Planning to renovate your home, here are the tips to save money while renovation.

9 Pro Tips on How to Save Money While Renovating Your House

Planning to renovate your ancestral home or your own home that you bought a few years ago? Home renovation does not specifically mean only to fix the damaged parts or paint the house. But there is more to it; it is a step forward to make your house beautiful as well as stronger than it was before. And while doing so, you might end up spending a lot of money that includes your savings too, as in the process you would have to add small things too that you failed to notice when you were planning a renovation.

Sounds startling? No need to be so as we are here to tell you various ways that can help you and provide you with various tips that can help you save your money while renovating your house. You can take a look at these tips and help yourself from spending too much money.

If you plan a budget for your renovation, then you would face fewer problems while you are in the process of renovating your home.

1. Create a Budget and Stick To It

Before we move further with the topic, we would like to mention what budget renovation means. The term “budget” isn’t the same as cheap. Whenever you plan to make a change in your house or renovate it, you must first make a list of the items that are to be renovated and allot them as per your income. After that, you can fix the price for the materials and then start to make a grasp on what you want to work on according to the budget.

You must then create a spreadsheet and add everything you want to buy. This includes paints, countertops, lighting, plate covers, tiles, cabinet hardware, appliances and other outlets. If you plan a budget for your renovation, then you would face fewer problems while you are in the process of renovating your home.

If you take time & think about which parts of house to be renovated, then you might come up with innovative ideas.

2. Take Time to Think

Waiting for collecting the money needed for renovation and then planning to renovate is not a bad idea. Also, if you take time and think about which parts of them to renovate the house, you might come up with innovative ideas and this is only possible after deep thinking. If you rush into things then you might forget about important issues that you would regret later.

Upcycled items will keep your costs under control while adding a fresh new touch to your home.

3. Use and Upcycle Things Which You Already Have

Not every piece of furniture or installation in your home has to be replaced. For home renovation, more than new things, you need a new idea. Once you have visualized that, try to fit your old home decor items into that theme. The old lampshade will still sit pretty at one corner of your bedroom, the retro wooden table will look great in a different colour polish; use it to create a sitting area on your balcony. There is a lot you can do with your old kitchen cabinets – use them mindfully to create separate storage units or shoe racks but of course, not before repairing the hinges or polishing them afresh. Upcycled items will keep your costs under control while adding a fresh new touch to your home.

4. Storage and Kitchen

When you plan to renovate your house, you may also want to maximize and de-clutter the storage. In this case, utilizing the kitchen to maximize the storage area can help you solve the problem and make a place for your knickknacks. To save money while doing this you can take the help of DIY kitchen cabinets as well as recycled materials available at your home or take help from the thrift stores around your house.

It is you who know what is needed to make your kitchen a better place and by taking the help of DIY you can not only save money but also reuse the materials otherwise kept in your storage room. And if you already have a cabinet in your kitchen, then all you need to do is repaint them to give them a new look.

Replacing your old electrical wiring fittings with the latest products can make a lot of difference in your house... and in your bills!

5. Electrical fittings

Replacing your old electrical fittings and wiring with the latest products can make a lot of difference in your house and in your bills! For example, replacing your old tube lights with LED tubes, bulbs with LED bulbs, and worn-out cables with new ones can save you a lot of money on your electricity bills while turning your house more energy-efficient. Also, you must check for any defective electrical components that may cause incidents totally uncalled for.

If you are planning to change the floor, you must first keep aside the money for that and then spend the rest of the money.

6. Floor Renovation

Floor renovation might seem expensive if you are on a tight budget. So, if you are planning to change the floor, you must first keep aside the money for that and then spend the rest of the money on other things. However, this strictly needs technical intervention as there may be plenty of problems above and/or underneath the floor like degraded grout, worn-out joints between the floor and the walls or concealed leakage, etc. You must detect and fix these issues first and then do the rest of the renovation – looks-wise.

Try online shopping, you will come across a large number of options in terms of material, type and functionality.

7. Shop online

Don’t be old-school and think about picking your new home renovation stuff from physical stores only. Try online shopping too. Thanks to the flourishing online shopping1 trends, you will come across a large number of options in terms of material, type and functionality. Moreover, many online stores keep announcing ‘SALE’ and give exciting offers every now and then. If you are a little alert, you can get the items you have been looking for at lucrative prices. So, shop, save and have a renovated home in no time.

To deal with those unexpected cost components, you should keep a buffer fund in hand.

8. Keep buffer funds

No matter how well you plan your budget, there are going to be some out-of-the-blue expenses because you never know looking at your home superficially where there’s a hidden problem. To deal with those unexpected cost components, you should keep a buffer fund in hand. Then it will not appear like an extra outflow of money.

Smart indoor gardening will not only come cheap but will also go a long way in making your home beautiful and sustainable.

There is nothing cheaper and more beautiful than plants

Though indoor gardening is more about home decoration than renovation, there’s nothing more appealing than it. Smart indoor gardening will not only come cheap but will also go a long way in making your home beautiful and sustainable. Pick lots of potted plants from the nearest mart for every possible corner of your home. Consider vertical gardening to create a statement wall(but always maintain a gap in between vertical gardens & building walls). Put a soothing grass carpet on your balcony and/or grow a long-cherished small kitchen garden on your rooftop. Trust us, small improvisations such as these will completely transform your home while not busting your budget for the renovation.

If you are planning to make structural changes then home inspection will advise the right way by preventing any future problem.

9. Home inspection

To think about renovating a home, you must first try to understand the problems that already exist in your house. While some of them are right in front of your eyes, some can only be recognized by an experienced individual. Therefore, you must find out a professional home inspector who can tell you the faults of your house by using his expertise and advanced technology solutions. Only he will be able to tell you if your roofs are damaged by looking into soft spots – a sign that the roof is falling.

Damp is often caused when there is a crack in the roof or ceiling or the plumbing of the house starts to leak etc. Damp can go unseen for years but if it is seen, we recommend that you get it repaired then and there. The one you hire will also be able to tell you about windows or door issues and issues created by the electrical system etc.

Apart from this, if you are planning to make structural changes then they will advise the right way by preventing any future problem. Also, read the reasons why it is important to have home inspection before renovation.

Visit the wholesale markets where the cost is a little less, if you planning for renovation.

A Pro Tip

If you are simply planning to renovate the interiors of your house then you may have to bear less cost. But if you are planning to change the floors, wiring, plumbing etc, then it may cost you significantly. You may also require labours for your work and that way, you will have to bear more expenses. So to keep your budget on track, you should research properly and then buy the materials from the place where the cost is lesser than the other.

You might also visit the wholesale markets where the cost is a little less. Remember to buy it yourself and do not depend on the workers as they might tell you a higher price for the same thing. And as already discussed, you can shop online during sales. Apart from getting the advantage of selecting from a vast range of items, you can also receive cashback in your wallet and other exciting rewards. Moreover, it will save you time and you will get the products delivered to the doorstep.

Renovating a house can be exciting and tiring at the same time. But with smart shopping and innovative planning, you can renovate your house by maintaining your taste without exceeding the budget. If you have more queries or want to know more about home inspection, you can reach out to us on MACJ.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.builddirect.com/blog/10-benefits-of-shopping-for-home-improvement-products-online/

Finally, the Housing and Urban Development Department has started an exercise for the appointment of Chairperson and two Members of the Authority by inviting applications from the eligible persons.

Finally, Govt sets into motion exercise for setting up of RERA

The dilly-dallying approach in the establishment of Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has finally come to an end with Housing and Urban Development Department setting into motion an exercise for the appointment of Chairperson and two Members and formal orders are likely to be issued by the end of next month.

The Parliament in the month of March 2016 had enacted the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act for regulation and promotion of real estate sector and to ensure sale of real estate projects in an efficient and transparent manner and to protect the interest of consumers.

The Section 84(1) of the Act confers powers on the Governments of States and Union Territories to frame Rules to carry out the implementation of law. In exercise of this power, the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir framed J&K Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules, 2020 and the same were notified by the Housing and Urban Development Department on July 22, 2020.

However, no immediate steps were initiated for establishment of Real Estate Regulatory Authority and the dilly-dallying approach was highlighted by EXCELSIOR in its edition dated December 3, 2020. It was revealed that implementation of Central Law could not begin even several months after the framing of Rules in the absence of Real Estate Regulatory Authority.

Finally, the Housing and Urban Development Department has started an exercise for the appointment of Chairperson and two Members of the Authority by inviting applications from the eligible persons. All these applications will be placed before a Selection Committee consisting of the Chief Justice of the High Court or his nominee, the Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department and Secretary of Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs strictly as per Section 22 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.

It is pertinent to mention here that a person having adequate knowledge of and professional experience of at least 20 years in urban development, housing, real estate development, infrastructure, economics etc is eligible for the pose of Chairperson while as for the posts of Members 15 years experience has been fixed and eligibility criteria is same.

Moreover, a person who is or has been in the service of the Government shall not be appointed as Chairperson unless such person has held the post of Additional Secretary in the Central Government or any equivalent post in the Central Government or State Government.

Sources disclosed that entire exercise vis-à-vis setting up of Real Estate Regulatory Authority by appointing Chairperson and Members will be completed by the end of next month so as to ensure that fast expanding real estate sector in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is regulated in a transparent manner.

“The Authority will have the powers to direct the promoter, allottee or real estate agent to furnish in writing information or explanation and requisition any public record or document or copy of such record from any office”, sources said, adding “after the establishment of Authority, the Government will initiate steps to set up Real Estate Appellate Tribunal so that any person aggrieved by any direction or decision or order made by the Authority may prefer an appeal before the Appellate Tribunal”.

They further said, “there is also a provision in the Act that until the establishment of an Appellate Tribunal, the Government may designate by order any Appellate Tribunal functioning under any law for the time being in force, to be the Appellate Tribunal to hear appeals under the Act”.

It is pertinent to mention here that since real estate sector is growing fast in the length and breadth of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir there is a dire need for regulating in most transparent manner. Everybody-promoter, allottee and real estate agent have been covered under the Act and Rules so that the sector is regulated properly.

Source: https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/finally-govt-sets-into-motion-exercise-for-setting-up-of-rera/

Signs of dampness or moisture are common but not the knowledge about its sources and effects. Read this article to know the sources and effects of dampness in a house.

Top 7 Sources of Dampness in a House & its Harmful Effects

Flaky paint, leaky ceiling, wet and patchy walls – Aren’t these a common sight in most houses we see around us? Let’s face it, our own houses, too, must have had one or a few of these imperfections at some point in time. We noticed; we disliked; we thought of doing something about it; and perhaps, we moved on! – Often, taking inadequate or no measures at all. But do you know – dampness is one of the most harmful things that can cause a building to deteriorate prematurely? Worse – it affects the health of the residents severely.

To prevent a house from becoming damp, we must know the reasons behind it. Faulty sills, bad masonry work, subsoil water in the foundation are just some of the most common causes of dampness in a building. What are the other sources of dampness? What are the effects of it? Read on to know it all.

Sources of Dampness in Buildings

There are a number of sources of dampness in buildings. Some of the common causes are as follows:

Improper plumbing installation in buildings can lead to leakage/dampness problems with gradual use.

1. Improper Plumbing Installation

Improper plumbing installation in buildings can lead to leakage/dampness problems with gradual use. This can be due to the following few things:

  • If FTA (female threaded adapter) of a plumbing fitting is installed inside the tiles then an extension piece is required. This creates an extra joint in the pipeline which may lead to leakage.
  • UPVC pipe used in a hot water line is an example of the incorrect material selected as per its properties. In such cases, the material, unable to withstand high temperatures, will begin to degrade and break down leading to leakage.
  • The wrong solvent-material used for joining pipes can be another cause of plumbing failure. For example, if pipes are made of UPVC, the solvent or glue to be used should also be UPVC-compatible. The same is applicable to CPVC pipes. Any incompatibility here can lead to leakage and dampness due to a less firm joint.
  • If grouting is not provided at the junction around bathroom floor drain outlet pipe, there will be spreading of moisture. This will ultimately lead to unhealthy & unhygienic conditions for residents and can lead to deterioration at below storey ceiling surfaces in due course of time.
  • Loose plumbing fitting or inadequate tightening of plumbing fitting with FTA or other faulty workmanship at the time of installation etc. are also one of the common reasons which lead to leakage/ dampness problem.
If the waterproofing membranes are not overlapped properly, rainwater can seep through the gaps.

2. Faulty waterproofing

If the waterproofing membranes are not overlapped properly, rainwater can seep through the gaps. Besides, wrong sloping, defective junctions between the slab of the roof, terrace and parapet of the wall, and clogged outlets may also lead to water stagnation resulting in dampness.

Moisture intrusion can also happen if no fillet or drip mould is provided at the chhajja.

3. The intrusion of rainwater through walls

Most common damage inside homes occurs due to water seepage from the gaps between window frame & external wall. Gap will be a source for moisture to flow inside the home. If gaps are not filled properly, it will lead to moisture intrusion, paint deterioration & damage to inside walls.

Moisture intrusion can also happen if no fillet or drip mould is provided at the chhajja. Also, If the paint used on the exterior wall is not of water-repelling variety then moisture can settle beneath the coat and spread internally over time. In both cases, exterior walls begin to deteriorate fast due to moisture.

Sometimes defective construction materials are used during the construction of the building which can lead to construction quality issues.

4. Poor construction materials

Sometimes defective construction materials are used during the construction of the building which can lead to construction quality issues. For example: If poor quality materials are used like sand with excess salt then efflorescence will happen sooner or later. Poor quality bricks will swell upon absorbing rainwater leading to dampness.

5. Indoor Plants

Most plants release moisture into the surrounding air through small pores called stomata on the leaves – a process called transpiration. This increases the moisture content1 of the indoor air. But not all plants are humidifying. Moreover, you must know how much to water your potted green friends so that they do not release excess moisture into the air. A little knowledge of indoor gardening can help you avoid dampness in your home while still making it eco-friendly and sustainable.

Vegetation growth around the wall is very harmful as vegetation in and around the walls leads to cracks in them and over time these cracks widen.

6. Vegetation

Vegetation growth around the wall is very harmful as vegetation in and around the walls leads to cracks in them and over time these cracks widen. Water deposits in these cracks causing further dampness.

Dampness is inevitable if your house is improperly ventilated.

7. Improper Ventilation

Dampness is inevitable if your house is improperly ventilated. Numerous processes like exhalation by the inmates of the house, cooking, and use of geyser in the bathroom add moisture to the indoor air. If the area is closed, this excess moisture gets trapped. There should be proper air circulation in the house so that an optimum moisture level is maintained and indoor air quality never deteriorates.

Dampness has serious consequences on the health of a building.

Adverse effects of Dampness in a House / Property

Dampness has serious consequences on the health of a building. It needs to be dealt with urgency. Otherwise, a culmination of all these damages may eventually lower its life expectancy.

  • Pest and insect growth: Damp households cause unhygienic conditions of living. Damp places attract microbes and insects. Damp places are breeding places of gregarious pests like mosquitoes, flies, and termites. Respiratory problems, wheezing skin rashes, allergies are often found in inhabitants living in damp areas.
  • Electric appliance damage: Moisture present in a house, if it comes in contact with the electric appliances, will damage them. This can also lead to serious problems like electrocution of the appliance and the person handling it might suffer an electric shock. So it is very important that areas around the switchboard and wiring have no moisture deposition.
  • Damage to doors and walls: Damp environment can have serious damage to wooden doors and windows. This leads to termite infestation in them along with swelling up of the wood. Doors and windows may even completely get damaged becoming function-less. In severe cases, installations might get damaged.
  • Damage to wooden furniture: A humid indoor atmosphere can affect the wooden furniture and other materials made of wood in the house. Wood absorbs moisture and swells up and this is certainly not good for the longevity of the furniture.
  • Corrosion of metal: Metal appliances, furniture or other items may get corroded due to the presence of moisture. Metals attract moisture and rust or lose the sheen with time. Metal installations may even become brittle and break off. This is dangerous especially in the case of railings and grills.
  • The efflorescence of plaster, bricks and paint: As already discussed, dampness renders bricks and plaster to crumble. Porosity increases and the strength of the materials decrease which is harmful to the building. The coating of paint also turns flaky and tends to fall off. This gives a nasty feel & look to the house. Peeling of the paint exposes the walls and ceiling to further damage.
  • Unpleasant-looking household: Damp patches on the walls with algal spores growing on them give a bad and unwelcoming look to the house. A stale, suffocating smell fills the air. This smell can cause allergy and skin diseases in many individuals.
A damp house is a constant source of illness. Dampness affects your two most important assets - your home and your health.

Effects of Dampness – On Health

A damp house is a constant source of illness. It causes:

  • Respiratory ailments: Allergic rhinitis, chronic to acute breathing problems or asthma
  • Skin ailments: Rashes and redness
  • Recurring cold and flu
  • Depression

Therefore practically, dampness affects your two most important assets- your home and your health. Can anything be scarier than this?

Watch the video for better understanding:

Last but not the least, dampness lowers your living standards. Who would like to reside in a perennially cold, stale-smelling house? To avoid this unpleasant situation, the source and the cause of damp should be identified first, and then repaired for a permanent cure.

Nowadays, waterproofing and damp-proofing materials are available widely in the market to shield your abode from dampness and its harmful effects. With the advancement in technology, effective moisture and damp assessment can be done with thermal imaging technology, as well. You must opt for professionals for effective detection of dampness for ensuring a healthy home.

Don’t make living with dampness a habit. Take definitive steps to get rid of this hidden devil corroding away your hygiene and safety silently but steadily.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.healthline.com/health/humidifying-plants

The Real estate Regulatory Authority of Himachal Pradesh ordered to recover the entire amount paid by the complaints from developers and builders in violation of the norms. Read the RERA update to know more.

HP RERA orders builders to refund dues with interest

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority of Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday ordered to recover the entire amount paid by the complaints from the developers and builders in violation of the norms, deciding dozens of complaints pending before the authority here.

The authority had received 14 different complaints against Rajdeep and Company Infra Pvt Ltd and others.

Out of 14 complaints received against the above promoters and developers, 12 complaints have been decided in favour of allottees and two other complaints were pending for hearing in respect of the project named as Himalaya Residency, located at Bharari in Shimla.

Source: http://www.uniindia.com/hp-rera-orders-builders-to-refund-dues-with-interest/north/news/2321605.html

No matter if you are a home buyer, home-owner, a builder, interior designer, a real estate agent or seller, Home Inspection will spell beneficial for you. How? Read this article to know.

Home Inspection: A 360° Benefit for All Real Estate Stakeholders

Home Inspection – this small two-word concept is more multi-dimensional than anyone can imagine. In India, both in urban and semi-urban areas, one cannot neglect home inspection any more.

Because there happens to be multiple aspects of a home inspection, it is useful not just to the homeowners; it is an indispensable solution for the real estate professionals, the interior designers, the home sellers, and the financial institutions. In the era of 5G Internet Of Things, the purview of a home inspection is getting expanded further.

Home Inspection finds out faults, defects, damages and dangers in the building or a unit (and around it) before they become too tough to handle.

Look at these three news headlines

  • Mahad Building collapse: ‘Building started developing cracks three years after it was constructed’ (Indian Express1, August 2020)
  • Notice issued to the builder for latent defects in the building after the owner notices leakage during the rainy season. (Case Mine2, 2013)
  • Paint factory in Mandhana gutted in fire due to electrical short circuit, loss of lakhs. (Times of India3, October 2020)
Home Inspection helps the home buyer assess the condition of the house they are about to buy.

Home Inspection: A Blessing for The Home Owner/Buyer

Imagine you worked hard, exerted yourself for 10 years to buy your dream house. But just after three years, you notice that your dream home has started developing cracks or dampness. All your dreams would come crashing down.

Home Inspection helps the home buyer assess the condition of the house they are about to buy. This will make sure that the buyer does not get any rude shock after a few years of buying the house. The importance of home inspection increases manifolds if the buyer is buying an old house from a seller.

Even if you are already living in your house for years, it is necessary to inspect your home to ensure the safety of your family and to increase the longevity of your house by identifying the areas where prior repair work or an annual maintenance is needed.

Learn How Home Inspection Benefits the Buyers and Owners.

How Home Inspection Benefits the Buyers and Owners?

  • With Home Inspection, the buyer can identify if any part of the newly made building / flat is not built properly. It can identify areas where cracks are likely to appear in the future, it can identify if the house is prone to moisture damage. In short, Home Inspection will help buyers to get value for money.
  • Home Inspection examines the nuances – it will examine if the bathroom floor and terrace are slanting enough to allow proper drainage of water. It will ensure if any part of the house (old) is covered with paint to hide moulds. It will also ensure that the exterior part of the house – including the ground – is up to the mark. Read here what exactly do we do during Home Inspection.
  • By identifying areas where immediate repair work is needed, Home Inspection ensures the safety of the residents.
  • Above all, Home Inspection saves you a lot of money by identifying the areas of repair that can be quite expensive to repair if they are left neglected for a few more years. Time is money – early detection and correction of damages will be beneficial for your purse.
The seller of an old house will also benefit from Home Inspection. In fact, Home Inspection will give the sellers a better bargaining proposition.

Home Inspection: A Seller’s Friend

The seller of an old house will also benefit from Home Inspection. In fact, Home Inspection will give the sellers a better bargaining proposition. Here’s how:

  • The moment you buy a house, its value starts depreciating. A well-cared house, with regular Home Inspection to find and repair damages, will have a lesser depreciation rate than a not so well maintained house.
  • A well-maintained house can help you ask for more money from the buyer.
  • With Home Inspection, you can avoid severe damage by taking care of the small damages in time.
  • A seller who can truthfully show the pros and cons of the house will get respect from the buyer. Also, the seller can avoid any lawsuit in the future by truthfully showing the outcome of the Home Inspection.
The importance of Home Inspection has increased manifold after the passing of RERA Act.

Home Inspectors: The Eyes and Ears of the Real Estate Developer

The developer / promoter cannot be present during the building development process. However, it is essential to supervise the development / construction of the building in order to ensure satisfactory artistry and usage of quality building materials.

The importance of Home Inspection has increased manifold after the passing of RERA Act that rules that the developer has to repair any damage to the newly made house if it develops any damages within 5 years from the date of handover.

  • Home Inspection can find faults during the development of the building. Identifying a fault before a building is made will result in correcting that problem by spending less amount of money than what you would have spent if the building was in a ready-for-possession state.
  • With the Home Inspectors present, the developer himself will not have to micromanage the building development.
  • Home Inspection will save real estate developers from the clutches of the RERA Act by ensuring superior workmanship and usage of quality building materials.
  • Home Inspection works as the third-party audit of the building which gives the buyers peace of mind and enhances the reputation of the developer.
Learn how Home Inspection Enhances the Image of The Real Estate Agent.

Home Inspection: A Smart Tool for Smarter Real Estate Agents

Any responsible real estate agent would like to stay true to his words. Home Inspection will help him do just that.

Real Estate agents do not build the house – they are there to find a customer and sell the house to the customer. However, there is a huge trust deficit when it comes to the relationship between the buyers and the agents. A smart real estate agent would love to amend this trust issue.

Here is how Home Inspection Enhances the Image of The Real Estate Agent:

  • A real estate agent who can furnish the proof that the building is inspected and passed by a registered Home Inspector will be trusted by the home buyer.
  • Any issue identified by the Home Inspector must be revealed to the buyer. If the real estate agent does that, he will be respected by the buyer for his truthfulness.
  • Real estate agents can avoid lawsuits and breach of contract, by informing the buyers beforehand about the issues concerning the house.
Interior Decorators who perform Home Inspection will go a long way in their career.

When Home Inspection Meets Interior Decoration – a Marriage made in Heaven

Interior Decorators who perform Home Inspection will go a long way in their career. There is more than one reason how conducting a home inspection before starting and also during the decoration work can help the interior decorators.

  • Suppose an interior decorator has to stick a nail to the wall. As he starts hammering down, a big chunk of outer plaster falls off. The homeowner will obviously blame the interior decorator. But actually, that portion of the wall was weak due to too much moisture. A prior home inspection would have revealed this issue. So, Home Inspection keeps the decorator safe from unjust blames.
  • A faulty area of the house is not the liability of the interior decorator. It is the homeowner who should spend money to repair the damage. Home Inspection can thus help decorators avoid spending money on things that they are not supposed to be in the purview of the decorator.
  • If any portion or accessory of the house gets damaged during the decoration work, it can unnecessarily delay the work of the decorator. Home Inspection acts as a detection tool for the interior decorator. It can help the decorator estimate the overall structural condition, detect invisible dampness and potentially weak areas of the house. This knowledge can help the interior decorator serve clients in a much more comprehensive fashion.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. With the advent of sensor-based home-devices, the importance of Home Inspection will be felt much more strongly in the coming years. Home Inspection is a must for anybody who is dealing with a house.

FAQs

A Home Inspection Today Will Save Your Money Tomorrow.

1. Home Inspection – Is it worth it?
Ans. Home Inspection is really worthwhile. Just like you cannot see the viruses that can make you sick, you cannot see all the dampness, moulds or small cracks that can severely damage your house in the future.

A Home Inspection Today Will Save Your Money Tomorrow.

Home Inspection is not one thing – it is a group of tasks. Home Inspectors look for various issues in all elements of home.

2. What happens in a Home Inspection? What should you expect?
Ans. Home Inspection is not one thing – it is a group of tasks. Home Inspectors:

  • Look for leaks and seepage of water from the pipes, tanks and other areas.
  • Thoroughly check for hidden dampness/seepage that can be detrimental to the health of both the house and its inhabitants. With modern infrared detectors, home inspectors can now forecast areas where you can expect moisture-related problems within a few areas.
  • Check if there are any cracks in the wall and the ceiling.
  • Check the drainage system in the bathroom, on the terrace etc.
  • Look for damages to the window and the door.
  • Look for unsafe wiring and electrical equipment.

… and much more …

Find our home inspection services in these locations.

3. Can I find Home Inspection service near me?
Ans. Yes, Home Inspection is gradually becoming a popular term in India. Please visit this page to know where to find Home Inspection service near you.

Reference links used:
1. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/mahad-building-collapse-building-started-developing-cracks-three-years-after-it-was-constructed/
2. https://www.casemine.com/judgement/in/59f94c514a932658e9cc1ed3
3. https://m.timesofindia.com/city/kanpur/paint-factory-in-mandhana-gutted-in-fire-loss-of-lakhs/amp_articleshow/78502713.cms

RERA Bihar has ordered the confiscation of all properties of the directors of Agrani Homes Private limited and freezing of their bank accounts.

Confiscate property of Agrani directors: RERA

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), Bihar has ordered confiscation of all movable and immovable property of the present and previous directors of Agrani Homes Private Limited and freezing of their bank accounts.

The order was passed by the bench of RERA, Bihar chairman Afzal Amanullah and member R B Sinha on February 10. The two were hearing a bunch of complaints filed by the aggrieved real estate buyers, who have made payments to Agrani Homes but have not got possession of the property.

The RERA has also ordered that utilisation of a building constructed on a residential plot in Patliputra area by Ruben Hospital (Ruben Patliputra Hospital Pvt Ltd) be stopped until further orders or an approval from Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) for utilisation of the residential property as a hospital, whichever is earlier. Ruben Hospital has been asked to explain why they were using the building for medical purposes without proper deed as well as authorisation from PMC.

The RERA has also ordered that utilisation of a building constructed on a residential plot in Patliputra area by Ruben Hospital (Ruben Patliputra Hospital Pvt Ltd) be stopped until further orders or an approval from Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) for utilisation of the residential property as a hospital, whichever is earlier. Ruben Hospital has been asked to explain why they were using the building for medical purposes without proper deed as well as authorisation from PMC.

The RERA bench has observed that a part of the money paid by Ruben Hospital for buying the land at Patliputra was used by Agrai Homes for closure of a loan account of Indus Ventures, a firm run by Vijaya Raj Laxmi, wife of Alok Kumar, managing director of Agrani Homes.

The RERA has stated in its order that all moveable and immoveable property of Alok, his wife Vijaya and their son should be brought under the lien of RERA with immediate effect. Similarly, all moveable, immovable properties and bank accounts of all its present and previous directors, their spouses, dependent children and all their power of attorney holders have been frozen.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/confiscate-property-of-agrani-directors-rera/articleshow/80901356.cms

Home maintenance is an ongoing task. To do it annually, you need a proper plan. Read the checklist for your annual home maintenance.

Annual Home Maintenance Checklist – 11 Tips

Be it your ancestral home in Pune or your newly bought apartment in Gurgaon, without proper maintenance and time-to-time checkup, your home is going to fall apart. Apart from the regular cleaning and repair, you also need some additional maintenance for your home on a yearly basis. Though you can plan the activity at any convenient time of the year, post-monsoon months or a bit before the monsoon approaches are best for an annual home maintenance job. Worried, how to make the most of it? Well, you need a plan for that and a checklist to begin with.

What are the areas in the house that need cleaning annually?

To be precise, you cannot count. It is pretty much like an annual makeover for your home. Here we have listed out 11 tips for annual maintenance of your home.

Plants growing on the wall is a nuisance as it brings forth other problems of seepage, damp, cracks on the wall, etc. Remove such growths immediately.

1. Start with the outside

If you have the luxury of possessing a whole house / bungalow instead of an apartment, we are sure you will be blessed with a garden or lawn outside. But do not leave all the responsibility on your gardener. Get involved in it yourself too. If you have plants in planters, change the soil or change the pots as and when necessary. Check for when to add fertilizer to the soil. Uproot dead plants if any and remove dried leaves. Prune your plants in the proper season. Also, if your home is handed down to you, check minutely if you see any growth on the external wall. Plants growing on the wall is a nuisance as it brings forth other problems of seepage, damp, cracks on the wall, etc. Remove such growths immediately.

Observe your home carefully for inspecting if any cracks have appeared on the walls. Look for any sign of cracks on the walls.

2. Crack check

Bring out your inner Sherlock Holmes and observe your home carefully for inspecting if any cracks have appeared on the walls. If you do discover any such cracks, it would conclude that you have not been paying due attention to them, right? Seemingly minor, cracks have the potential to become a big enough issue that will snatch your sleep away. Look for any sign of cracks on the walls (both exterior and interior), especially the joints, the roof, ceiling, floor tiles, pillars and so on and so forth. Another deceptively small issue is the wearing off, of grout at the tile joints. These gaps can lead to moisture damage in the house. Call the experts without any delay and take care of these menaces.

Make sure you give an annual checking to the exterior and interior paints to ensure the paint is not coming off or any other deterioration.

3. Fresh paint on the exterior

With new and improved weather-proof paints1 thriving in the market, it is not really necessary to give your house a fresh coat every year. In fact, we would not recommend that either. But make sure you give an annual checking to the exterior and interior paints to ensure the paint is not coming off, paint has not become flaky, damp patches have not puffed up the wall and the paint on it also, weather change has not taken a toll on the paint etc. In case you find these issues bothering the health of your home, you can consider taking expert advice for dampness problems without any delay in case of faded paint.

Leakage or blockage does not give you time till you repair it at the time of annual checkup.

4. Plumbing check and drainage cleaning

Leakage or blockage does not give you time till you repair it at the time of annual checkup. Before long, it turns out to be nightmarish. Sometimes, it acts silently and gives rise to damp patches. If you are lucky, you are saved from both these consequences but don’t take the plumbing system of your house for granted. Schedule a sewage cleaning every year with your plumber. Make him check the rooftop water tank, pump and other water pipes. Also, once a year turn the faucets out to check for damage, clean and inspect the bathroom vents, check for leakage under the kitchen sink, in pipes, valves and so on.

During annual home cleaning, you must reach out to lofts and space above the false ceiling and clean them thoroughly.

5. Cleaning the lofts, the space above false ceilings and so on

Many usable (and unusable) spaces are created in a house, sometimes, for the sake of storage (example – lofts) and sometimes as a result of interior designing (example – space above the false ceiling). These units of space are normally left untouched throughout the year. During annual home cleaning, you must reach out to these spaces and clean them thoroughly. Otherwise, they will become a permanent hideout of cockroaches and rodents. Also check for leak at pipes and valves which are usually located at space above false ceiling. Damp patches if any should also be attended with care or they will spread on to the other areas.

During your annual home maintenance, check all the doors and windows thoroughly.

6. Doors and Windows check

Throughout the year, you must be spending a lot of time and money repairing a loose joint here and a rusty latch there. Try to reduce your work. During your annual home maintenance, check all the doors and windows thoroughly. Is the wooden door at the entrance closing properly without making any noise or rubbing against the floor? Are all the latches of your glass windows in proper condition? Are the windows sliding along the panels properly? Do you see a damp area near the window-wall joint? Chances are that the sealant has worn off; hence, rainwater is making its way through the gap in the joint. Attend to all these issues no matter how small they appear to be, at least, once a year and trust us, your doors and windows will last longer.

Electrical maintenance enhances the smooth running of all the electricity-powered appliances & accessories in your home.

7. Maintain your electrical System

Electrical maintenance enhances the smooth running of all the electricity-powered appliances & accessories in your home while creating a safe environment that will be free from all sorts of hazards. No doubt, electrical maintenance for the home is one of the foremost and sure steps towards ensuring electrical safety. When regular electrical checks are carried out for a home, various unwelcomed mishaps associated with electricity get avoided in an easy & convenient manner. This makes it easier to escape unplanned and often very high repairing expenses. Hence, it is essential to carry out electrical checking & maintaining all the electrical material fittings, appliances, and devices in and around your home.

Fans and lighting fixtures that are normally fixed at a height often gather more dust than any other items in the house simply because they are not reached out during daily dusting. Clean them thoroughly.

8. Cleaning the fixtures, lights and fans

Fans and lighting fixtures that are normally fixed at a height often gather more dust than any other items in the house simply because they are not reached out during daily dusting. The fans, especially, remain unused for at least 3-4 months in a year during winter and hence, get dustier. Once winter is over, bring them down, disassemble them, wash the blades and fix them back. Do the same with tube lights, bulbs and other lampshades. Open the shades, wash them in soapy water, dry and fix them back. Light-reflecting out of clean glass and shades will make your home look brighter.

Stop hoarding and discard the unused items in home.

9. Discard the unused

Stop hoarding. We know you must be having a lot of emotions attached to certain things in your wardrobe or divan but learn to let go. Give away the old pair of jeans that no longer fits you; discard the printer that stopped working long back but you never found time to repair; donate the books in which your childhood still remains trapped, to needy students. Simply, let go. This way, you will not only be able to clean up the divan and wardrobe but also free up a lot of space.

10. Living in the hills? After winter special care

If you are living in cities like Shimla, Manali, Nainital, or Gangtok, snowy winters are one thing you must be careful of. You cannot control it. Your roof, open balcony all are definitely going to be loaded with snow. So, your annual cleaning list will include cleaning up after the snow. Also, if you are living in the hills and your home is made of wood, every year after winter, you must treat the home well for eliminating any chance of damage from snow.

Professional home inspection services are one-stop solutions for all your worries regarding your home.

11. Schedule a professional home inspection

Professional home inspection services (health & safety check-up of your home) are one-stop solutions for all your worries regarding your home. The inspectors observe every nook and corner of your home with the help of the latest devices and technological tools and identify which portions are in immediate need of repair. From bedroom to bathroom to kitchen, everything will be in good hands if you give the responsibility to such professional service providers. Your eyes, being untrained, may miss a point here and there but with the professionals, simply no chance.

There you have it! A detailed list of how you should take care of your home annually. Your home is no different from you. It needs pampering and a yearly health checkup. While no one can pamper your home like you, for its health checkup, you will need a professional. A home inspection is that comprehensive health checkup, which, if done at least once a year, can prolong the life of your property. Give your home these annual treats and keep it beautiful and strong for years to come.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.asianpaints.com/products/waterproofing-solutions.html

The UP-RERA has levied a penalty of over Rs 1.93 crore to 14 promoters over non-compliance of its orders.

UP-RERA penalises Supertech, Parsvnath, Logix Infrastructure, others

The Uttar Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (UP-RERA) has levied a cumulative penalty of over Rs 1.93 crore to 14 promoters over non-compliance of its orders under Section 63 of the RERA Act.

Supertech, Parth Infrabuild, Radicon Infrastructure & Housing, IVR Developers, Logix Infrastructure, Harsha Associates, Parsvnath Developers, Green Bay Infrastructure, Green View Cooperative Housing Society, Quality townshipm Rudra Buildwell, Buland Buildtech, Kindle Infraheights, J.S.S. Buildcon have been penalised.

Section 63 of the RERA Act empowers the authority to impose penalties up to 5 percent of the cost of the project for non-compliance of its orders.

The promoters have been ordered by the authority to ensure that the penalty amount is deposited through a demand draft drawn in favour of the authority within 30 days.

Rajive Kumar, chairman, UP-RERA said, “The authority is taking the compliance of orders passed seriously in order to provide justice to the home buyers. In cases of violation of the order speedy proceedings will be taken to complete the hearing before the concerned bench of the authority, impose penalty and ensure recovery on the basis of the findings and recommendations of the bench.”

It was also decided by the Authority that if the concerned promoter does not pay the penalty within the stipulated period, then the recovery certificate will be issued and District Magistrate will be commissioned to recover the amount as arrears of land revenue.

“The penalty will be imposed on a daily basis under Section-63 of the Act. The increase in penalty amount at the same daily rate will continue to happen till the time the promoter deposits the penalty amount and ensures full compliance of the order of the authority,” added Kumar.

So far, a total of Rs. 5.86 crore worth of penalty has been imposed on 24 promoters.

The authority has previously sent Recovery Certificates against two promoters for a cumulative sum of Rs 1.47 crore which have already been sent to District Magistrate, Lucknow for recovery. This decision has been taken by the authority to punish the promoters who are continuously failing to comply with the orders, result of which the allottees are being denied their dues.

Source: https://realty.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/regulatory/up-rera-penalises-supertech-parsvnath-logix-infrastructure-others/80718614

Safety at home is a serious matter. Ignoring it may cost your health and happiness. Read the blog to know more about it.

Are You Ignoring Safety At Home? Take Guard with these Safety Measures

Our home is a very special place – be it big or small. It is the place which makes us feel happy, safe and comfortable. However, accidents are inevitable and they can happen anywhere, on the road or right under our roof. Hence, we must consider the best possible ways in which we can prevent such accidents. At times we are so involved in decorating, renovating or for that matter, feel comfortable in our space that we tend to ignore the important areas which require attention. Safety measures are one such element that demands our maximum attention while we plan to make our home a better place. When the members of the house feel safe and comfortable, the feeling of positivity and happiness increases manifold. So, if you are among those who care about the safety of their family and therefore their homes, then this article is all you need to read.

Common issues at home that needs to be taken care of.

Common Safety issues to be aware of at home

One of the best ways to make sure that your home is safe is to actively check each area of your home for potential hazards. It reduces the risk of injury that children or elderly people in the house might suffer. One must remember that his home might make him feel warm and comfortable but that doesn’t necessarily allow to ignore potential safety hazards. It is essential to be knowledgeable about safety measures and evaluate hidden danger. Here are some of the common safety issues that we come across in our seemingly safe haven called ‘home’:

  • Inadequate security due to a not-so-robust locking and surveillance system at the main door
  • Faulty door locks
  • Loose window glass, latches, or joints
  • Crack in the wall, ceiling, or railings of the roof
  • Uneven floor or elevated door threshold
  • Broken stairs or loose handrail
  • Slippery bathroom floor due to wrong choice of tile/marble type or excess splashing of water
  • Damp walls and ceilings leading to an unhygienic indoor atmosphere
  • Faulty switches and plug points
  • Unserviced home appliances that may become a cause of electrocution or fire hazard
  • Unchecked gas cylinder, faulty knobs and lighter, and uncleaned burners
  • Torn/wavy rugs and carpets, scattered objects on the floor
  • Improper cleaning and kitchen habits
  • Unsafe storage of medicines, pest poisons, harmful chemicals, knives and other sharp objects, cables and cords, etc leading to chocking, cuts, fall, burn or poisoning
  • Irregular or no pest control drive

What should you do?

The ultimate safety mantra of any household is repair, beware and maintain hygiene & discipline.

Repair, Beware and Maintain Hygiene and Discipline

This should be the ultimate safety mantra of any household. There may be some defects in the house, repairing which may require you to take many things into consideration but at least, you should do the following things that are easy to do at any point of time.

Safety tips to avoid accidental falls

Elderly people and kids in the house often tend to fall, so here are safety tips to avoid accidental falls.

Elderly people and kids in the house often tend to fall because of the unsuitable arrangement of things lying here and there. Fix this first as this costs nothing. Simply, avoid clutter. Pick up small objects from the floor and keep them aside in their proper place.

Throw rugs and loose mats, extension cords, etc are a few things on which elderly people and small children often trip and fall. Replace the former with carpet and remove the latter when not in use.

Elevated door thresholds in old Indian houses are quite a nightmare for people of ages. You better get them removed and make life easier.

Bathroom floor tiles and marbles are better chosen which have anti-skid features as they provide more friction to the feet. Still, to avoid fall, keep the floor dry & clean and soaps should be replaced with shower gels. Doors should have outside latches which should be used to close them when an elderly person or a child is inside. This helps in faster rescue in case of an accident.

Any kind of leakage or seepage – either in the ceiling, wall or from any appliance – repair it fast. There shouldn’t be any water on the floor going unnoticed for long.

Safety guards are the best choices when it comes to enhancing the safety of balconies, rooftops and stairs.

Installation of safety guards

Safety guards are the best choices when it comes to enhancing the safety of balconies, rooftops and stairs. These guards ensure the safety of near and dear ones at your home.

Electrical safety

At home, electrical hazards are mainly caused due to three reasons - wrong handling, poor quality of equipment and unserviced appliances.

At home, electrical hazards are mainly caused due to three reasons. Address those with seriousness in the following way:

  • Wrong handling – Using wet hands to switch on or switch off or fiddling with the plug points. These should be strictly avoided as that may lead to electrocution. Where there are small children in the house, make use of socket safety cover1 which will restrict babies from putting finger directly or inserting any other object into electrical sockets (or plug points) which may cause electrocution. This is one of the tip to make shockproof home for your kid.
  • Poor quality of electrical equipment and/or damp in the concealed wiring system – Take the help of a skilled electrician who would have the right set of skills to check the problem and take care of any form of electrical repair. You can also opt for an electrical inspection if you have been noticing frequent issues of short circuit and blackout.
  • Un-serviced electrical appliances – Don’t wait for them to burn your food or your finger. Get them serviced on time and stay sorted.

Electrical safety should be given top priority in a home.

Install a fire alarm in your house and keep a fire extinguisher handy for emergencies to ensure fire safety.

Fire safety

Let’s face it, we all dread fires but very few take necessary precautions to avoid one. First and foremost – you must get your gas cylinder checked when it gets delivered to your home. If you suspect any kind of leakage, refuse it then and there.

After using the gas stove, don’t forget to turn off your cylinder’s knob. Also, clean the pores of your burners at regular intervals. Change your gas-lighter after every few months.

Again, get the servicing of your microwave oven and other kitchen appliances done at least once in a year. The same applies to air conditioners. They must be serviced regularly.

Install a fire alarm in your house and keep a fire extinguisher handy for emergencies.

Above everything else, you must ensure that the ventilation and water supply of your building is up to the mark so that, in case there is a fire, it can be doused easily.

Storing harmful chemicals at place where it is hard for elderly people or children to reach is a wise choice.

Suitable storage of harmful chemicals

It could be a chemical, medicine or any form of cleaning product or disinfectant that would take seconds to cause injury or accidental poisoning to children and elderly people in the house. This is why, it is extremely important to be cautious with such items. Storing such items at places where it is hard for elderly people or children to reach is a wise choice. The same level of cautiousness should be practised for keeping sharp objects in the house.

Hygiene and Food Safety

Good cleaning and kitchen habits go a long way in ensuring the good health of a family.

This is supreme at any point in life. Good cleaning and kitchen habits go a long way in ensuring the good health of a family. A few things should be followed to the T:

  • Dusting, cleaning and mopping should be done daily. Disinfection and sanitization of surfaces and objects should be done at regular intervals to keep the spread of disease-causing germs and pests in check.
  • Always keep cooked food covered.
  • Clean up spills and scatters immediately.
  • Don’t hoard food items in the fridge for long. Here’s some more food safety tips2.
  • Throw away wastes before they become stale.
  • Use sprays and chemicals carefully in the kitchen.
  • Keep the sink outlets unclogged and clean the pipes once in a month.
  • Use covered bins for disposing of dry and organic wastes.
Surveillance camera is the handy tool you can invest in if you are concerned about your family’s safety and security.

Surveillance Camera

There is no other better option than having a surveillance camera3 installed. They are the handy tools you can invest in if you are concerned about your family’s safety and security. They not only allow you to see your loved ones from time to time but also keep you aware of any form of crime like theft and abuse.

Apart from the above points, there are certain hidden hazards in a home which can cause problem in the proper functioning and safety of your home. Read Protect your Home from Masked Hazards.

Information and knowledge is the key to prevent any form of accident in life and it is applicable to the safety of your home. The only way to enjoy a life devoid of regrets is by staying cautious. It requires adopting some basic safety habits and sometimes, professional help as a home inspection. The latter raises red flags, which if you pay heed to, can save you from many accidents. To learn more about home inspection, click here.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.amazon.in/KiddySafe-Electric-Socket-Safety-Cover/dp/B07SDGMQ55
2. https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/index.html
3. https://www.godrej.com/godrej-locks-and-security-solutions/Home-Cams

Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HRERA), Gurugram has imposed a penalty of Rs 2.25 crore on three builders and also ordered demolition.

Haryana-Rera fines 3 builders Rs 2.25 crore, tells MCG to demolish illegal structures

Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HRERA), Gurugram has imposed a penalty of Rs 2.25 crore on three builders, besides ordering demolition by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram of unauthorised construction. The action has been taken against the builders for advertising and selling their projects without getting them registered under the RERA Act.

The orders were passed by K K Khandelwal, chairman, HRERA, Gurgaon for violation of Section 3 (1) of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 by SPS Homes Builders and Developers, Vistaar Group and Royal Infra Buildtech. They have been asked to pay penalty of Rs 1 crore, Rs 75 lakh and Rs 50 lakh, respectively. MCG commissioner has been asked to demolish the unauthorised construction.

The main allegation against these builders was that they were advertising/marketing and selling apartments in their projects; SPS Homes (Sector 30), Saffron Homes (Sector 67) and Royal Homes (Sector 39) respectively through online portals and indulging in unauthorised construction.

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, which came into force on May 1, 2017, states that promoters are required to register the project before advertisement/marketing/selling of any plot, apartment or building, as the case may be, in any real estate project.

The authority had taken serious view of the malpractices being carried out by promoters without getting their real estate projects registered with H-Rera, Gurugram.

“Strict action of the authority will send the right signal to errant builders and go a long way in reposing faith of the allottees. Such strict action will also act as a deterrent for other builders who remain non-compliant towards the Act and the directions passed by the authority ,” said an official.

The RERA Act was enacted for regulation and promotion of the real estate sector and to ensure sale in an efficient and transparent manner to protect the interests of consumers.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/h-rera-fines-3-builders-rs-2-25cr-tells-mcg-to-demolish-illegal-structures/articleshow/80519339.cms