NC Coast Archives - Blog | Carolina Plantations Real Estate

One would think that it doesn’t take a Rocket Scientist to figure out where to place a dishwasher in a kitchen, correct? Well, you may want to pay attention to the next ten kitchens you visit because Rocket Scientists and Architects sometimes don’t have a lick of common sense.

In many of today’s kitchens, the uses of an island have become increasingly popular. The reason is that open floorplans rule the kitchen world, and to accomplish this, one needs an island, as this is the gateway to the living area of the home. A harmful byproduct of this current trend is that the dishwashers get placed in places they don’t belong to. Allow us to share an example of where NOT to put your dishwasher.

Some Einstein felt that the dishwasher would look cool on this island. And while it might look cool, it is functionally obsolete, for the distance from the dishwasher to the cabinets where you store all of your dishes, plates, silverware, pots, and pans is a good 8 ft away. Now, not that we all don’t need some forced exercise in our lives now and then, this location will get old fast, for many of us grew up with a dishwasher right next to the cabinets we store our stuff in, right?

Conversely, here is the same kitchen design but with one subtle yet significant change: moving the dishwasher from the island to the back wall under the cabinets. Aaaahh, another of life’s major issues, has been solved in the name of convenience.

If you have someone draw your plans from scratch or customize a home you have walked through, be certain YOU think about your lifestyle in that floorplan. Be careful not to fall for trends or what appears to be cool just so your builder or home designer can win some kind of Avant-garde award for the most attractive yet functionally screwed-up home in your community.

Think your way through the rooms you will spend a lot of time in and remember that functionality is more important than aesthetic appeal. And next month, we will explore the many fascinating options of where to place your toothbrush…just kidding! If you’re looking for your next dream home with a dream kitchen, allow us at Carolina Plantations to help you out.

How Much Traffic is in Your Future?

Do you think it would be safe to say that most American’s do not enjoy traffic? Granted some have to endure it for their jobs or personal reasons but, does anyone get in the car and go join in a traffic jam because there’s nothing good on TV? For the most part, we believe happiness is a choice. You wake up and if you want to be happy, you do everything within your power to do so. Traffic is also a choice, as you either live near it and deal with it, learn to schedule your time life around it, or reside where the traffic is minimal.

Don’t Let Traffic Get You Down

If you let it, traffic can pretty much run ruin your life, for if every time you want to leave your home you need to consider the traffic patterns outside your driveway and beyond, you are a traffic prisoner. And let’s face the facts about traffic & health – has any doctor ever said that heavy traffic reduces your stress levels?

When it comes time to move, especially for retirement, how much emphasis should be placed on traffic around your home and/or town? If you enjoy traffic, well, be sure Atlanta, Miami and Tampa are on your list! However, if you are normal…,shouldn’t you research traffic patterns of where you will spend your golden years?

Where Do You Want to Be

In a few days, Doug will be turning 62, and for the past couple of years, he has considered buying or renting a home in Florida – primarily for January ad February. Those two months are typically our slowest and being able to go deep sea fishing regularly, and play the horses and dogs, and visit a casino – well, Florida does offer some things we don’t have in Coastal North Carolina.

However, there is this thing called traffic, which no matter how attractive parts of the Sunshine State can be early in the year, they just aren’t attractive enough to endure the rising blood pressure received from that mass of vehicles on just about every highway and byway. Nope, just can’t do it.

How Much Traffic is in Your Future?

Traffic, by the way, is not indigenous to Florida. A couple of weeks ago, Doug drove down to Kiawah Island to see a dear friend and when he left his office in Shallotte, GPS told him his ETA was 4:30 pm. He left an extra half house in case he ran into traffic in and around Charleston during rush house. Ha – boy did he miscalculate! The bumper to bumper traffic in Mt. Pleasant on the northside of Charleston was nuts. Plus, once he crossed over the high-rise bridge in downtown Charleston, the traffic crawled the next 15 miles to the Kiawah exit. Needless to say, he was way late and, unfortunately had more of the same the next day when Doug drove down to Hilton Head for a good buddy’s surprise 80^th birthday.

Traffic on the North Carolina Coast

In 1999, Doug left the northern suburbs of Boston for the warm ocean breezes of Wilmington, NC. Traffic was really non-existent here back then and even with all our growth, our traffic today is nothing compared to so many (southern) cities. He lived in Atlanta during the 80s and have often said that for $5m/year, he wouldn’t move back there because his quality of life is far too important. Here is a list of cities that you will never find him living in full time.

How Much Traffic is in Your Future?

Might visit, but never set up a residence there. If you are wanting to flee from the traffic filled cities and move to a slower paced life, then allow us to help you find a new place. We at Carolina Plantations can help you find your next home that you too can enjoy the North Carolina Coast.

Tag: NC Coast

Correct Placement of Your Dishwasher in Your Home

How Much Traffic is in Your Future?

Don’t Let Traffic Get You Down

Where Do You Want to Be

Traffic on the North Carolina Coast