"this is in Manhattan and I have no idea what the logistics are of getting demo done there are like and what disposal costs are " yes it's a lot of money- but perhaps you shouldn't weigh in until you've had a chance to park your truck in Manhattan, then wait on the service elevator or take the stairs, then wait on your tradesman to show up and find his parking, then pay for both, the actually demo the stuff and cart it out one trash can at a time and then fill up that truck and send it out to Jersey or Conn. for disposal as there just aren't many places on the little island that take busted up tubs and broken tile. You'll also need to markup these services and add a profit to the costs if you're running a business, so this stuff adds up quick ! This is EXACTLY why most businesses don't itemize costs, it simply invites discord because I'm sure anyone with an internet connection can find a cheaper price on a shovel or Moen faucet or laborer to cart out trash. You are paying for MANAGEMENT and expertise - not just a pretty faucet or trash removal and everyone want to make a PROFIT along the way.

If we do this, we are going to stay there for at least 5 yrs or more, who knows... But since we are going to remodel kitchen/bathroom at the same time, so we of course will stay there for long. In order to make it a loft, I will have to break down one wall only (w/ the door and the electrical outlet/switch). So it will cost money to move the electrical outlet to the other wall. And since it is one wall, I don't think it is that hard to put it up again if the future owner doesn't like a loft, but again, I don't know how much it cost to build a wall, you know... I just don't want to create a mess and regret later... So I would like you opinion. And anyone who has a loft upstair, do you think it is useful? I am afraid that we make a loft, and still go downstair for activities :-(

When we took down giant silver maple in back yard, a guy worked with me all through that winter, whenever he could make it. This was a huge tree-the largest silver maple in a city full of silver maples......and we worked on that thing for months. I only paid the guy $1500, since I also was doing the work, but if you saw this tree, you would realize what a bargain this was. We also blocked up and split 100% of that wood! I had a pile of split firewood that was about 30' by 30' and rose up to our second-floor windows! We took the big rounds from the trunk and ran the big saw in a ripping fashion, just to get these huge chunks down to a size where we could handle them and split them. Truly amazing bit of work. This represents just about the most difficult tree removal possible; back yard, wires, garages, houses, lots of stuff in the way. Yet we got it done and for not too awful much money.

Personally I'd rethink this whole design. it's not good. The best houses orient the public rooms towards the south for the best passive solar heating and cooling The best houses are L, U, T, H, or I shaped. The best houses are only one to two rooms deep. And covered lanai, porches, garages, etc count as rooms in this case. (This house is 3 rooms x 4 rooms deep!) The best houses make sure kitchens have natural light, meaning windows so one doesn't have to have lighting 24/7 to use the kitchen. (And no, dining areas with windows 10' or more from the kitchen will not allow for natural light. Notice not a single window within the kitchen!) The best houses make sure all public rooms and bedrooms have windows on at least two walls. The best houses keep public and private spaces separate. (meaning private spaces are off in their own wing and not right off of kitchens or living rooms) The best houses do not have you walk through the work zone of the kitchen to bring laundry to the laundry room. (see how one walks from guest bedroom to laundry room. And honestly walking across family room from master isn't so great either.) The best houses do not have walk in closets too small to stand inside. The best houses have an organizing “spine” so it’s easy to determine how to get from room to room in the house and what makes sense. I will add where will you sit to eat meals as the dining room is too far from the kitchen and the cafe with the need to get to the back bedroom makes it impossible to put a table and chairs.