Redesigning a kitchen has an impact that extends well beyond one room — it can breathe new life into an entire home. But it also can be a daunting project with a sizeable price tag.

Here are 10 key steps when designing or redesigning a kitchen to save money and maximize potential:

1. Think ahead. Put function first. There is no ideal kitchen shape. Whether it’s a galley or U- or L-shaped, plan for the sink, fridge and cooktop to form a triangle, with no more than 6 feet between them.

2. Make room for storage. Put overhead cabinets right up to the ceiling, rather than leaving a gap that collects dust. Consider deep drawers for easier access to pots and pans, and include enough storage for appliances that otherwise would clutter countertops. (more…)

EXTERIOR FEATURES: Patio/Deck, Wooded Lot, 1-5 Acres, Lakefront
GARAGE/CARPORT: None-Garage
ROAD MAINTENANCE/SURFACE: Public Maintained, Paved
LOCATION DESCRIPTION: Gravel Drive, Lake View, Other-See Remarks

Waterfront-Beautiful like new cedar lakefront home has exceptional quality in all aspects of construction & features. Great room has vaulted ceilings, a massive stacked stone fireplace & accents, loads of windows and is open to the kitchen w/glazed concrete counters, stainless appliances and island with breakfast bar. Large Master, lower level game room, catwalk & upper level bed & bath. Dock.

DIRECTIONS: Hwy 268 N. Left on Grace Drive. Sign on left.

EA Carter Real Estate (#:23)
Main: (336) 818-0482
Fax: (336) 464-2233

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Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has decided to delay enforcing a new lead paint regulation until October, it still is important for home owners to find a contractor who is trained in lead-safe work practices for any remodeling work. As of July, 48 companies, who are members of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh–Wake County (HBA), have been certified as lead renovators.

“We are happy that several of our members have taken measures to ensure homeowner safety as well as their own,” said Executive Vice President Tim Minton of the HBA. “These renovators will understand how to protect families from potential lead hazards because they have been trained and certified under the EPA regulation.”

The EPA enacted a law that was originally set to take effect in April 2010 to help reduce the possibility of lead poisoning among children when their homes are being remodeled. The Lead: Renovation, Repair and Painting regulation requires that remodelers and other contractors who disturb painted surfaces as part of their renovations in pre-1978 homes become trained and certify their firms. The EPA estimates approximately 38 million homes in the United States may contain lead paint. (more…)

The Malone Bay community features 18 lots at W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir. Fourteen (14) are Lakefront and meet private dock requirements. All lots have access to public water, saving owners from $5,000 to $10,000 on drilling a well. These lots have public water and will save you the cost of drilling a well. The entire development also features underground utilities.

This is a gated community with lots ranging from 2.3+- acres to 6.8+- acres on the Hwy 421 side of the lake just off South Minton Road, Wilkesboro, NC 28697

W. Kerr Scott Lake is 1500 acres with 50 miles of shoreline and is controlled by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It is clean water with good fishing and is excellent for boating, kayaking, skiing, and swimming. The property is surrounded by National Parks. Wilkesboro is a beautiful community and town with friendly people. It is located just 40 miles east of Boone and Blowing Rock, NC and one and a half hours northwest of Charlotte.

click here for more informationMalone Bay Lakefront Lot W. Kerr Scott Lake

Waterfront on New River

Heritage Estates Lot 46. 1.3 acres. 100 feet on the river. Anchored gazebo stays. Septic permit. Shared well. Graded and ready to build on. Paved road.

MLS Number: 54345
List Price: $110,000

Very nice lot on New River. Good neighborhood, paved road to lot. Over 100′ on river, has a new gazebo anchored on lot that stays. Septic permit has been pulled as per seller. Grading has been done and shared well on lot. Ready to build on.

Ashe County
Lot Size, Apx Acreage: 1.37
Type: Waterfront
Suitable Use: Residential
Topography: Level, Stream/Creek
Utilities: Total Electric
Water/Sewer: Community Water, Septic Tank
Road Frontage: Private Road, Paved Road
Miscellaneous: 1-5 Acres

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The Malone Bay community features 18 lots at W. Kerr Scott Dam & Reservoir. Fourteen (14) are Lakefront and meet private dock requirements. All lots have access to public water, saving owners from $5,000 to $10,000 on drilling a well. These lots have public water and will save you the cost of drilling a well. The entire development also features underground utilities.

This is a gated community with lots ranging from 2.3+- acres to 6.8+- acres on the Hwy 421 side of the lake just off South Minton Road, Wilkesboro, NC 28697

W. Kerr Scott Lake is 1500 acres with 50 miles of shoreline and is controlled by the US Army Corps of Engineers. It is clean water with good fishing and is excellent for boating, kayaking, skiing, and swimming. The property is surrounded by National Parks. Wilkesboro is a beautiful community and town with friendly people. It is located just 40 miles east of Boone and Blowing Rock, NC and one and a half hours northwest of Charlotte.

Lot #10

MLS Number: 54632
List Price: $450,000
Lot Size: 2.8 acres
WATERFRONT, PRIVATE DOCK PERMIT, GATED COMMUNITY, PUBLIC WATER, UNDERGROUND UTILITIES
Wilkes MLS Area 2
Suitable Use: Residential, Single Family
Topography: Rolling, Lake/Pond, Exceptional View
Utilities: Underground Utilities
Water/Sewer: Public Water, None-Sewer
Road Frontage: Private Road, Paved Road, Road Maintenance Agreement
Miscellaneous: 1-5 Acres, Hardwoods
Location: Malone Way

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Created in 1985, Leatherwood Mountains is an established residential community & vacation resort offering luxury amenities and housing options other developments only promise.

Leatherwood Mountains is a horse lovers paradise. Visit their premier equine facility and you will never want to leave. The site features full service boarding accommodations for your horseback riding trip that cater to the weekend guest or the full time resident. Horse & riders travel from miles around to ride on their horseback riding trail system during your horseback riding trip. The horseback riding trails range from easy wide forest paths to rugged mountain trails. Chances are after one visit to Leatherwood’s “Horse Country” you will be hooked.

LS Number: 55586
List Price: $287,000
Property Type: Lots
Breathtaking long range view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Perked for 3 bedroom home, well in place, on paved street, good access, perfect for horses, retirement spot, or second home. Nice, quiet, area, and private.
Area: Area 2
Lot Size:
Apx Acreage: 10.3
Location: Western Wilkes County NC
Suitable Use: Residential, Horse Farm, Single Family
Topography: Rolling
Utilities: Underground Utilities
Water/Sewer: Private Well, None-Sewer

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EXTERIOR FEATURES: Patio/Deck, Wooded Lot, 1-5 Acres, Lakefront
GARAGE/CARPORT: None-Garage
ROAD MAINTENANCE/SURFACE: Public Maintained, Paved
LOCATION DESCRIPTION: Gravel Drive, Lake View, Other-See Remarks

Waterfront-Beautiful like new cedar lakefront home has exceptional quality in all aspects of construction & features. Great room has vaulted ceilings, a massive stacked stone fireplace & accents, loads of windows and is open to the kitchen w/glazed concrete counters, stainless appliances and island with breakfast bar. Large Master, lower level game room, catwalk & upper level bed & bath. Dock.

DIRECTIONS: Hwy 268 N. Left on Grace Drive. Sign on left.

EA Carter Real Estate (#:23)
Main: (336) 818-0482
Fax: (336) 464-2233

click here for article

More and more families today find themselves moving back in with their parents-long after they get married and have children. AARP reports that the number of households nationwide with more than two generations expanded from 5 million in 2000 to 6.2 million in 2008. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) says that home remodels can help families accommodate these changing living situations.

Multi-generational remodels can be a smart investment. Demand is rising for multi-generational housing as buyers scale down and reign in expenses. (more…)