10-18-2013, 02:45 PM
(This post was last modified: 10-18-2013, 03:16 PM by hendi_alex.)
We have lived in S.C. all of our lives, so is a coincidence that S.C. has retirement friendly tax policies. If not married to an area, tax considerations may be worth a move for some, especially with high property taxes in the north. We just received the property tax bill for our house which is very nice 1979 construction with about 3000 sq feet heated, also with much remodeling since originally built. It sits on 130 rural acres, but only about ten miles from Camden which has lots of choices for grocery and other shopping. The bill for the year is $970.
Speaking of home remodel. Our kitchen was one of our first major remodel projects. The wife and I did all work other than subcontracting the cabinets and granite. The space originally was a very small kitchen and a small dining room. We pulled the partition between and ended up with what you see in the photos. The inset at the end of the room in the double oven area was a particular challenge. I had to build a brick foundation on the outside and frame out the space for the slide in cabinet unit. Also had a good bit of electrical work to accommodate various appliances.
From original kitchen area toward old dining area.
![[Image: 4813042469_0037343a56_z.jpg]](http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4079/4813042469_0037343a56_z.jpg)
New island with cook top and into the original kitchen space. Everything was gutted but the cabinets were mostly salvaged and added to. Before we tiled the backsplash area.
![[Image: 4813651014_7bae8e3236_z.jpg]](http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4081/4813651014_7bae8e3236_z.jpg)
Nearing completion of tile. This was my first time tiling on a wall. It worked out pretty well!
![[Image: 4813650332_3cbb8158f5_z.jpg]](http://farm5.staticflickr.com/4120/4813650332_3cbb8158f5_z.jpg)
We have really enjoyed the kitchen area. This was a gathering to honor and remember a dear friend who died way too early. Hmmm, never noticed my wife's hand on Ray's leg before!
![[Image: 5522735187_b850db4633_z.jpg]](http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5139/5522735187_b850db4633_z.jpg)
You will see a few of my orchids in the photos. That has been a hobby for many years, so the blooming plants are usually placed throughout the house. Am cutting down on the number of plants however, probably will drop it down to about 100-125 plants versus the 300+ plants of a couple years ago.
Speaking of home remodel. Our kitchen was one of our first major remodel projects. The wife and I did all work other than subcontracting the cabinets and granite. The space originally was a very small kitchen and a small dining room. We pulled the partition between and ended up with what you see in the photos. The inset at the end of the room in the double oven area was a particular challenge. I had to build a brick foundation on the outside and frame out the space for the slide in cabinet unit. Also had a good bit of electrical work to accommodate various appliances.
From original kitchen area toward old dining area.
New island with cook top and into the original kitchen space. Everything was gutted but the cabinets were mostly salvaged and added to. Before we tiled the backsplash area.
Nearing completion of tile. This was my first time tiling on a wall. It worked out pretty well!
We have really enjoyed the kitchen area. This was a gathering to honor and remember a dear friend who died way too early. Hmmm, never noticed my wife's hand on Ray's leg before!
You will see a few of my orchids in the photos. That has been a hobby for many years, so the blooming plants are usually placed throughout the house. Am cutting down on the number of plants however, probably will drop it down to about 100-125 plants versus the 300+ plants of a couple years ago.
Alex