Indian summers are synonymous with notorious pest problems. This article tells you how to keep your house pest-free in the easiest possible ways.

7 Tips to Keep Your Home Pest-Free This Summer

As soon as the summer sets in with its good vibes and sunshine, we open our homes for the sunrays to naturally disinfect them. Although Indian summer is on the harsher side and often unbearable, we welcome it with open arms. But with the heat descending on the Indian subcontinent, comes the problem of pests infecting our homes. Well, nobody enjoys uninvited guests in their households, right! But even after regularly cleaning your house, you would spot those pesky ants crawling all over your house and termites eagerly damaging your precious wooden furniture pieces. You need to be proactive in solving this issue. Yes, ‘cleanliness’ is the keyword here. Here are some tips listed below to help you keep your home pest-free this summer season:

Bins are a favourite place for pests to live in. Keep your dustbin clean to avoid pest.

1. Keep your dustbins clean

Bins are a favourite place for pests to live in. The dirtier the place is, the more they find it comfortable to live in. Bins are mostly damp and dark areas. This acts as an ideal place for insects and pests to breed. Use a bin with a lid so that the garbage is not open to the atmosphere. Also, make sure that you empty the bin regularly to ensure no pest build-up. Once you empty the bin, Wash it thoroughly under running water. Try and avoid the usage of harsh detergents on a regular basis. Simply deep clean it followed by proper sanitization. Ensure that the bin is properly covered and does not overflow with waste. In case of excess garbage production in your house, use multiple bins. You can also segregate the bins for dry and wet waste which also reduces pest problems as pests tend to attack wet and organic waste more compared to dry waste.

Any cracks and gaps are a perfect location for pests to hide.

2. Seal cracks and holes in the houses

Any cracks and gaps are a perfect location for pests to hide. They will exploit any openings they find in the house; so before summer months arrive in full swing, survey the house once to ensure that your doors, windows, furniture, or walls have no cracks or gaps. Cracks in the bathroom or below the sink are the major sources of moisture intrusion that cause dampness and become hubs of pest infestation.

There are other not-so-hidden entrances for pests too in our house that we often tend to overlook. In many houses, gaps around the door and window frames are not filled properly or sealant has deteriorated. These gaps serve as entry points for pests. So, if you notice any such gaps, fill them immediately with a sealant or an equivalent material.

Keeping the kitchen clean will help you keep the pests away from your house.

3. Keep the kitchen clean

Keeping the kitchen clean will help you keep the pests away from your house. Insects and pests that wander around in the kitchen, or for that matter, in our house are always searching for food. If we cut off this food supply we can solve the problem to a great extent.

We, due to our carelessness often invite this problem by resorting to bad habits like improper disposal of food wastes, not cleaning up spillage then and there, or storing leftovers uncovered. A clean and hygienic kitchen is a bare minimum requirement of a healthy home. So, all we need to do is grow proper kitchen habits.

Stagnant water is a breeding place for pests like mosquitoes. If you have any swimming pool or water tanks or any large water storage places inside the premises of your house, clean them at regular intervals.

4. Don’t allow water to stagnate

Stagnant water is a breeding place for pests like mosquitoes. If you have any swimming pool or water tanks or any large water storage places inside the premises of your house, clean them at regular intervals. Use chlorine to disinfect swimming pools1. Make sure the drains near your house (and also if any inside the house) have a proper flow of wastewater. Clogged drains are perfect for pest breeding. They will also give out a stale odour which is not welcoming at all.

In India, summers are also associated with sudden storms with torrential rainfall in certain areas. These showers lead to the filling up of the plant tubs or buckets kept outside in the open with water. After the rains, ensure that you empty these buckets and tubs totally.

Clean your bathroom with disinfectants regularly as they help to keep the pests away.

5. Keep your bathroom clean

During the summers, one of the most relaxing places you will find in your house is the bathroom. So is the case with pests and insects. This is because it is one of the coolest and most moist places in the house to survive. Having a clean and pest-free bathroom is of the utmost importance for family hygiene. Use a proper exhaust to keep it dry and ensure proper ventilation in the bathroom. Clean your bathroom with disinfectants regularly as they help to keep the pests away.

The garden is another favourite spot for the pests to dwell in. Keep the garden tidy.

6. Keep your garden tidy

The garden is another favourite spot for the pests to dwell in. Keep the grass short. Manage the plant heights by regularly trimming and monitoring the garden. Do not overuse any kind of insecticides or pesticides as they really damage the environment. Do not over-water the plants as that makes the soil particles too loose and the roots also start to decay. In damp soil, undesired insects which are harmful to the plants start to accumulate. Overwatering plants can also aggravate the mosquito problem in your house.

To keep mosquitoes away, you can plant citronella, mint, lemongrass, eucalyptus and geranium saplings in your garden. These plants act as natural mosquito repellents2. The characteristic fragrance of each of these plants effectively repels mosquitoes and other pests in the house.

Keep excess moisture away from home by ensuring proper ventilation and cleaning duct.

7. Keep excess moisture away

It is important that your house is kept dry. Proper ventilation ensures your house remain drier. Keep the windows of your house open for maximum time for the sunlight to enter and breeze to flow in. Sunlight dries the wet areas in the house and naturally disinfects the house. Summers bring us to lock ourselves in a room with the air conditioner on and staying the whole day there with every window and door locked. This is really harmful as it causes pest infestation in the room. Proper ventilation is indispensable for a healthy environment in the house. Also, ensure you clean your air conditioner ducts3 when the AC is used regularly. It is another highly damp place in the house and will serve as a perfect place for pest infestations.

Look out for other damp areas

Finally, as already mentioned earlier, damp places are a breeding ground for the pests in your house. Damp not only attracts numerous insects and pests in your house but also creates an unhealthy and suffocating situation for you to live in. Damp also gives out a stale and suffocating smell in the house. The damp areas should be repaired as soon as detected in the house. You can hire professional service providers for damp problems in your house. They are usually well versed with the process of damp removal, and as it is a long process, you might not yourself be able to deal with it completely and permanently.

Before deciding on where to do the damp treatment in your house, you must first get it checked professionally. You must know the root cause behind the damp.

But you know what? – Before deciding on where to do the damp treatment in your house, you must first get it checked professionally. You must know the root cause behind the damp and the extent of its spread. Only then, the money spent on damp repair will be worth it.

There is nothing more comforting than a clean house to come back to, from all day’s work and rest in. But when pests infest your peaceful abode, this idea becomes a daydream. So, not only during the summers but all the year round you must see to it that your house remains pest-free. In the case of extreme pest infestation problems, you can call pest control services and opt for chemical-based treatments. Pest control service providers customize their services according to the requirements which will be beneficial for you to keep your house pest-free.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/chlorine-keeps-pools-safe-summertime-fun/
2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325337
3. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/should-you-have-air-ducts-your-home-cleaned

The Bihar Real Estate Regulatory Authority has taken strong action against three private developers for violating RERA norms.

Bihar RERA penalises Green Vatika Homes, Arunendra Developers & Shiba Welcome

The Bihar Real Estate Regulatory Authority (BRERA) has taken strong action against three private developers for violating RERA norms, an official said on Tuesday.

The action has been taken after more than one dozen home buyers filed written complaints with the BRERA. The official said that the real estate companies — Green Vatika Homes Pvt Ltd, Arunendra Developers Pvt Ltd and Shiba Welcome Pvt Ltd – violated RERA guidelines.

Accordingly, action has been taken against them in the last one week.

“The home buyers have filed complaints against these builders and the violation was found during the hearing. Accordingly, we have frozen the bank accounts of directors of the companies,” the official said.

“Besides, we have also asked them to submit all financial transactions, investments and expenditures of the companies after the particular project launched in Bihar. Till that time, we have stopped them from selling residential units till the next order,” the official said.

Home buyers have filed complaints against Green Vatika Homes, for instance. The company has projects named VIP Residency, Pusp Vatika, Kamal Complex, Urmila Vatika and other projects in Patna and other districts.

“We have paid 80% to 90% of our total cost of the residential flats but our builder has not completed the construction accordingly. We strongly believe that the builder has three to four projects underway and it has invested our money in other projects,” said Ravindra Kumar Sinha, a home buyer.

Bihar RERA has frozen the bank accounts of Pankaj Kumar, Chandan Kumar and Upendra Mandal, directors of Arunendra builders. The regulatory body has also banned the sale of residential units of its projects at Phulwari Sarif, Danapur-1 enclave and other parts of Bihar.

The next hearing on Green Vatika Homes and Arunendra builders is scheduled for April 16.

Similarly, Bihar RERA has frozen the bank accounts of Khalid Rashid and Amina Rashid, the directors of Shiba Welcome builders. RERA has also banned sales of the project Rajeshwar Apartment.

The hearing of Shiba Welcome Builders is scheduled on May 10.

Source: https://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/regulatory/bihar-rera-penalises-green-vatika-homes-arunendra-developers-shiba-welcome/82060175

If you notice that your energy bill has increased, don’t panic. Read the article to know Reasons why your Home Electricity Bill is so High And Tips to reduce Electricity Bill.

11 Reasons why your Home Electricity Bill is so High? And 9 Tips to reduce your Electricity Bill

Nowadays living life without electricity is next to unimaginable, even in small towns & villages in India. From running fans and lights to washing machines, refrigerators and computers, you need power for everything you do.

However, many homeowners at one time or the other have found themselves asking a common question over and over, “why is my electric bill so high?”

There might be several reasons behind a rise in your bill amount, which generally are not taken into account by a majority of people. Let us understand them.

It is economical to turn off the gadgets that you are currently not using to avoid unnecessary power consumption.

1. Not Turning Off Appliances and Other Gadgets When Not In Use

Sometimes you may forget to switch off your TV even when you are not watching, or even the bulbs during the day. Although it may not seem like a big thing, when this becomes a habit, it may increase your power bill. It is economical to turn off the gadgets that you are currently not using to avoid unnecessary power consumption.

No one likes to pay for something that they do not use, so why continue to pay for the electricity that you are not directly using. Devices that stay plugged in all day continue to suck energy, even if they are not in use.

If you have several family members in your house, they should all ensure that they also disconnect their gadgets like computers, phone chargers, etc. from the sockets when not in use. Unplug your devices that are not in use, otherwise, you will continue to have an unusually high electric bill.

Try to use energy efficient appliances to avoid unnecessary power consumption.

2. Not Using Energy-Efficient Appliances

Whether you are buying a new refrigerator, air purifier, TV or AC, make sure it is energy efficient. Such appliances usually come with special labels to signify the same. By paying a little more initially, you can reduce long-term energy costs.

Know the reasons behind geyser energy consumption.

3. Geyser

Your geyser is probably the most energy-consuming appliance in home. The reasons behind this could be:

  • Improper Insulation of pipe
  • the high temperature is being set at geyser
  • It is being unnecessarily on after usage
Refrigerator should be placed at adequate distance from the wall specified by manufacturer for more power efficiency.

4. Refrigerator

Among all your appliances, a refrigerator uses up a huge amount of electricity. So, it should be placed at an adequate distance from the wall specified by the manufacturer for more power efficiency. This can improve the air circulation around it. Also, exposing the refrigerator to direct sunlight can force it to consume more power.

Turning the air conditioning on while the windows are open is one of the reasons leading to high electricity bills.

5. AC is on while the windows are open

Turning the air conditioning on while the windows are open is one of the reasons leading to high electricity bills. Either keep the windows open and the AC off, or vice versa. Do not let expensive cold air go to waste. Make sure you keep your windows closed while the air conditioning is On to lower your next electric bill.

Putting a phone on charging and forgetting about it can spike your electricity bills easily.

6. Overcharging Phones

Putting a phone on charging and forgetting about it can spike your electricity bills easily. Also, overcharging can harm the phone battery. So, be cautious.

Keeping the air filters clean can lower your AC unit’s electricity use by 5 percent to 15 percent.

7. Dirty AC Filters

Whether you have central air conditioning or room air conditioners, keeping the air filters clean can lower your AC unit’s electricity use by 5 percent to 15 percent1. And since cooling your home is a big source of energy consumption, keeping your AC filters clean can help reduce your monthly electric bill costs.

If wire joints are not done properly in the case of high capacity appliances, then it can lead to energy loss causing an increase in electricity bill.

8. Improper Wire Joints

If wire joints are not done properly in the case of high capacity appliances, then it can lead to energy loss causing increase in electricity bill. Additionally, Use Lugs at Electrical system to avoid energy loss.

9. Faulty Appliances

Faulty appliances in your home not only represent a safety hazard but also they could be wasting electricity and that leads to a spike in bills.

If your appliances like washing machines, air conditioners, are faulty / damaged, they will consume more energy than normal. Inside faulty wiring can damage the appliances in the long term, lead to electrical fires or even get electrically charged, which may give you electrical shocks if you come in their direct contact. Faulty appliances in your home not only represent a safety hazard but also they could be wasting electricity and that leads to a spike in bills. And if there is any loose connection in internal wiring, then it will also lead to an increase in energy consumption.

That old refrigerator, the old Television set, or that outdated appliance may need to be serviced or changed with time.

Improper Wire Gauge can cause overheating of wires which will lead to an increase in electricity due to energy loss.

10. Improper Wire Gauge

Improper Wire Gauge can cause overheating of wires which will lead to an increase in electricity due to energy loss.

11. Defective Wiring & other electrical issues

Electrical issues can be any type of electrical leakage, damaged insulation, overheating of wires and other electrical faults.

Defective wiring is one of the reasons why your bill could be increasing. It may be causing your electricity to leak unintentionally. This is why it is important for you to maintain the electrical components of your house; this would include the fixtures, outlets, and wiring in and around your home. Other electrical issues can be any type of electrical leakage, damaged insulation, overheating of wires and other electrical faults. In that case, contact professionals who are experts in finding all electrical issues of your home / property.

9 Tips to save electricity Bill

Six general tips to save electricity bill.

1. Switch off Lights and electrical appliances when you do not use them

This is one of the easiest measures to save electricity and reduce electricity bills. Most of us know this but still do not follow the basic rule.

2. Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

Use CFL or LED lights that consume less energy as compared to normally used light bulbs. They also give more light. They will cost more but will be a money saver and energy saver in the long run.

3. Use Refrigerator Wisely

A refrigerator consumes too much electricity. Follow few tips:

  • Do not overload the refrigerator.
  • Defrost your refrigerator regularly.
  • Try not to open or close the refrigerator too often to avoid energy consumption.
  • Clean and maintain Refrigerator (both inside & outside).

4. Take Care of few things while using an Air conditioner

  • Ensure proper sealing of doors and windows when operating AC.
  • Clean AC filter every month.
  • Use film / tinted glass on windows.
  • If using the AC for open area like Living Area, then ensure rooms which are not in use are closed.
  • Use the right size of AC depending on various factors.
  • Place AC in a shaded area to avoid effect of Sun rays.

5. Regarding Geyser Usage

Some tips related to usage of geyser to save your electricity:

  • Use the right size of Geyser.
  • Ensure proper insulation of the pipe.
  • Minimize temperature of Geyser.
  • Upgrade to Solar Water heater.

6. Use Sensor

Use sensors for lights in bathroom and other less used areas to avoid more energy consumption.

Shut doors to areas you are not using, and only cool or heat the rooms where you spend the most time.

7. Shut Doors and close Curtains

There are simple things you can do to reduce the costs of heating and cooling without making life uncomfortable.

  • Shut doors to areas you are not using, and only cool or heat the rooms where you spend the most time.
  • In cooler months, make sure your curtains or blinds seal your windows properly.
  • In warmer months, keep your curtains closed during the day. By keeping the sun off your windows with external shadings such as external blinds, your house will remain cooler.
Weatherizing, or sealing air leaks around your home, is a great way to reduce energy loss.

8. Proper insulation of Home

Maintain proper insulation of home by using Bright reflective paint in walls to ensure cool temperature at home. Secondly, use Sun reflective film for windows.

Also, Weatherize your home: Weatherizing, or sealing air leaks around your home, is a great way to reduce energy loss. To prevent these leaks, you should ensure that there are no cracks or openings between the wall and window/door frame.

Try to use high voltage appliance systematically to avoid high energy consumption.

9. Turning on the gadgets wisely

In many households, a common mistake that people commit is they switch on all the devices simultaneously. Try to use high voltage appliance systematically to avoid high energy consumption.

Conclusion

Well, saving an electricity bill entirely depends on your living conditions and living standards. Our objective was to make you aware of the possible reasons behind shooting up of electricity bill and also share general tips to reduce energy consumption.

If you notice that your energy bill has increased, don’t panic. Knowing the reasons and tips, you may be able to make some changes to take more control of your power bill and lower it in future months.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/maintaining-your-air-conditioner

Police booked two developers acting on a complaint of a homebuyer who has been duped on the pretext of getting the possession of his booked flat. Read the Rera update for more information.

Developers booked for cheating homebuyer and violating MahaRERA orders

SRA gives project back to developer booked for cheating buyer Vile Parle Police booked two developers acting on a complaint of a homebuyer who has been duped on the pretext of getting the possession of his booked flat. The complainant had given a demand draft of Rs 95 lakh to book the flat, but the developers have not handed over the flat to him. The MahaRERA orders stated that the developers should pay Rs 1 lakh per month for delaying possession. And, they are yet to pay a total of Rs 18 lakh as penalty.

According to the police, the complainant said, in a statement, that he had booked flat 1101 in a Vile Parle building and had paid Rs 95 lakhs as the booking amount. Even after repeated reminders to give the possession of the flat, the developers kept delaying it and the matter ended up in the MahaRERA court. The MahaRERA court had ordered the developers to pay a penalty of Rs 1 lakh to the complainant until the possession is given, which the developers allegedly failed to.

Acting on this information, the complainant approached the police and lodged a complaint of cheating, forgery and common intention against them. After valid points were observed in the complaint letter, a case was lodged against them on April 7 for violating the MahaRERA orders by not paying a total of Rs 18 lakh as penalty, as directed, for not giving the possession of the flat.

Source: https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-developers-booked-for-cheating-homebuyer-and-violating-maharera-orders

Sliding glass doors or windows are designed for beauty, convenience, and efficiency. Read the Blog for tips to maintain it.

Maintain your Sliding Door/ Window to ensure smooth functioning

  • Common problems or issues in sliding door/window
    • Operational issues
    • Installation & other issues
  • 7 Tips for maintenance & Repair
  • Type of sliding door to be chosen?

Why are doors significant? Some obvious reasons are – privacy, accessibility, protection against natural elements, safety against burglars etc. Doors also offer structural integrity to homes. Available in different shapes, colours, sizes, and styles, doors also serve the overall aesthetic appeal of living and working spaces.

Sliding glass doors or windows are designed for beauty, convenience, and efficiency. They are a great addition to any home. Presently, sliding door/window is one of the most commonly used ones in homes as well as properties due to the following reasons:

  • The glass doors or window panes they support offer a translucent or transparent view of the outside world.
  • They let the natural daylight in.
  • Make rooms look more spacious.
  • They open sideways; so, you save a lot of space.

As they are an essential part of the design of your home, you will wish to make sure they are functioning properly and safely.

Common problems or issues in sliding door/window

Multiple factors can affect the operation of sliding doors.

a. Operational issues

Multiple factors can affect the operation of sliding doors:

  • Rectangularity of frame: It is important to check whether the frame is rectangular or not. If the frame is not rectangular, then there will be a problem in operation of the door as well as the gap will be generated which will cause unwanted elements to enter like rainwater, insects, etc. This can also lead to energy loss in the case of operating an air conditioner.
  • Track level: It is important that the top and bottom track should be in level. If it is not in level, then door will not be smoothly operating. Sometimes, there can be air gap generated.
  • Clogged track: With regular use, sliding doors can collect dirt, mud, hair, dust, and rust in their tracks and grooves. The collected debris will increase the friction between the track and roller, causing operational failure. Weep holes should also be cleaned to avoid water stagnancy on the track.
  • Damaged Roller: Often, low quality or worn out roller cause operational dysfunction of sliding doors. If the rollers are broken or chipped, they won’t slide on the track. Besides, if left unrepaired, the impaired rollers can damage the track as well. If the bearing is of low quality, wheel is not properly aligned, lubrication issue, etc will cause operational problems.
Check out installation and others issues in sliding door that needs to be taken care of for its maintenance.

b. Installation & other issues

Apart from operational issues, there are installation and others issues that needs to be taken care of for its maintenance.

  • Misaligned installation: If frame and panel are not installed properly, it can cause air gap (causing energy loss, moisture intrusion & rattling noise) as well as operational problem. This can happen due to various reasons but usually due to poor workmanship.
  • No / Damaged Sealant: If there is a gap around door/window frame or sealant has deteriorated, air seeping in and out of these gaps affects the energy efficiency of your home and also allows the moisture to enter inside the house which can cause severe damage in the future. Also, it can create an entry point for pest/insects.
  • Non-uniform weather stripping: Weather stripping is important for preserving the energy efficiency of your windows and keeping moisture out. Sometimes non-uniform weather stripping can be due to poor workmanship or it has been worn out with time & usage.
  • No rubber gasket provided: If the gasket is not provided or non-uniform gasket, it can cause loose glass fitting problem, which may lead to breakage of glass.
  • Improper locking system: This includes misalignment of lock & defective lock system. Also, sometimes the lock can have trouble latching correctly. Especially after years of use and possible bending or damage. A proper locking system is one of the important factors for safety & security.
Know 7 tips for Sliding door Maintenance & Repair.

7 tips for Maintenance & Repair

  • Clean the Track: To ensure smooth operation, regular upkeep of sliding doors is necessary. The tracks should be clean and dust-free for the roller to slide with ease. Loose debris can be vacuumed or removed from the bottom track using a brush. After doing this, wipe the tracks using a household cleaner.
  • Provide Lubrication: If the track is clogged, it will not function smoothly. For such problems, lubrication can solve the problem. Hardware components also need lubrication for smooth functioning. You can use WD 401 or equivalent for lubrication and rust.
  • Check the Weather-stripping: Cleaning the weather stripping on your doors/windows can help to remove debris and helps to maintain it. If you notice that the weather stripping2 is worn out or deteriorated, you should replace them immediately.
  • Check Sealant condition: Whenever you clean windows, include a thorough checking of the areas around the sliding door & window frame. For sealing gaps around window/door frame in the exterior area – Exterior grade silicone sealant should be used as per manufacturer’s specification. They are more resistant to external weather conditions.
  • Handle Sliding Doors Glass With Care: Do not push your sliding doors too hard as the resulting impact can damage the tracks or the glass area. It would also be a good idea to regularly clean the glass area at least once a week, given that stains become harder to remove, the longer they stay on the glass.
  • Check the rollers: The most common source behind the sliding door not functioning smoothly are dirty or damaged rollers. All that dirt clogs the rollers underneath and eventually, the door gets stuck. Inspect the door’s rollers to see if they are broken, or have become loose. If the problem is just a loose roller, tighten or replace the loose screws that hold it in place. If a roller is broken, you will have to replace it (better to get it repaired by the vendor).
  • Weeping system maintenance: Check for weep hole blockage by pouring a small amount of water into interior sill track. If water drains out from the exterior weep holes, the weep system is clear. If weep holes are blocked, insert a thin wire into it and repeat the test until the blockage is cleared. Further, Weep hole in the window should be provided on the vertical surface of bottom channel. If weep hole is provided on the horizontal surface of bottom channel in sliding window, can create moisture-related problems.
Read the things to be considered while choosing sliding door or window.

If you are planning to install a sliding door in your home, then there should be a question arising in your mind: Which type of sliding door should be chosen? Among various types of sliding doors, aluminium sliding doors are emerging as a personal favourite of designers and homeowners. This because of the following few reasons:

  • Durability: Aluminium ranks pretty high on the durability factor. Due to its corrosion-resistant property, it does not rust easily. It is highly weather-resistant and can handle harsh weather conditions.
  • Recyclable: Choosing aluminium for your home or office also is an environmentally conscious decision as aluminium has the reputation of being an environmentally-sustainable material.
  • Easy maintenance: Aluminium doors have low maintenance costs and only require regular cleaning to make them look like new.
  • Energy Efficient: This is undoubtedly one of the best features of aluminium sliding doors. The material offers high insulation3 properties.

The Bottom Line

The biggest issue that makes doors prone to coming off the tracks is lack of maintenance. Sliding doors, like all the other parts and systems in your home, require regular cleaning and maintenance.

Our objective was to make you aware of common problems with sliding doors/windows and related tips. If you keep encountering issues with despite frequently cleaning and maintaining them, then contact professionals who can detect the issues and suggest the solution for its longevity.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.amazon.in/Pidilite-WD-40-Multiple-Maintenance-Spray/dp/B07MDKM7DZ
2. https://homeimprovement.lovetoknow.com/Sliding_Glass_Door_Weatherstrip
3. https://www.fenesta.com/interior-design/5-benefits-of-choosing-aluminium-sliding-doors-for-offices/

Home buyers of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority project Omicron 1 have mounted legal challenge against the government agency for having failed to deliver the project on time, and for demanding extra charges over and above the agreed price.

Buyers mount legal challenge against delayed Greater Noida home project

Home buyers of the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) project Omicron 1 have mounted legal challenge against the government agency for having failed to deliver the project on time, and also for demanding extra charges over and above the agreed price and against the contractual obligation that does not have any escalation clause.

One of the aggrieved buyers, Neelam Tandon, after having made several reminders to the agency, had approached the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA). She was subsequently asked by the RERA Authority to take possession of the delayed project and directed the government agency to pay delayed interest from January 30, 2017 at the rate of MCLR+1 per cent till the offer of possession.

The buyer has now challenged the RERA judgment before the RERA Appellate, since Section 18 of RERA states that the buyer has a right to demand refund with interest if the project has not been delivered on time.

Disputed properties

Tandon is one of the buyers scheduled to get the possession by January-end 2017 but was offered the possession only in July, 2019. Moreover, she was also asked to pay an extra fee of more than ₹5 lakh, over and above the total cost, as agreed in the contract.

GNIDA is home to one of the most disputed property markets of the country. The government agency has the mandate of regulating the private builders and giving occupancy/completion certificates on the merits of the project. However, the agency itself has failed to complete the project on time and offer the buyers possession within the agreed time and price.

According to Tandon’s counsellor Shivam Tyagi, the GNIDA, that should ideally set the precedent of how private builders should operate, seems to be inspired by the wrongdoings of the builders in this case.

Source: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/business-laws/buyers-mount-legal-challenge-against-delayed-greater-noida-home-project/article34239326.ece

Are you planning to start your entrepreneurial journey? Consider having a franchise backed business. Here’s why.

A Franchise Is Better Than Own Business – Why?

Do you aspire to become a businessman? Are you confused between running a franchise and starting a start-up business? Well, there are many ways in which you can accomplish your dream. In this particular blog, we will be discussing the various reasons why running a franchise business is better than owning a business / start-up.

Many people believe that franchising is a nice way to make it through the business world. It has a lot of benefits associated with it that one cannot get by starting their own business. Franchising helps in circumventing the struggles and hardships that a start-up business tends to have. Here we have listed out a few benefits of running a franchise over starting an own business.

Franchises help in providing a strategic identity that not only is considered to be effective but also helps in giving a great market impact.

1. An already established brand identity

Franchises help in providing a strategic identity that not only is considered to be effective but also helps in giving a great market impact. Thus, corporate brand identification has proved to give a successful name in the marketplace. Famous brands like Pizza Hut, Body Shop, McDonald’s have a great brand recall which an individual starting a franchise can benefit from. A successful brand is considered to be the one that is easily identifiable by the public and that has popularity among the public.

Franchises are already successful and have strong brand identities globally. With an established brand, comes strong recognition that assures the consumer’s product and experience in various locations. The consistency related to the franchise helps like an old friend who is counting to be with you.

The operating model in a franchise business is tested already for the particular type of marketing strategies.

2. Offering Experience

Creating an independent business is challenging and tough but if we see it from the eyes of the franchise then it helps in contributing an immediate benefit to the ones who plan to run a franchise business. The operating model in a franchise business is tested already for the particular type of marketing strategies.

Although, there is something extremely fulfilling and satisfying in starting a business from scratch yet there are lots of risks that are involved with starting a standalone business. If you want to run a franchise then you can get a similar experience that will fulfil your dreams of starting your own business with limited risks.

A franchise business already has a reputation in the market for its work and the services and products that it sells.

3. A set blueprint in place

A franchise business already has a reputation in the market for its work and the services and products that it sells. The product or service, brand, future plans, marketing, and customer base are already established. Reputation is regarded to be an important criterion that helps in creating a positive experience among the customers and making them loyal towards your brand. This is something that a newly started business cannot provide because it is a new independent model. Also, the future plan being somewhat devised, the franchisees do not need to worry about things like “what next” and “how to?”

Franchise helps in providing required training that is related to doing and managing the works from technology to accounting as well as teaching ways as to how one can handle the procedures.

4. Franchises provide support

Strong training is always needed until and unless an individual is coming from a similar business background. Franchise helps in providing required training that is related to doing and managing the works from technology to accounting as well as teaching ways as to how one can handle the procedures. Online support is also available if you opt for a franchise business.

If someone runs a franchise then he has the entire brand that is present to back him up during any difficulties. A franchise owner can take the help of numerous other franchisers who are out there running the same brand and have gained a lot of knowledge in the years of working with the company. A franchise believes that his other franchise partners too shall succeed, as when one joins a franchise, they become a part of the family.

A franchise organization model provides a particular franchise with the capacity to grow under a specific brand.

5. Partnership benefits

A franchise organization model provides a particular franchise with the capacity to grow under a specific brand and allows it to share the benefits that take place under a large group of people owning a business. Though every business is independently managed and owned, all its franchises share a collaborative benefit from the organization through the oversight and support of the particular franchisor that includes:

  • Resources related to group advertising that are not typically available to independent, small business owners.
  • It helps you to own your business by making decisions yourself, guided by the experienced business enterprise.
  • The capability to sell services and products to the market that the company owns or the outlet of the company would be otherwise difficult due to the high operational cost.
  • The benefits of proven and recognized services trademark, patents, proprietary details, designs.
  • Training from victorious business operators.
  • It involves less risk of loss or failure that are associated with starting a new business or start-up.
  • As you are a part of an operation that is uniform, your outlet gets to share the same exterior and interior, product, service and quality, and most importantly brand awareness of the customer.
  • Operational support is given by the franchisor, both after and before launching the business venture and cannot be provided to an individual who aims to start his own business.

If we look from the franchisor’s perspective then this collaboration

  • Offers rapid expansion.
  • Spreads brand messaging as well as awareness.
  • Enables the development of new services and products with more inputs and options.
  • Helps in providing a steady cash flow.
  • Facilitates the overall growth of the company.
There are many franchise options that you can choose from to start your entrepreneurial journey.

Franchise business options with huge prospects

There are many franchise categories1 that you can choose from to start your entrepreneurial journey. Food & beverage, electronic gadgets, and appliances, telecom – just take a look around and you can figure out the options available. However, if you want to tread the offbeat track and still become successful you can opt to start a home inspection franchise business. A sunshine sector in India, home inspection has tremendous prospects that are yet to be leveraged fully.

See this to believe:

Home Inspection – A promising franchise business

A new era started in India after the Professional Home Inspection Service saw its emergence.

A new era started in India after the Professional Home Inspection Service saw its emergence. MACJ – A Buyers Choice is one of the companies that provide home inspection services to the huge mass of Indian society as well as collaborates with companies abroad. MACJ – A Buyers Choice is a global brand that has joined forces with famous multi-national companies of America and has great access to all the latest and advanced technology and tools. As a franchisor, it provides various other facilities such as marketing training and inspection training. It can also help you with social media marketing and provide online lead generation support. The brand believes in serving the heart of India and the key requirements of the homeowners and buyers as well as real estate developers. Here, you can make low investment and get high returns, and can successfully meet your dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.

MACJ - A Buyer's Choice through its home inspection services provide full disclosure of the health of a home and gives the buyer / builders better peace of mind.

The MACJ – A Buyer’s Choice Advantage

MACJ – A Buyers Choice through its home inspection services provide full disclosure of the health of a home and gives the buyer / builders better peace of mind. We believe that pre-sale inspections are the best decision for all home buyers.

  • Partnership with Global MNCs with franchises in more than 19 countries across 200 locations.
  • Employment and Skill Development opportunities.
  • First mover advantages.
  • An experienced team that believes in providing the best results for the customers. More than 5,000 inspections have been carried out by MACJ that itself speaks for its credibility.
  • MACJ provides a vast range of services across the entire real estate value chain; so, you have more than one segment of customers to target and sell your services to.
  • A pan-India footprint, which means you can start your business anywhere in the country; you will get the same level of support.

Thus, if you ask – “Are franchises successful?” The answer is an emphatic Yes. It is successful if you have chosen the right brand and the right model, for instance, MACJ – A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspection Services. A franchise opened in the correct place and run with ambition, passion, and talent can result in a sure-shot success.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.franchiseindia.com/categoryall

The UP RERA will organise a National Lok Adalat online starting on April 10 to address the disputes between home buyers and developers and reduce the pending cases.

UP-Rera to hold lok adalat on April 10 to address grievances

The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Rera) will organise a National Lok Adalat online starting on April 10 to address the disputes between home buyers and developers and reduce the pending cases. This is the first time that a lok adalat is being organised to resolve the issues faced by the real estate sector.

Officials of the UP Rera will hold the lok adalats online from the Lucknow and Greater Noida offices on April 10, July 10, September 11 and December 11.

According to UP Rera officials, there are around 6,500 pending cases. Around 70% of these cases are from Noida, Greater Noida, Yamuna Expressway and Ghaziabad areas while the remaining are from Lucknow.

Issues like parking space, flat size, flat cost escalation, interest waiver and refund of investment among other issues would be sorted out at the lok adalats, said the officials.

The UP state legal service authority had asked Rera to hold the lok adalats following directions from the National Legal Service Authority headed by the Chief justice of the Supreme Court.

“The homebuyers can file an application on the UP Rera’s portal and get their cases settled. The National Lok Adalat is an effort to provide speedy justice to home buyers. If this initiative runs smoothly, we can organise lok adalats next year too. We want to know how beneficial this exercise is going to be for consumers,” said Anand Shukla, legal advisor to UP Rera and nodal officer of the lok adalat.

The complaints filed under sections 31 and 63 of Rera Act and the cases where a settlement is possible on the basis of reconciliation agreement will be taken up for hearing in the lok adalats.

“Through the lok adalats, homebuyers will get a transparent amicable settlement and speedy disposal of their cases,” said Rajesh Kumar Tyagi, secretary of UP Rera.

The UP Rera will send the link for online hearing of the cases to the complainant buyer and the realtor before the first lok adalat on April 10.

“We hope realtors will take this initiative seriously, join the lok adalat and solve the issues being faced by the home buyers,” said Abhishek Kumar, president of Noida Extension flat owners’ welfare association.

The Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (Credai) is hopeful of the lok adalats leaving a positive impact. “The cases pending before Rera should be solved via mutual agreement. Realtors should use this opportunity and solve disputes as it will help boost the real estate sector,” said Prashant Tiwari, president of Western UP’s wing of Credai.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/noida-news/uprera-to-hold-lok-adalat-on-april-10-to-address-grievances-101616780429847.html

Unpleasant surprises are the last thing one expects in a newly purchased house. What can be those surprises? How to reduce the risk?

Reduce the Risk of Unwanted Surprises after You Move In

What could be more exciting than buying a new home? The experience of a new community, new neighbours and friends, and perhaps even a new outlook on life can certainly prove to be extremely fulfilling. You have a whole new place to call your own; you can decorate it the way you want and take care of its minutest needs. However, this experience can be short-lived if you are not careful enough while taking the handover. Whether you are moving into a previously owned house or a new house, it is important to know its actual condition in order to reduce the risk of surprises after moving in.

What things can come as a surprise after moving into a new house?

Well, the list can surprise you too! Here are some of the most annoying ones that can make you think, “I wish I had detected them before moving in”:

  1. Small damp patches on ceiling and corners, especially after a couple of rain showers in the monsoon
  2. Cracks in the ceiling or freshly painted walls
  3. Sudden slowing down of the water pressure
  4. Old models of faucets getting rusty or causing leaks
  5. Flickering lights and frequent dark-outs
  6. Dysfunctional switchboards
  7. Improper functioning of doors and windows
  8. Water stagnation on the floor or roof
  9. Worn out Joint Fillings

And this is not all! There can be many more surprises waiting for you.

Now let us take each surprise at a time and see what does it indicate:

Check out damp patches at home to avoid further spreading of moisture.

1. Damp patches

A warm cosy home is all that everyone wants to come back to at the end of the day. But if your rooms feel cold all the time and then you come across some wet patches, become alert. It could be damp! And you know how damp plays with your health and your property’s health too – right?

Temperature fluctuations, poor workmanship, natural ageing etc may cause any manmade structure to crack with time but the problem arises when a crack happens due to structural reasons.

2. Cracks in ceilings and walls

These are not always serious. Temperature fluctuations, poor workmanship, natural ageing, etc may cause any man-made structure to crack with time but the problem arises when a crack happens due to structural reasons1. So, educate yourself a little bit about the causes of cracks and try to know what your home’s cracks are telling you.

3. Inefficient plumbing

Inefficient plumbing can cause wastage of water as well as damage to the property.

Inefficient plumbing can cause wastage of water. This issue is more common in previously owned houses. There could be blockage or clogs in the pipes if the plumbing is not done properly. One small leak can waste a lot of water. As the water comes out drip by drip, it adds up. It only takes 4000 drips to waste one litre of water. One drip per minute from just one faucet in your home adds up to about 1440 drips per day! Plumbing leaks not only affect your pipes and water pressure but can also cause dampness. A leak that goes undetected, especially under a sink or in the wall behind the WC, can lead to dampness/moisture problems and algal growth.

Old models of faucets can cause water leaks.

4. Old models of faucets

Old models of faucets can cause water leaks too. For example, old models of toilet flush require more litres of water whereas the newer models require less water. There could also be an issue of pressure in water in the older models of faucets.

Old faucets attracting rust are also not unusual. For this, you must insist on getting the old fittings replaced if you are buying an old house or check the brand during the construction of your new building.

5. Electrical power overload

Electrical power overload can occur due to poor wiring in the house or when lightning strikes.

Electrical power overload2 can occur due to poor wiring in the house or lightning strikes. Voltage fluctuations are common and last for a microsecond only but if you experience frequent fluctuations then it is due to the poor wiring system in the house. This could lead to appliance damage as well.

The on/off switches of your house can stop working all of a sudden when the switches are overridden by heavy electrical current. Dysfunctional switches can be dangerous for small children if the switches are within their reach. An old or damaged switch can also create problems.

Any kind of defects like cracks, decay, etc on the frame of the doors and windows can be caused due to regular use.

6. Improper functioning of doors and windows

Any kind of defects like cracks, decay, etc on the frame of the doors and windows can be caused due to regular use, but if any such thing happens soon after move-in, then will know that the part installed was of poor quality. The panel can start to delaminate or peel if the proper adhesive is not used. Gaps can form between frames and the wall due to poor workmanship and this may lead to moisture/water intrusion(more in the case of the external window frame).

The slope of the floor (or the roof) is something that most of us forget to check and consider while purchasing a house.

7. The slope of the floor (or the roof)

The slope of the floor (or the roof) is something that most of us forget to check and consider while purchasing a house. Later, during the monsoon or regular course of cleaning, when we notice stagnating water, we realize the sloping is incorrect.

Worn out Tile Joint Fillings / improper grouting in the wet areas (bathroom / kitchen) will lead to moisture seepage.

8. Worn out Tile Joint Fillings

Worn out Tile Joint Fillings / improper grouting in the wet areas (bathroom / kitchen) will lead to moisture seepage resulting in dripping of water on the lower floors and damage to the property.

Why cry over spilt milk? Get Your Home Inspected Before Moving In?

It is very important to do a thorough health & safety check-up of all the components and systems from floor to the ceiling, walls, plumbing, electrical work, water and sewage etc.

The above issues if not inspected before moving in can become a terrible nightmare for the buyers. Therefore it is very important to do a thorough health & safety check-up of all the components and systems from floor to the ceiling, walls, plumbing, electrical work, water and sewage, evidence of rodents, fire and safety, etc by using modern technologies and tools through some reliable and trusted home inspection professionals.

Inspection can include various checkpoints like:

  1. Cracks on walls and ceiling
  2. Doors and windows
  3. Leaks and water seepage
  4. Damp patches (walls, bathrooms, ceilings, windows)
  1. Ventilation
  2. Checking the plumbing system
  3. Entire electrical wiring of the house
  4. Height of the switchboards
  1. Slope of the flooring in wet areas & roof
  2. Tiling work
  3. All storage space, passages & alleys, and staircases & much more……

What could the ‘surprises’ turn into?

Roof / Ceiling leaks and water seepage in apartments and standalone houses can cause major damage to the walls and the ceilings.

1. Roof / Ceiling leaks and water seepage in apartments and standalone houses can cause major damage to the walls and the ceilings. Look for the signs of dampness like flaky or bubbling paint on walls, black wet patches under the sink in the kitchen and bathroom areas. These damp patches usually get worse over the years and spread on the entire wall making it unpleasant and damaging the outer covering.

Inadequate ventilation can cause dampness and lead to the building up of bad odour and a host of indoor pollutants.

2. Inadequate ventilation can cause dampness and lead to the building up of bad odour and a host of indoor pollutants. Worsening indoor air quality in the absence of fresh air can severely affect the health of your family members.

Small cracks on the interior or exterior walls may not be quite noticeable but you may need to take special efforts to detect them.

3. Small cracks on the interior or exterior walls may not be quite noticeable but you may need to take special efforts to detect them because if they are left undetected they may grow to become major problem areas later. Water seepage is just one of the consequences that weakens the structural integrity of the building.

Misaligned windows or door frames can sometimes cause problems in their operation or functionality.

4. Misaligned windows or door frames can sometimes cause problems in their operation or functionality. Buyers should also check for non-functional locks. This may affect the security of the house. Check for any kind of damage in glass or frames. Check for the gaps between the window frames and sill because these gaps can lead to water intrusion then, property damage.

Checking the water pressure in bathrooms and kitchens is very important before you move in.

5. Checking the water pressure in bathrooms and kitchens is very important before you move in. You must turn on all taps at once to see how it affects the pressure at each point because your daily life will depend on this. Clogged pipes can affect the pressure of the water.

Even a small leak can spread damp causing algal growth in the house.

6. The backbone of any house is plumbing. The condition of the pipe materials used for drainage purposes, the fittings and joints speak a lot about it. Any kind of compromise there can cause damage to the pipes. Even a small leak can spread damp causing algal growth in the house. Leakages can also cause damages like the peeling of paint, wallpaper, decay in the doorframe, delamination of plywood etc.

Proper functioning of the electric wiring system is important for a safe home.

7. Proper functioning of the electric wiring system is important for a safe home. Besides doing a DIY inspection, it is recommended to perform a comprehensive electrical inspection through a professional home inspection company. Before moving in, check if all light switches and plug points are working properly or not. Meticulously check if any switch is making a buzzing or crackling sound and the lights are not flickering. Ensure that all switches are functioning and that there are no loose connections.

Another important thing is the placement or height of the switchboard. It should ideally be away from the access of the children to avoid any accident.

Check the flooring condition of your home.

8. Flooring is the foundation of any beautiful home. Inadequate slope, hollow and/or cracked tiles, gaps between the tiles or unevenly fixed tiles and others can prove to be hazardous. The tiles in the bathrooms, especially, should be a little coarse in order to avoid slipperiness.

Proper functioning of the main door is very essential as they connect it with the security of your home.

9. Proper functioning of the main door is very essential as they connect it with the security of your home. Any kind of defect will not only have security issues but also hamper the aesthetic view.

Before moving in, you need to properly check for the proper functioning of the systems and components like water heaters, chimney, extinguishers and sprinklers.

10. Before moving in, you need to properly check for the proper functioning of the systems and components like water heaters, chimney, extinguishers and sprinklers and most importantly the duct system: if you are buying a high-end, modern semi-furnished house. A proper check of these components is integral to you living comfortably.

There can be nothing more frustrating than spending your life’s savings on a home and then lamenting over skipped inspection. So, opt for a complete home inspection before moving in, as it will:

  • Give you the peace of mind of knowing you have made a sound buying decision.
  • Reveal the repairs and investments you will need to make.
  • Reduce the risk of unwanted “surprises” after you move in.

Reference links used:
1. https://edensstructural.com/ceiling-cracks-and-what-they-tell-you-about-your-foundation/
2. https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-electrical-circuit-overload-1152861

UP-RERA has imposed penalties upon Supertech, Mahagun India, Ansal Properties and Infrastructure, Logix Infrastructure, among others for the non-compliance of the orders of the authority.

UP-RERA penalises Supertech, Mahagun others, revokes Ansal API project registration

The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP-RERA) has imposed penalties under Sec-63 of RERA upon Supertech, Mahagun India, Ansal Properties and Infrastructure, Logix Infrastructure, among others for the non-compliance of the orders of the authority.

Penalties worth a total of Rs 1.24 crore have been levied. Other builders’ name include Nivas Promoters, Sare Saamag Realty, Newtech Promoters and Developers, T.G.B. Realty, I.V.R. Prime Developers, La Residentia Developers and Logix City Developers.

The authority has directed these promoters to ensure compliance of its orders and deposit the amount of penalty within a month, failing which the amount of penalty shall be recovered as arrears of land revenue.

UP-RERA also revoked registration of Ansal API, Pocket 4, Sector-O, Sushant Golf City project of Ansal API. The authority had issued a show-cause notice to the promoter revocation of registration of its project in May 2019 on the grounds of violation of the terms and conditions of the registration.

The authority, after considering the reply of the promoter had kept the final decision on the show-cause notice on hold for a period of four months subject to the compliance of all the nine conditions specified in the above mentioned order. The promoter did not comply with the order and hence the authority vide its notice dated September 5, 2020, directed the promoter to submit the compliance report of its order.

The authority after considering the reply of the promoter Ansal API dated October 14, 2020 and its oral submissions, decided to revoke the registration of this project with immediate effect for the reasons of following glaring irregularities:

  • Irregularities committed in the sale of units under the project
  • The money was collected from the allottees without first obtaining a sanctioned map of the project which is proof of a fraudulent trading practice.
  • No work has been done by the promoter over the previous 9 years, that is since the year 2011.
  • The promoter has diverted an amount of Rs. 16.03 crore collected from the allottees of the project.
  • Necessary compliances including the QPR of the project were not done on the website of the Authority.
  • The promoter has not complied with the orders passed by the benches of the Authority on the complaints of the allottees.

The authority has also barred the promoter from accessing the registration page of the project on the website of the Authority has frozen the escrow account of the project in HDFC Bank, Hazratganj and has constituted a project monitoring and advisory committee under Bhanu Pratap Singh, member, UP-RERA for facilitating the remaining work of the project as per section 8 of RERA.

UP-RERA has taken this step for effective protection of the interests of the homebuyers and ensure compliance of the provisions of RERA Act. This is the 3rd project of Ansal API whose registration has been revoked by the authority.

Source: https://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/regulatory/up-rera-penalises-supertech-mahagun-others-revokes-ansal-api-project-registration/81590519