It's not going to be easy, as you will have to disconnect the sink plumbing, and pull the countertop off. If you have a new toilet you should be safe for a few years.

I've wondered about that too. Seems it would definitely be a problem. What about a shelf over the toilet that allows for more access to the toilet tank?

Look at a "banjo" countertop. It's a top where the depth narrows over the top of the toilet. Provides some storage. Provides some access to the toilet tank. Sounds just like what your friend is considering. So yes, what your friend is considering is somewhat typical.

How often do I change out toilet fillers? Once every 10 years? 15 years? So no, it's not a complete deal breaker to possibly have to take the tank off the toilet in order to change the fill mechanism.

Sometimes, it just is what it is.

I have had it this way in my powder room and it has never been a problem.

It's a love or hate look. I loathe them. I'd rather open up every single stud cavity for recessed shelving than do a banjo counter.

I worked for a solid surface fabricator and we did a "banjo" over a toilet that looked great. I got the callback because after they moved in, the toilet lid and seat didn't have enough room to stand upright.

If you've got to have one, make it narrow enough to access the plumbing or put a soft seam in it.

Has anyone ever heard of a homeowner "hinging" the banjo portion of the counter over the toilet so that part of it could be lifted up?

My daughter redid her bathroom recently and she extended a strip of counter top over her toilets. She like having the extra space even if it is not all that deep. Her toilet is low profile so there is no problem accessing the plumbing inside the tank. As Joseph said though, you do have to make sure that the counter does not interfere with the toilet seat cover. Here's what hers looks like:

I think it's preferable to using the tank lid as a shelf which many people do in small bathrooms.

"Has anyone ever heard of a homeowner "hinging" the banjo portion of the counter over the toilet so that part of it could be lifted up?"

Yes and it's a bad idea for two reasons. It's dangerous for slamming and the details for hinge attachment can be difficult. Can it be done? Yes. Should it be done? No.

What live_wire_oak said. I've had this and it was the biggest nuisance ever, and really didn't give you much more storage than just the top of the tank would.

Thank you, everybody, for your input. I shared your comments with my friend who is now thinking that doing recessed shelving above the toilet would be the way to go instead of the banjo counter.

Notice Badgergal's toilet is also low enough that you can get into the tank.

And don't expect a new toilet to not need attention. A little filler thingy popped off my 2 month old Kohler. Now I need to learn how these newfangled potties work!

I have an extended counter from the vanity going over the toilet, With only about an inch of clearance I can remove the tank cover but it is impossible to to replace the flapper or fill valve without removing the toilet from the floor and sliding it out - a real pain. I had to have a plumber come in to do a job that any DIYer could have done in minutes. Poor design choice by the previous owner.