Extensive test everywhere has shown one interesting tip we should pay attention to - turn off the VR mode on your 18-105mm kit lens when mounted on a tripod. This will result in significantly sharper images! The above image is obtained with VR activated when mounted on a tripod. The image below is one where VR is deactivated while shooting from a tripod.
In fact, upon scrutinizing the user manual of the lens, it indeed says to NOT use VR on a tripod. So there you are ladies and gentlemen! The handwriting's on the wall. Turn VR off when shooting from a tripod for sharper images.