A remodel in any part of NYC and all its boroughs is far more arduous than almost anywhere else in the country. Get a good architect ( not the broker btw), a reliable and recommended licensed contractor pronto. It is the best ever money you can spend and the best advice you will get, as you are not "alone" in this building I presume. Codes, insurances, union workers, and sheer logistics etc.........get help and be armed with every item on your wish list for the best result tailored to your family.

Hi Patrick,

Congrats on purchasing a new place! I agree with Jan, you need to invest in an architect/designer who can walk you through the process. The broker's layout is nice, but after an architect/designer gets to know your family and needs he or she can offer more suggestions. How old are the kids? Depending on their age, there may be a way to combine the two adjacent bedrooms and create a moving partition system that allows them privacy as needed, and the two of you can take the third bedroom.

Also, consider giving your oldest child the loft bed. It may be more of a novelty for him or her, and after a while the two of you may get tired of climbing up there to sleep.

If you need more assistance you can contact me at tina@tinaramchandani.com.

Good luck!