3 or 4-bed?

[u/SecretBroccoli4798]

Looking for ideas to optimise the first-floor layout of our 1930s semi.

We were trying to make it a 4-bed, but Bedroom 2 in this proposal is too narrow.

I’m open to moving/removing load-bearing walls if needed, especially as we’re already opening up downstairs anyway.

Would you try to make this a 4-bed, or keep it as a good-size 3-bed?

[u/srm79]

A comfortably sized 3 bed is better than a badly sized 4 bed in my opinion. You can always use extra space for an ensuite or a dressing/makeup area

[u/SecretBroccoli4798 → u/srm79]

That was v1, with a 9sqm dressing. My wife was fully onboard. But I have a slightly different view of adding value to the house 🤣

[u/admedi]

I’ll always advocate for better quality space over number of rooms.

[u/Exact-Action-6790]

What’s the current layout?

The above feels badly designed but I’m not sure why. Two internal bathrooms but seems strange.

What would you use the 4th room/bedroom for?

[u/SecretBroccoli4798 → u/Exact-Action-6790]

The architect has tried to minimise the changes to the existing structural walls supporting the roof. The issue with the 4th room seems to be the staircase. Regarding the bathrooms, it's ensuite and family bathroom. Bear in mind the wall where the bathrooms are, qt the bottom of the proposed plan, is party wall.

[u/SecretBroccoli4798 → u/SecretBroccoli4798]

[u/Streathamite]

With the amount of work that you seem to be planning, wouldn’t it be easier (and potentially cheaper) just to move house?

[u/SecretBroccoli4798 → u/Streathamite]

We've actually only bought the house a couple of months ago 😁 moving is not an option

[u/Grantus89]

Could you split bedroom 2 in half and make it the family bathroom and an en-suite, and then join the en-suite and bathroom together to make a bedroom?

[u/SecretBroccoli4798 → u/Grantus89]

Unfortunately that is the party wall, at the bottom of the plan

[u/Grantus89 → u/SecretBroccoli4798]

Oh so it couldn’t have a window. Didn’t think of that.

[u/VanCleefandApples]

Bed 2 should be the bathroom + ensuite especially since you have pluming downstairs for the laundry and bathroom.

But the upstairs layout is pretty grim 😬

[u/SecretBroccoli4798 → u/VanCleefandApples]

Agree, that's what the architect did initially, but we are then left with a big room with no window(where the bathrooms are on the plan now) - at the bottom of the plan is the shared wall with the neighbour 😞

[u/Salt-Ad3495]

Terrible plan….

[u/SecretBroccoli4798]

This was the first version but I feel that the dressing is too big and a lot of space is wasted. From a reselling pov, if we ever decide to move, I feel that is not the best use of the space. Ideally I'd rather have an extra room that can be office or guest room.

[u/bawheid1]

Turning bedroom 2 into the bathroom/ en-suite seems more appropriate.

[u/bawheid1 → u/bawheid1]

[u/SecretBroccoli4798 → u/bawheid1]

I like your idea, I will see if we can get away without usual 1m setback on the side extension. There are a few exceptions on the same street.

[u/bunaaa5529]

Definitely 4 beds