How do I determine my bathroom layout?Bathrooms can be tricky to layout, especially when theyre tight on space. If your family doesn't take many baths, don't feel the need to include a bathtub; you can use that extra space for a double vanity or large storage cabinet instead. On the other hand, some future buyers might want a tub, so be sure there's at least one in the house. Walk-in showers are also one of the more popular bathroom ideas, though they take up space, while bathtub and shower combos are the best of both worlds. If you have a large family, you might want to separate the toilet and shower from the sink so multiple people can get ready at once. Ultimately, what is practical for your family will probably also be practical for future buyers, so go with what works for you first and foremost. Also, be aware of the National Kitchen and Bath Association planning guidelines so that you and your contractor can plan a safe and functional bathroom layout that meets proper code compliance.How can I add more bathroom storage?Vanities are getting bigger and bigger every year, and for good reason bathroom storage is in constant demand. Because of this, think about ways that you can add more to your space. A lot of successful bathroom ideas feature an oversized or double vanity, while wall-mounted cabinets and medicine cabinets are helpful too. If space is at a minimum, recessed or built-in designs can help save precious elbow room while adding enough spots to stash your toiletries. Organization is key to space-saving bathrooms, so within any cabinets or shelving you add, incorporate drawer organizers, trays and bins to keep smaller accessories in check. As you look through bathroom pictures, try to keep an eye out for how each one incorporates storage into its design; youre better off with too much than not enough!What materials should I use in my bathroom design?Because the layout and storage options are pretty standard, picking interesting materials is key for helping any bathroom remodeling project stand out. Tile offers a wide variety of colors and styles, which makes it a popular flooring choice, while mosaic tiles are common in showers. The grout can be challenging to clean though, so stone or granite might be better shower alternatives. Just like in a kitchen, implementing a fun tile backsplash or countertop color can help liven up otherwise dull bathrooms. And last but not least, don't forget the hardware! Cabinet pulls, shower heads and faucets come in a variety of finishes, which allows you to add bits and pieces of personality into bathroom designs of all styles.How do I decorate my bathroom?No remodel is complete until the finishing touches have been added in this case, the bathroom decor. In this particular room, the term decor can be used rather loosely; even a toilet paper holder can add to the style of the space if chosen correctly. Pick fixtures with finishes that reflect the look you are trying to achieve, and match or coordinate soap dispensers, toothbrush holders and wastebaskets for a cohesive feel. If youre lucky enough to have extra counter or wall space, add some artwork or a decorative vase with fresh flowers. For those that arent looking to do a full renovation, smaller scale bathroom design ideas can be achieved by simply swapping out some of your old accessories and changing the color scheme with new linens or paint. Dont be afraid to combine similar yet different bathroom decorating ideas to create a look thats completely unique to your home.

For kids bathroom design, consider bright colors and unique patterns, but also keep in mind that children do outgrow trends pretty quickly, so steer clear of fads. Safety is of the utmost importance in a kids bathroom, so make sure you have things like tub mats, faucet covers and a cover clamp for your toilet (depending on age). Plenty of bathroom remodeling ideas accommodate both children and adults in the design, so go ahead and have a little fun with yours!

Originally posted here:
Bathroom Design Ideas, Remodels & Photos

For the majority of us, our dream kitchen is usually imagined as a glittering showplace, filled with granite islands stretching toward a faraway horizon and sparkling appliances that instantly make you a Michelin chef.

Truth is, unless youre rich enough to be able to buy your home complete with these dream kitchens and bathrooms, remodeling is the affordable option.

This is where the experts come into play and the more expert help you can get to help you imagine your new dream spaces, the better your options will be on choices and cost control.

Every kitchen or bathroom renovation is different and unique, said Barrett Rivera, owner of Riveras Flooring, Kitchens and More, based in Brooksville, Florida. Every customers needs are different and I customize every bathroom or kitchen according to their tastes.

Rivera, and his wife Shawnda, have built their business on quality work, good customer service and word of mouth recommendations. Their business showroom is located at 19239 Cortez Blvd. in Brooksville Florida, and spreads over 4,000 square feet displaying various styles of kitchens with high-end appliances, beautiful tile, quality accessories, marble including Carrera and Travertine as well as carpet and vinyl flooring.

We started off with a 2,000 sq. ft. showroom about 2 years ago, said Rivera. But because there are so many different styles, fixtures and price ranges, we recently expanded by another 2,000 sq. ft.

Riveras wife, Shawnda said, So many people want to visualize a kitchen in place complete with appliances and those extra special accessories like faucets, spice racks and coffee stations. They like to touch and feel the different textures on counters and back splashes, so we invested $100,000 in extra showroom space to display several styles of kitchens and bathrooms for customers to experience, she said.

The average cost of a bathroom or kitchen renovation, including demolition and removal of the old fixtures is difficult to determine. Generally, new kitchens and bathrooms dont come cheap. Does the remodel require moving walls, installing new floors, high-end appliances and fixtures? And, if you own an older home, theres no way to know what might be found when you open up that wall.

Cost depends on so many factors especially if the footprint of the old kitchen or bathroom has to be reconfigured. Theres also the question of whether permitting with the local authority is necessary. Finding that good contractor that will work with you in reducing costs across the board yet still providing quality work is gold.

Whether building or remodeling, theres a step-by-step process that occurs in sequence and an experienced contractor can make that happen smoothly.

Although every kitchen or bathroom remodel is unique, said Rivera, we still have to go through a process that includes planning, demolition, installation and restoration.

Figuring out the best layout, style and finish depends on the homeowners tastes, budget and circumstances. For example, how is the space used? Does someone spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking, or does the homeowner host frequent dinner parties? Hiring a contractor like Rivera will take you through this process painlessly.

Once you know the process, the next step is to decide your style and materials.

This is the most exciting part for customers, said Rivera. Choosing the color, style, layout and materials they desire makes their kitchen or bathroom come to life.

When pricing a remodel, Rivera explained that he always plans for unforeseen expenses.

Demolition time is when plumbing and electrical issues crop up, he said. Thats when we know exactly what issues may arise and even when the space is cleared and ready to receive flooring and cabinets, there are many more issues that can emerge.

Walls may be out of square, floors and ceilings may not be level, said Rivera. Sometimes these issues are not known until were actually installing the cabinets.

Then theres the planning to be considered.

Trying to fit too much into the space available might bring disappointment, Rivera said. Try to be realistic about what is required in your space.

Ordering special cabinets and tile, fixtures can takes weeks to deliver and sometimes, the suppliers deliver the wrong materials.

All of this is built into the schedule, said Rivera. The average timeline for a new kitchen or bathroom is approximately 2 weeks once all the choices on style and materials are finalized and no last minute changes, said Rivera. But things can and do happen, and we have to be prepared so we can work according to schedule.

When considering a potential remodeling job, Rivera advises his customers to think about the added value to their home.

Updating a kitchen and bathroom will reap rewards years later at resale time, said Rivera. Any homeowner thinking about remodeling should think longterm. No crazy colors, and only pick stuff thats classy and timeless so that 10 years down the road, your home is attractive and sales worthy, he said.

We regularly visit kitchen and bathroom shows and conferences so we can keep abreast of current trends, added Shawnda.

Riveras Flooring, Kitchens and More is not just about remodeling kitchens and bathrooms. Riveras is an experienced contractor for any kind of project small or large and also a fully licensed to build up to three stories high. Riveras also designs and constructs outdoor fireplaces and kitchens, as well as outdoor brick pavers.

I recommend coming to our showroom to see our kitchens and bathrooms, said Shawnda. We can also bring samples to your home and provide a free in-home design consultation.

See the original post:
Dreams turn into reality - Hernando Sun

Guido Mieth/Getty ImagesStyles come and go, but if your bathroom looks the same as it did in the 1980s, it might be time for an upgrade.

Remodeling your bathroom doesnt just make it look modern. Bathroom remodeling also can include more energy-efficient fixtures, so you use less water and electricity, and save money.

Before you decide to repaint, retile or replace anything in your bathroom, you want to first answer the question: How much does it cost to remodel a bathroom?

It really depends on what you plan to do and the size of the bathroom.

If youre looking for help to finance bathroom remodeling, check the personal loan rates at Bankrate.com.

The average cost to remodel a bathroom is just under $10,000. For the most part, people who decided to remodel their bathrooms spent from $5,910 to $13,835.

To be sure, you can pay less than the average if you only make a few simple changes to your bathroom or if you do the work yourself. Even so, if you want a complete makeover, you might spend considerably more.

Your bathroom remodeling depends on your goals. Some options will dramatically increase the cost. Others wont. Before you start to remodel, its a good idea to determine the scale of the project so that you can avoid going over budget.

If youd like to keep the cost of your bathroom remodeling on the low side or at least lower than the average cost, you have options. Instead of completely rearranging the bathroom, its less expensive to leave the sink, bathtub, shower and toilet where they are. Simply swap the older models for newer, updated versions.

If you dont have a lot to spend on countertops, you can get lower-end granite or another lower-priced material. You also can cut costs by purchasing lighting, flooring and cabinets off the shelf instead of installing custom fixtures.

If you have a bit more to spend, you can upgrade your remodeling in a few ways. One option is to get higher-quality, custom countertops, such as quartz or custom-cut granite.

Also, you may want to invest in higher-quality fixtures, such as faucets made of bronze or copper and solid wood, glazed cabinets.

Another big ticket job is moving the shower, tub, sink and/or toilet from one part of the room to another. That also boosts the price tag.

Remodeling a bathroom has several benefits for the homeowner, aside from making the room look better and improving its function. You can recoup around 60 percent of the cost of remodeling when you sell your home, as long as the changes you make are appealing.

Adding another sink to a master bathroom, improving the lighting and making the shower function better are a few examples of bathroom updates that pay off in the long run.

If youre considering a home-equity loan to pay for bathroom remodeling, check out the rates at Bankrate.com.

Originally posted here:
A lower-cost bathroom remodel - Bankrate.com

Laura Firszt More Content Now

Any home renovation is challenging, but a small bathroom remodel has got to be one of the greatest challenges of all. Combining form and function in a scanty space demands extra-careful planning. But dont worry; the gorgeous results will be worth it. And heres help six essential tips to make your bathroom remodel a success.

1. Work with what you have. Dont try to squeeze a full-sized home spa into a teeny amount of space. Remember, its not just a question of fitting in all the fixtures you need; youll also have to allow for clearance. These are suggested minimum bathroom sizes:Bathroom with tub 40 sq. ft. +Bathroom with shower 36 sq. ft. +Powder room toilet and sink only 15 sq. ft. (Most local building codes specify a minimum of 12.5 sq. ft.)

2. Plan your layout carefully. Whatever the square footage of a bathroom remodel, homeowners can cut costs with bathroom ideas that dont relocate the plumbing stack. And in your below-average-sized bath, the right layout will save you money and space. Steal a few extra inches by eliminating a linen cupboard and/or choosing scaled down fixtures. For instance, while a standard bath measures 60x32-inches, you might want to opt for a tub that is only 54x30-inches. Use the walls to their best advantage, by installing a compact floating sink and tankless toilet. Go vertical with storage, too, stacking cabinets and shelves up to the ceiling.

3. Choose the right doors. In a small bathroom remodel, clearance is uber important. For your shower, avoid a swing door; go for a simple curtain, sliding door, or half wall instead. By the same token, open shelving tends to be more practical than cupboards. Room for the bathroom door itself to swing into the room also takes up a lot of space. You might try the idea I used a few homes ago when faced with a minuscule powder room; I had the door hung so it opened outward rather than into the bath. This made the powder room less cramped and easier to clean, but you did have to be careful when opening the door.

4. Make laundry machines part of the plan. All too often, small bathroom makeovers offer a dual challenge finding room for the facilities and squeezing a washer and dryer into an already limited space. Stacked, a washer/dryer combo forms a column 24-27-inches wide by 27-inches deep by 70-75-inches tall, which can be hidden behind a space-saving pocket door or integrated into the cabinetry if you like. To save valuable space, consider a ventless condensation dryer or a combination unit. Install handy pullouts, like a shelf for folding or an ironing board.

5. Work out a realistic budget. Do your homework by researching prices before you commit to your small bathroom renovation. Unfortunately remodeling a bathroom of, say, 45 square feet wont cost half the price of 90, mostly because you will still need the same basic fixtures and supplies. There are some savings, though. Youll be buying smaller quantities of certain materials, such as tile. Whats more, you may be able to score a couple of bargains; a cut-price granite remnant could be just the right size to top your modestly sized vanity. Be sure to allow at least 10-15 percent above the bathroom remodel cost estimate to allow for cutting and overruns.

6. Schedule contractors carefully. If youre doing a full bathroom remodel, youll be working with several different types of home improvement professionals to get the job done plumbers, tilers, electricians, perhaps painters, and so on. There simply wont be enough space for several people to work in your undersized bathroom at the same time. Schedule their work in a logical order the tile contractor after the drywall professional, for example.

Laura Firszt writes for networx.com.

Excerpt from:
Networx: Small bathroom remodel: 6 essential tips - Arkansas News

Watertown added $1,020,264 in new construction this July, a figure slightly less than July 2016's total of $1,077,876. Since the beginning of 2017, the city has added $28,608,404 in new construction value.

July saw a slight uptick in new home construction with permits for four new houses issued to a variety of area builders. Permits were issued to Allan Builders for a $321,000 home at 1400 Kimberly Court, Loos Custom Homes for a $170,900 home at 617 Green Ridge Circle, White Oak Builders for a $160,000 home at 909 Casey Drive, and Ballzhi Construction Co. for a $140,000 home at 810 Casey Drive. Not including condos or duplexes, 12 new homes have been built in the city so far this year, a number on pace to match or exceed 2016's annual total of 19 homes.

Other permits in July were issued to: Jon Boettcher for a deck at 210 S. Eighth St.; Joshua Schuett for a shed at 1119 N. Fourth St.; Kristofer Kugath for a porch rebuild at 615 W. Main St.; Chris Tolliver for a pool deck at 809 Fieldstone Way, Justin Biefeldt for a shed at 124 West Haven Drive; Michael Yenser for a dance studio remodel at 809 Station St.; Peirick Builders for a new deck at 814 N. Church St.; Gary and Christine Kaiser for a rec room and bathroom at 321 Creekside Court.

Dale and Marianna Werner for a shed at 526 Grey Fox Run; Preferred Builders of Watertown for a sunroom addition at 1238 N. Water St.; Chris and Sandra Blum for a detached garage at 1314 River Drive; Rory and Stephanie Colvin for a new porch at 105 Lynn St.; Sears Home Improvement for a bath remodel at 918 Carol St.; Samuel and Danielle Wood for a deck at 602 Cobblestone Way; Al Gruenwald for a shed at 201 Oak Hill Court; Basement Repair Specialists for basement drain tile at 1014 Labaree St.; Kerzner Remodeling Inc. for a bathroom remodel at 520 Rockview Court; Mike Yenser for a wall and opening at 500 Milford St.

Tundraland Home Improvements for a bathroom remodel at 1220 Sand St.; Paul Davis Restoration for fire repair at 1430 Henry St.; Shoen Contractors for a deck at 715 Autumn Crest Drive; Dehnert and Co. for a four season room at 721 N. Water St.; Wendy Seeber for new walls at 423 N. Church St.; Emrath Construction for a pool deck at 126 N. Concord Ave.; Peirick Custom Construction for a bath remodel at 400 Lexington Court; Jerry Hackbarth for a landing roof at 111 N. Concord Ave.; Virginia DeBlant for a deck at 810 Casey Drive; Brandon Woinowski for a wall header at 1102 Doris St.; Robert Perri for a shed at 713 Belmont Drive; and Tim Gutzdorf for a railing replacement at 903 S. Ninth St.

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Building permits for July similar to last year - Watertown Daily Times

In a recent blog post on this site, George Taninecz wrote on the importance of finding the right tool for a job. He nailed it, but Id like to try my own twist on Georges topic: finding the right job for the tool.

We all have strengths lets think of them as tools with which we approach everything in our lives. And within our organizations, or our families, usually there are others with skills complementary to our own. My controller is a better accountant than I am, and my wife is a better cook, so we get better results when I dont do the bookkeeping at work, or the cooking at home.

The challenge is to be sure that every job is undertaken by the appropriate tool and the first step should be to make sure that we understand exactly what job needs to be done.

If you have a sore back and go to see a surgeon, the odds are pretty high that shell recommend surgery. If, instead, you go to a chiropractor, the odds are similarly high that hell recommend manipulation. But its important to know which of them is providing the correct analysis of the situation. In both cases, unless youre completely cynical, you can assume that the recommended treatments are based on each specialists patient-centered diagnosis. They have seen what they are trained to see, and they want to do what they are trained to do. The problem is that

When youre a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

Does that matter? Its certainly possible that either treatment could fix your back. But its also possible that either treatment could make your problem worse. The wrong tool for a job can cause more damage than it repairs.

Now take that concept to work. A colleague of mine says that there are three distinct types of people in various professions: Finders, Grinders and Minders. Think of them as three different tools. If youre hiring a sales manager to help you grow your business, the tool you need is a Finder, to go out and locate new customers and reel them in. If youre hiring a sales manager to help you perfect the details of a complex customer service problem, the tool you need is a Grinder, to follow procedures consistently and thoroughly. If youre hiring a sales manager to keep established customers satisfied, the tool you need is a Minder, staying in touch with key accounts, responding to their whims, and keeping them happy. Those are three very different skill sets, and three very different tools; applying the wrong tool to the job can lead to disaster.

Why?

Because that charming, glad-handing Finder could easily be lousy at getting the details right, while the diligent Grinder may well have poor social skills. Most dangerously, each of them sees the issue solely through the lens of their own expertise. And so do you; so do we all. None of us can be expert in every aspect of every job we tackle. Its essential that we recognize this, and that we employ a diverse range of skills and viewpoints for the tasks at hand, rather than try to do everything ourselves.

So: Be careful. Whatever it is that youre good at, be sure not to apply that skill to the wrong task. Im pretty analytical, and I have a basic (very basic, my wife would say) understanding of mechanical systems, so it seemed obvious to me that I could handle a bathroom remodeling project myself. No need for expensive plumbers or electricians, and think of all the time Id save not to mention the sense of pride Id feel when the project was done.

Do I need to tell you how that turned out?

Not well. In fact, the job took fourtimes as long as I had thought, and cost twiceas much, and resulted in half(or less) as much pride. Every time I use that room (which, with professional help, turned out beautifully, by the way), I am humbled.

Dont be a tool. Find the right job first.

Alec Pendleton took control of a small, struggling, family business in Akron, Ohio, at an early age. Upon taking the helm, he sold off the unprofitable divisions and rebuilt the factory, which helped to quadruple sales of the remaining division within seven years. These decisions and the thousands of others he made over his time as president and CEO ensured that his small manufacturing business thrived and stayed profitable for the generation to come. The culmination of a lifetime of experience, accumulated wisdom, and a no-nonsense approach to looking at the books allows him to provide a unique perspective. Big Ideas for Small Companiesfeaturing Alec Pendleton is one of a series of blogs provided to IndustryWeek by The MPI Group.

Excerpt from:
The Right Job for the Tool - IndustryWeek

Some homeowners who live in a single story house consider adding on a second floor to increase the size of their home. This can be done for many reasons family size expansion, increasing the value of the home, simply wanting more space, etc.

Doubling the size of your homes square footage can be a tempting thought! But it does come with a price, and adding a second story addition is a bigger investment and challenge than a lot of people might realize when going into it.

Because second story additions are such a huge project, its good to have a clear sense of the process and the costs involved before making the choice to do it. Lets take a deeper look at the realities of adding a second story to your home and what impact it can have on your life and your finances.

First things first: Youre going to want to know how much the full project will cost you before committing to anything. The good news is that this particular type of remodel wont normally involve any foundation work the foundation of your home is already there and intact. Thats typically the most expensive part of a remodeling project.

However, youll need to have the foundation inspected to make sure it can hold the extra weight. Certain types of soil can only stand up to a specific weight load, so you dont want to overburden the ground and risk damages to your house or other unsafe conditions. Any contractor will make sure this is the first step in the project.

Another bonus is that, depending on the condition of your existing roof, you might be able to lift it off in one or two sections with a crane and reinstall it on top of the new addition. Its expensive to rent a crane, but not nearly as expensive as paying for an entirely new roof.

Also, remember that you dont have to take on the entire expense at once. Your initial investment can be for the basic structure of the second floor and the roof to make sure you can inhabit the first floor. After that, you can stretch out the finishes you add to each room on the second floor according to your budget.

Jeff Pelletier fromBoard & Vellum Architecture and Designin Seattle says that its tough to calculate a budget for a second story. It will depend heavily on your location, the size and style of your house, the quality of materials and the company you choose. His rule of thumb? Youll need $300,000 to add a 3-bed/2-bath second story and have it look decent. And, its probably safer to plan for $400,000 $450,000 after all the incidental costs.

However, he admits there are probably plenty of people who can do smaller homes for far less than that especially in areas less expensive than Seattle. But he reminds you to keep in mind that a well-designed second story addition to a home will live better, and appraise higher, than one slapped together for lowest cost.Legal Eagle Contractorsoffers up that $150,000 $200,000 is a better estimate.

There aremany reasonsto consider adding a second floor to your home. Beyond the benefit of having extra space, expanding your home vertically is a better use of space than expanding outward into your lot especially if your lot is small.

You can enjoy more space and still take advantage of your yard for gardening and outdoor living, and still have distance from your neighbors. Its also a great way to make more room for a family.

You can also take advantage of the construction project to heighten your ceilings on the first floor this alone can increase the value of your home. At the same time, you can look at the layout of your home and decide to open up small rooms or merge rooms together now that youll have more space upstairs. It opens up a whole new world of possibility.

Be prepared for a considerable timeframe on this project. Pelletier says that from the day you hire an architect to the day you start construction can be approximately four to six months or longer. The negotiations can take a sizeable amount of time, and thats just sorting out the details of the project. Then youll probably want to allow at least five months for construction.

Legal Eagle Contractorssay that homeowners should be aware that the project will absolutely turn your home upside down and youll have to find a place to live during the course of the project. That means giving up your house and renting a place for five months or longer.

There are some important questions to ask both yourself and your contractor before deciding whether or not to add on a second floor.

Its a good idea to look at your budget and figure out how much you can realistically allocate toward a renovation project. Then you can start contracting local contractors to get a sense of the cost based on the size of your house, location, etc.

Make sure to ask what the extra cost would be to add on particular extras that you want, like a full bathroom, specific finishes and more. Consider whether you will be funding the project with existing funds or borrowing from a bank or mortgage company.

Its a good idea to visit your local government zoning office to find out if you are permitted to add a second story. Many zoning codes have a limit for the height of a structure. A good rule of thumb is that if other houses near you have second stories, you should be able to build that high as well, but its best to check.

You can find good contractors in any area, but make sure they have proper licensing and certification in remodeling and construction. A good contractor will take the time to discuss the project with you in detail and gain a deep understanding of your needs and expectations. They should also be upfront with you about pricing and not tack on any hidden costs.

Do you have any tips on how to prepare to add a second story to your home? Share them in our comment section!

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The Lowdown on Adding a Second Story to Your Home - Zing! Blog by Quicken Loans (blog)

Clockwise from the top left: 11 Cove Hollow Farm Road in East Hampton, surfer/broker Dylan Eckardt and the $175 property in Southampton

Former Henry Ford estate in Southampton lists for record $175 million

Montauk-based surfer-turned-broker shops TV show about himself

After 5 years and $10 million in price cuts, a contract is signed in East Hampton

You can now build larger pool houses and servants quarters in Quogue

Changes to the law in Quogue will allow homeowners to build larger pool houses and second-floor additions over detached garages, 27East reported. The Quogue Village Board amended local rules, which will now allow pool houses to be up to 1,000 square feet and garages can now be up to 1,200 square feet. Residents might need the extra space because the new laws will also ban portable storage containers larger than 8 feet by 16 feet. The board ruled that residents can only keep storage containers on their properties for 60 days or less and that they must be set at least 25 feet away from the property line.[27 East]

Most expensive home on Shelter Island is now $7 million cheaper

A Water Mill compound, previously listed for $10M, now 40% off

Visit link:
Hamptons Cheat Sheet: Southampton home hits market for $175M, Montauk surfer-turned-broker shops real estate ... - The Real Deal Magazine

At Gamescom, I was able to play a brief snippet from early in the game. Alex has spent his summer in Brazil and completed a brief preseason tour in Los Angeles before settling back down in England. The demo started in Alex's apartment with his grandfather, Jim Hunter, preparing breakfast and his mother, Catherine Hunter, working on a laptop. Soon enough Michael, Alex's agent, bursts into the room with some big news: He's been on the phone with someone representing Real Madrid an apparently, "Los Blancos" is interested in signing Hunter. Alex, unsurprisingly, is elated.

Before the deal can go through, however, Hunter needs to play a few games with his current team. In this scenario, it was Chelsea, though that could change depending on your particular playthrough. Soon enough, you're sitting in the locker room, waiting for a match with Manchester United to begin. But the coach, Butler, has bad news: The manager wants Hunter to start on the bench, fearing that his heart and thoughts are no longer with the London club. "Personally, I hope you stay, lad," Butler says with a sigh.

Deep in the second half, the manager brings you on. Chelsea are 3-0 down and the manager, Antonio Conte, expects you to achieve a rating of 8.5 for the rest of the game. The other match "bonuses," which affect how the manager sees you, include winning the game and completing 10 passes. No pressure, then. In my game, I was able to score and set up a couple of teammates, drawing the two teams level. While I managed a rating of 9.4, I didn't complete the passing objective or ultimately win the game.

Then, disaster strikes. I won't spoil what happens, but the result is that you won't, it seems, be signing for Real Madrid any time soon.

Still, it's clear that Hunter will, at some point, get the chance to move abroad. Sam Rivera, lead gameplay producer on FIFA 18, says these moments are a reflection of the game's fanbase, which stretches all over the world. Soccer is a truly global sport, so it makes sense to show the profession and fan culture from different perspectives. "For people in the UK, they probably liked The Journey last year because it was all based there," he says. "But people around the world want to see more places. And even if you're in the UK, sometimes other places are fun, right?"

You won't visit every division on the planet, however. The Journey is successful because it balances wish fulfillment with authenticity. Last year, Hunter was able to play in the Premier League, but not before dropping down to a Championship side. The campaign stopped with an FA Cup Final which, while exciting, is far from the sport's apex. It's not like Hunter won the UEFA Champions League, or picked up the coveted Ballon d'Or.

"Even if you finished The Journey, you didn't play against Ronaldo, Messi, or other superstars," Rivera says. "Because that's how it goes in real life. It takes time, right?"

At least one of those players will feature in Hunter's second season, however. Cristiano Ronaldo is confirmed for the second season, alongside Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann, Bayern Munich legend Thomas Muller and Tottenham Hotspur's Dele Alli. That doesn't mean you'll play for their respective clubs -- at least, it's not confirmed -- but Rivera promises they'll affect Hunter's career somehow. EA visited Ronaldo in Madrid to capture his likeness and dialogue, and while that's no guarantee of acting prowess, Rivera hopes players will be impressed by the results.

Continued here:
The new story mode in 'FIFA 18' is all about choice - Engadget

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Town Center at Levis Commons in Perrysburg.

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Jeff Dinnebeil, right, shows off specialties at Social in Perrysburg with co-owner Mike Graber in 2013. The former executive chef is opening a new steakhouse at Levis Commons.

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A longtime unfilled prime spot in the Orleans Building at The Shops at Levis Commons in Perrysburg finally will get its first tenant in the form of an upscale steak and seafood restaurant.

NAI Harmon Group, which owns the Orleans Building, said Wednesday that local restaurateur and former Toledo Zoo and Aquarium executive chef Jeff Dinnebeil has signed a deal to open a steakhouse on the buildings first floor.

The restaurant, to be called Benchmark, is slated to open in mid-October. Officials promised it would be a destination-type eatery.

We have been working hard to attain upscale entertainment selections for the Town Square at Levis Commons, NAI Harmon Group principal broker Dallas Paul said in announcing the new restaurant. Benchmark is the first of many additions planned for the complex.

At an auction late last year, Toledo-based NAI Harmon bought and then took over marketing of the Orleans Building.

Built in 2007, momentum for the Orleans Building stalled when the original developer defaulted on construction loans, sending the building into a long period of receivership. At the time of last years sale, the building was only about 60 percent occupied.

However, since then NAI Harmon inked a long-term deal with Morgan Stanley to move its offices from the buildings third floor to a larger portion of the second floor. And Mr. Paul said theres significant interest for the remaining space. Only two vacant spaces remain in the building.

We started the restaurant side heavily because we need new types of cuisine alternatives to create a more lucrative and beneficial destination to give customers and consumers options, he said.

Theres already new development underway near the Orleans building. In October, Gateway Hospitality Group broke ground on a four-story Home 2 Suites by Hilton hotel.

There also were plans announced at that time for an adjacent 27,000-square-feet of retail just east of the hotel. Across from the hotel is about four acres of vacant land which is under contract to an undisclosed buyer.

In addition to the Toledo Zoo, Mr. Dinnebeil previously served as executive chef at Social, a gastro pub across the road from Levis Commons. "He comes with a strong background of restaurant operations and comes very highly accredited, Mr. Paul said.

Contact Tyrel Linkhorn at tlinkhorn@theblade.com,419-724-6134or on Twitter @BladeAutoWriter.

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New locally owned steakhouse coming to Levis Commons - Toledo Blade