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

Strong and durable doors are characteristics of a well-maintained property. To extend their lifespan, look for the door defects mentioned in the article.

14 Door Defects Commonly Detected During Home Inspection

A good house has all its components in the perfect place, and well-maintained doors are synonymous with its safety and security. A door not only gives access to the inside of your household but is also the first thing one comes and notices in your apartment. Hence, doors should be given top priority in home maintenance. Whether it is a serious issue like a broken lock or a minor disturbance like a squeaky noise, nothing should be ignored and left unattended.

Here are a few common defects of doors which you should be vigilant about and which are given importance during home inspection too.

Termites, beetles and carpenter ants attack woodwork in a house and render them porous thereby making them weak and brittle.

1. Wood Attacking Pests

Termites, beetles and carpenter ants attack woodwork in a house and render them porous thereby making them weak and brittle. They primarily attack wooden doors and eat away the frames. But locating these pests inside the door frames is quite tough. Sometimes before you even identify the pest attack, the wood is hollow from within and conditions are really tough to manage. Termites attack damp, organic wood and stay there and bore through the woods. They are attracted to cellulosic objects in general. They can destroy doors completely. These doors are not safe; they can just collapse or break anytime. You can detect the presence of these pests by looking at:

  • Termite signs: Termite mud, cracks on door frame or corners, hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings, etc.
  • Borer signs: Holes and powdered wood. Boring beetles are not visible from outside. You can only gauge their presence by knocking on the door parts having tiny holes. If dust comes out, you will know the door is infested by borers.

To know how to protect your doors from these menaces, click here.

Dead knots decrease the structural strength of the timber.

2. Wood with Dead Knot

Timber, like any natural product, has imperfections in it. There are knots inside the timber: a. live knots which are lighter in colour and do not fall out and b. dark-coloured dead knots which eventually fall out from the timber creating holes in their place. These knots decrease the structural strength of the timber. So, sections of wood with dead knots should be avoided for making door frames. Cracks develop from the knots reducing the longevity of the door to a significant extent.

Wood has a property of seasonal expansion due to which if no gap is provided between the panel and the frame, the door tends to buckle.

3. Buckling Of Doors

Wood has a property of seasonal expansion due to which if no gap is provided between the panel and the frame, the door tends to buckle. This is an unavoidable problem and happens in almost every house. Once a wooden door buckles, then it becomes difficult to close it in some cases. In other cases, excess pressure is needed to close the door. To avoid this problem, the seasoning of wood is highly recommended. Also, adequate gaps should be provided between the panel and the frame to allow the wooden door to expand seasonally.

Cracks in wooden door frames and panels may occur due to improper seasoning of wood or substandard wood.

4. Cracks in Door Panel/Frame

Cracks in painted wooden door frames and panels may occur due to improper seasoning of wood or substandard wood. Cracks may also occur at frame joints & panel side edges. With time these cracks can become wider. In those cases, doors become more vulnerable to attack by pests. Mildly damaged wood can be repaired by Asian Paints Knifing Paste Filler1 or similar type product as per manufacturer’s specification.

Peeling away from the laminate not only gives a bad and unappealing look but also exposes the wood for further damage.

5. Peeling off Laminate

Laminate works like a protection on the wooden surface. It saves the wood from damage, wear-and-tear. It gives an attractive look and finish at the door. Peeling away from the laminate not only gives a bad and unappealing look but also exposes the wood for further damage. For example, wooden doors without laminate attract pests. Peeling off laminate occurs due to mainly two reasons – improper pasting or excess moisture presence.

6. Peeling off Paint or paint deterioration

Read why paint deteriorates or peels off the doors?

Paint is extremely important for both the door frame and panel. Paint not only gives your door a good finish and look, but also saves it from wear and tear for a longer time period. It saves the wood from coming in direct contact with moisture and dust. Moisture will lead to further damage to wood. Paint is extremely helpful in keeping off microbial infestation in wood. Paint also prevents colonization of termites and other pests in wood.

Now the question is why paint deteriorates or peels off the doors? There can be many reasons but it occurs mainly due to either of the following problems:

  • Presence of excess moisture in the wood
  • Inadequate treatment of the wooden door before painting
  • Non-adherence to the paint manufacturer’s specifications

7. Defects in Manufacturing

Sometimes there are manufacturing defects in the latch, lock, stopper and other fittings. These defects lead to improper functioning of the door. Proper fittings related to door installation should be purchased or else there will be future problems.

In case of improper alignment of door panels and frames, there could be problems in closing the doors in certain seasons.

8. Improper Alignment of Frames

In case of improper alignment of door panels and frames, there could be problems in closing the doors in certain seasons. Wood, as already mentioned, has a property of seasonal expansion. It absorbs moisture during the rainy season and swells which leads to difficulty in closing the door. Further, the door becomes tilted and sometimes, may hit the floor and damage the tiles. In other words, it may cause an obstruction in panel functioning. In case of extreme improper alignment, the doors might not close throughout the year.

Stable, strong and firm doors are important for your house.

9. Stability and Firmness

Stable, strong and firm doors are important for your house. They protect the house from any kind of unforeseen intrusions. It is difficult to break a strong door. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to invest in good quality, strong doors. Not only the doors but also good quality fitting & materials should be purchased. Improper installation and poor quality building materials can severely affect the longevity of the doors in your house.

The uniform gap of 3 mm to be maintained around all sides.

10. Excessive Gap under Door Panel

A good door structure has well-calculated gaps, not too less not too large. It should be enough to accommodate the expanded door under the influence of moisture in monsoons. All kinds of sound, cold air, dust, insects enter the household through the gap between the door and the floor. One should be careful while installing doors. The uniform gap of 3mm to be maintained around all sides.

There should be a minimum of six fasteners for attaching the door with the frame.

11. Inadequate Fasteners at The Frame

There should be a minimum of six fasteners for attaching the door with the frame. In case of less number of fasteners, there is a need for more firmness. Fasteners used should also be of proper quality and rust-free. Doors with rusty, improper fasteners have less longevity and require early replacement.

If gaps are left around the frame while installation, it can lead to attack by pests.

12. Gap around Door Frame

If gaps are left around the frame while installation, it can lead to attack by pests. Termites and beetles may settle down in these gaps. Moisture and dust may also accumulate there. This stimulates microbial growth leading to damage to the property. Gaps should be essentially filled or else it might lead to loss of strength of the doors and moisture-related damage to property.

13. Separation Crack around Frame with Painted Wall

Separation between masonry walls and door frames is another major problem in households. Basically, these cracks occur due to the different co-efficient of thermal expansion2 of wood and masonry wall i.e. brick masonry. A gap occurs between them as expansion and contraction of both is different during change in temperature, which we identify as cracks.

14. Loose Fittings and Improper Lubrication

Lubrication keeps the hinges rust free and the door movement is without hindrance.

Proper lubrication is extremely important for doors or else they will not have a free movement and squeak. Lubrication keeps the hinges rust free and the door movement is without hindrance. Providing periodic lubrication to fittings can help to keep your doors function smoothly. Paying attention to tower bolts, locks and hinges, leads to noise free, smooth and easy operations. In case of tight fittings, there will be trouble in closing and opening the door and in case of loose-fitting, there will be gaps left around which will lead to unwanted stuff entering the household.

These problems mentioned above often lead to the weakening of doors in the house. They may become dysfunctional and collapse anytime. Their durability may be so much compromised that any external force of slightly bigger magnitude will be able to break them thereby putting your property’s security at stake. Hence, you need to pay the utmost attention to door problems and defects. Professional home inspection services accurately identify all these problems and suggest the best possible solutions. If you are opting for one such service, listen to their advice and fix the problems as soon as possible.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.asianpaints.com/products/wood-and-metals/metal-enamels/trucare-knifing-paste-filler.html
2. https://gharpedia.com/blog/separation-cracks-masonry-walls-door-frame-joints/

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed the Maharashtra government to file an affidavit on the status of constituting a cell to monitor and prevent illegal construction.

HC asks Maharashtra govt about status of monitoring cell for illegal construction

The Bombay High Court on Wednesday directed the Maharashtra government to file an affidavit on the status of constituting a cell to monitor and prevent illegal construction across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The court also directed the commissioners of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and other civic bodies in the MMR to personally explain why laws pertaining to illegal constructions were not being implemented.

In 2018, the High Court had passed a detailed order on taking action against illegal structures in the city and had directed the BMC to constitute a supervisory cell dedicated to monitoring such construction, taking punitive and preventive action, etc.

A bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice G S Kulkarni on Wednesday noted that the civic body had failed to constitute such a cell and to implement several other directions passed in the 2018 order.

The bench said the city and the entire MMR had witnessed rampant illegal construction through the years.

Instances of illegal construction had not stopped even during the lockdown imposed in view of the COVID 19 pandemic, the court said, adding that the picture would have been different if the supervisory cell had been constituted.

There was no “will” on the state’s part, the court said.

“The commissioners must be held accountable for not ensuring that the laws are enforced,” it said.

These observations were made when the bench was hearing suo-motu proceedings against dilapidated buildings and illegal structures taken up after one such building collapsed in Bhiwandi on September 23, 2020.

Earlier this year, during a hearing in the matter, the High Court had directed the BMC and the civic bodies of Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivli, Vasai-Virar, Mira-Bhayandar, Ulhasnagar and Bhiwandi-Nizampur to furnish details of punitive action taken against illegal structures in areas under their respective jurisdiction.

The court on Wednesday directed all these civic bodies to file fresh affidavits with the exact number of illegal structures under their jurisdiction.

It also suggested that the BMC come up with a separate policy for illegal commercial premises.

No one must be permitted to earn profits from such structures and that illegal commercial structures must be the first to be razed, the court said.

Source: https://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/regulatory/hc-asks-maharashtra-govt-about-status-of-monitoring-cell-for-illegal-construction/81451112

Home improvement doesn’t always have to be a costly affair. Here we have listed down some creative ideas for those who are on a low budget.

Best Home Improvement Ideas for Those on a Budget

Home improvement is a wide term that could include a range of ideas and alterations. To narrow down the options, there are constraints like space, budget and the basic architectural plan. It is important to have clarity on all key criteria to get results that are smart and lasting.

In this blog, we focus on home improvement ideas on a budget. We will explore ideas and options across different levels of budget and effort. Sometimes, replacing redundant stuff with refurbished add-ons can help give a brand-new look to your space. If time, effort and budget allow, a few changes in the design can go a long way in customising your home to suite your taste and style.

Let us explore a few creative ideas in detail.

A chic way to do up your floor is to use mats and rugs. However, it is okay if you want to keep the floor untouched but re-grout the tile joints.

For the Floor

Each component of a home comes together to create an aura that captivates the mind of a person when he enters the house for the first time. Yet, the floor is the very first thing that he notices. So, even a little change there will create a significant impact. But changing flooring within a tight budget is rather difficult. Therefore, what you can do is apply your creativity and add things like these:

Rug and Roll: A chic way to do up your floor is to use mats and rugs. There is no limit to being creative with this option. If you want to keep it minimalistic, nothing works like one big rug / mat that covers the entire floor in a room. If you are a maximalist in terms of shades and patterns, go for a mix of colours, sizes and designs. You could even have layers; depends totally on your style.

A few important points to keep in mind while choosing to have rugs and mats are:

  • They are great for homes with kids
  • Not suitable for homes with pets
  • Need to be vacuumed regularly
  • Messes and stains can be tough to get rid of

However, it is okay if you want to keep the floor untouched but re-grout the tile joints to increase the floor’s longevity as well as prevent moisture damage.

Tips for Budget-friendly walls for your home.

Budget-friendly walls

  • Colours and Creatives: Paints and wall art can transform the house completely. All you need to do is give thought to the kind of colour combination that appeals to your taste. Each colour has a specific impact on a room’s perceived shape and size. Light colours like cream and white, for example, reflect light and make a room look spacious; dark colours lend coziness and warmth; striped paint patterns make a room look taller than it is and so on. You can consult paint experts to get the perfect shade for your house. To add more liveliness to a wall, play around with some wall art. You could opt for paint patterns or go for easily available stickers and posters. For those who cannot afford to paint the whole house due to budget or time constraints, painting or polishing the furniture instead can be a clever alternative.
  • Mirrors for Magic: Mirrors add a whole new vibe to a room. However, having a complete wall covered with mirrors could turn out to be expensive. Instead, you could put up 3-4 large vertical mirrors to add more reflective lighting. Adding a bit of exciting lighting can really make it an ambient setting on a budget.
Paying attention to details is an important part of home improvement efforts. Secondly lighting options can turn a room into your dream abode.

Accents & Affixes

  • Focus on Small Things: Paying attention to details is an important part of home improvement efforts. Nothing looks worse than chipped sill edges, rusty window latches, loose doorknobs, and noisy cabinet hinges. While giving a facelift to your home, fix these small things like loose nails and screws, rusty doorknobs, loose window handles, and broken frames etc. These small but important elements may not always catch the eye, but help keep the house in a good shape. Make a list of all these things even before starting the DIY home improvement project so that you do not miss out on any.
  • Lit Up to Liven Up: Spotlights, ambient lights, lamps, shades, chandeliers – lighting options can turn a room into your dream abode. The idea is to liven up space by illuminating dark corners, key elements, and warm spots of the house. Based on purpose, you can choose from task lights (like above kitchen islands), ambient lights (that add a mood), and accent lighting (highlight a specific part of the room). Also, the placement of lights – ceiling, floor, walls, table, etc., is an important consideration. Pricing varies depending on the quality, brand, and technology chosen.
Timely checks for leakage and seepage help keep it in a good condition. Also, Recycling and refurbishing old items in the house to make gorgeous, trendy.

Replace & Repurpose

  • Bathroom Basics: Pipes, sinks, faucets, and showers are important parts of a bathroom. Timely checks for leakage and seepage help keep it in a good condition. Also, nothing is more satisfying than to use perfectly working faucets and showers. So, get them fixed or replaced to make your bathrooms and toilets more functional.
  • Recycle & Repurpose: Recycling and refurbishing old items1 in the house to make gorgeous, trendy and useful décor pieces is smart as well as fashionable. Take a step closer to sustainable living by having an eye for things that can be reused with a little effort. It could be redoing a piece of old and broken furniture, like tables, chairs, cupboards, and book racks; stationery items like pen holders and old boards; jars and bottles; even old clothes and bedsheets can double up as lampshades and small curtains respectively. To find inspiration, there are a lot of useful videos available online that you can watch and get ideas.
Creating smart storage helps optimise space on a small budget.

Storage Spruce-Up

Creating smart storage helps optimise space on a small budget. You could have a bed cabinet and sofas that can be used for storage also. If you have less floor area, go for wall-hung bookshelves and TV units to make it look spacious and neat. Also, pick collapsible furniture to save space without losing on basic utilities.

Home improvement doesn’t always mean making a lot of changes. It could be just one change that makes a big, noticeable difference.

Exciting Elements

  • Go Green: Plants add soul to space. At home, it is a great way to make your house look revamped. Depending on the kind of space you own, you can have more than one green corner in the house. In fact, plants fit almost anywhere – you can place them in pathways, corridors, in the living room, on the terrace, on kitchen sills, windows, etc. Place them in pots of varied materials, designs, shapes and sizes to add a dash of green to your living.
  • The Showcase Spot: Home improvement doesn’t always mean making a lot of changes. It could be just one change that makes a big, noticeable difference. One such idea is to have a wall that catches the eye as soon as someone enters the room. Let it showcase your true, inner self, maybe through a lot of family pictures, or quotes that inspire you, or an artistic masterpiece you love. You could also have a huge bookstand that stacks your favourite authors or maybe a pinboard full of souvenirs and collectables. The possibilities are endless.
A few more budget-friendly home improvement hacks.

A few more budget-friendly home improvement hacks

  • Rearrange your furniture pieces. Repair/polish or upgrade them if required. Discard the ones occupying too much space and replace them with smaller, smarter ones.
  • Create a focal area in your home – it could be in your living room, your balcony, or study corner.
  • Change the curtains and upholstery. Get quirky or traditional cushion covers matching your style.
  • Make your corridors interesting.
  • Get air plants2 for your bathroom.
No improvement idea will be sustainable unless the house is healthy and in a good condition.

There is no dearth of ideas to improve and innovate your dwelling space, even on a tight budget. It just requires some creativity and effort. However, no improvement idea will be sustainable unless the house is healthy and in a good condition. For that, you first need to address common but critical issues like water leakage, damp, damaged waterproofing, cracks in walls and ceilings, faulty electrical wiring, and so on.

For this, it is recommended to go to trusted home inspection services that can help you arrest all kinds of problems, especially the ones that need urgent attention. Typically, a home inspection service will cover all major areas and elements of the house, including:

Areas Covered: Bedrooms | Living Room | Bathrooms | Lobbies | Balconies | Terrace | Servant Rooms | Alleys | Others

Elements Covered: Walls | Ceiling | Floor | Doors & Windows | Plumbing | Electrical | Cabinets | Counter Tops | Steps | Others

A detailed report of issues will cover the health of all these areas and elements. It will also state the condition of materials, installation & finishing, operations & functionalities, and general safety.

The report must be understood to prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance. Make a list of things that need to be fixed right away and ones that can wait. Address the most important ones, before you even think of other kinds of decor and design enhancement options. Only once these things are taken care of, the money spent on home improvement becomes worthwhile.

Reference links used:
1. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/recycle-reuse-home-decorating-ideas-3166.html
2. https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/care/grow-air-plants/

The RERA Karnataka has made public a list of 32 projects across the state which have violated guidelines laid by it when releasing advertisements.

RERA cracks the whip on real estate promoters over advertisements

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority-Karnataka (RERA-K) has made public a list of 32 projects across the state which have violated guidelines laid by it when releasing advertisements. All projects in the state need to mandatorily register under RERA and this number should figure in every advertisement by the promoter under Section 11 of the Act.

The 32 projects that have been listed on the RERA portal for violations are — Devagiri Emaralds, Golden Springs, Century Greens, Century Greens Phase-2, Sangam Grand, JR Habitat, Elmwood Phase-2, Aastha Properties Phase-3, Chaitanya Samarth, Century Ethos, and Centreo. RERA Secretary K S Lathakumari said, “Promoters have the responsibility of notifying the RERA registration number.

Those who have not done so, should realise this and also educate home buyers in this regard.” Under Section 11 (2) of the Act, “The advertisement or prospectus issued or published by the promoter shall mention prominently the website address of the Authority, wherein all details of the registered project have been entered and include the registration number obtained from the Authority and such other matters incidental thereto.”

M S Shankar, General Secretary, Forum for People’s Collective Efforts, told The New Indian Express, “We welcome the maiden initiatives of K-Rera which has started to analyse the advertisements of projects and issuing notices to those violating the advertisement norms per RERA Act. This kind of action will go a long way in helping home buyers from misleading advertisements.”

Source: https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2021/mar/01/rera-cracks-the-whip-on-real-estate-promoters-over-adverts-2270296.html