs 2 car garage... that is also the reason i posted before on rfd - i had a similar question... seems like the conclusion i get is that if one can afford a 2 car garage, one should go for that... assuming the size of the houses are similar... again, at first i thought a one car garage is already fine -- eg even if i may need 2 cars, i can park the other outside... but then it seems like 2 car garage has more "resale" value or easier to sell vs. a 1 car garage even if i dont intend to have more than 2 cars... hence, my earlier comment that this house looking is prolly my most complex purchase that i am thinking of in my life so far...

[rdx]

Personally I would say the 2 car garage would be a bigger issue than 2 vrs 3 bathrooms on the upper level.

Kelly

Agree. But sometime another garage cost cost another $50 to $100k, depends on the area.

[sockboy]

I bet 9 ft ceiling is standard for what he is looking for too. So, can't really compare what he is looking for to the old neighbourhood, probably 8 foot ceiling is standard.

You're right, comparing the house in question to the others in the neighbourhood is key. That being said . . . we actually, we have 10' ceilings - really old houses do offer something in exchange for all those bathrooms!

[Friday5PM]

a must for what? functionalities? you can answer that yourself, resale? well, it will worth more than 2 bathrooms, probably about 5-10K. lets say both houses are 2500 sqf 4 bdr, 1st model has 2 bathroom and larger 2 and 3rd bedroom and 2nd model has 3 bathrooms, 2nd model will be sold for more. I have seen new home layout where both are almost the same price from the builder, definately pick the 2nd model!

[gman]

Housing age (and neighbourhoods) would be a major reason why I've never lived with multiple baths. The "newest" place I have ever lived in was a 1970s apartment building. In fact, I don't know if I have even BEEN in a house with 3 bathrooms upstairs . . . I can't imagine having "spare" toilets that I have to remember to flush every now and then! It seems a bit excessive . . .

Not sure why you need to flush the "spare" toilets. They should not be "spare" at all. Most people goes to the closest toilet instead of a dedicated toilet.

Even if it is "spare", why do you need to flush it now and then? If you somehow have a good reason to do that, you just make a 'trip' to use it and then flush it.

[sockboy]

Not sure why you need to flush the "spare" toilets. They should not be "spare" at all. Most people goes to the closest toilet instead of a dedicated toilet.

Even if it is "spare", why do you need to flush it now and then? If you somehow have a good reason to do that, you just make a 'trip' to use it and then flush it.

I don't know either, I was referring to an earlier post that recommended flushing toilets you don't use. If you have toilets you don't use, you really don't need them do you?!

[Tacoma]

This is exactly it. My house has only one bathroom. Two of us live there. A family of three lived in it before us. A family of 5 lived in it in the 1950s. None of the other houses on the street have more than 1 full bathroom. The majority don't even have a toilet on the main floor, so we aren't at a disadvantage with the "comparables".

In some of the older homes that aren't particlarly big (under 2K sq ft) - for example, that I've seen in Leaside - there are only 1 bathroom on the 2nd floor; however, all of the ones I've seen added a 2nd bathroom in the finished basement.

For me, the lack of a 2nd bathroom is a deal breaker no matter the location.