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.

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.

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.

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

Buying a home for the first time demands a lot of research. Read the blog to know tips for a first time home buyer.

Tips For A First-time Homebuyer

Nothing matches the comfort of our own home. And thus, having that coveted ‘own space’ which we can call a home is a dream for many. But to convert it into reality needs diligence, financial commitment, and hard work. Purchasing a home can be a challenging task for first-timers. As a first-time homebuyer, one needs to be very careful and understand all the processes involved. One needs to give one’s effort and time while looking for a home. Be it your budget or the life of the building – you need to know everything inside out.

Given such critical aspects of home buying, here are some of the aspects that you must look upon while buying a new house for the first time:

There are several factors that you should look into while considering the size of the house. Know how big should the property be?

1. How big should the property be?

Homes with bigger space do allure us with the spaciousness, but do you really need that much space? There are several factors that you should look into while considering the size of the house. How many family members of yours will live there? How many guests can the house accommodate? Your future plans? Are you buying the home for self-use or is it for investment purpose? Most importantly, does it match your budget? Find the answers to these and you can decide the perfect size of the residence in no time.

Builders often impose a high rate per square foot for the flats that are located above in the high-rising construction.

2. Floor rise

If you are looking for a flat or apartment, this one is particularly for you. Builders often impose a high rate per square foot for the flats that are located above in the high-rising construction. This tells that the flats on the ground floor are comparatively cheaper than the ones located above. You should also keep in mind that the corner flats are often sold for a premium. When you look for a home you should also notice and make sure that the builder is adhering to the standardised set of rules laid down by the government for residential apartments in the National Building Code1. For example, as per NBC2 India 2005, the height of all standard rooms for human habitation shall not be less than 2.75 metres from the floor surface to the lowest point of the ceiling. There are other similar general building requirements3 which you as a first-time homebuyer should be aware of.

Housing complexes are coming up with varieties of amenities such as clubhouses, gym, swimming pools, game rooms as well as spas.

3. Look at the facilities available in the premise

Modern housing has changed the mindset of the people. Hence, nowadays housing complexes are coming up with varieties of luxuries such as clubhouses, gym, swimming pools, game rooms as well as spas. However, the more the amenities, the more is the cost & maintenance issues. While buying a house, you should carefully look for these luxuries and whether they are suitable for your lifestyle or not (or do you even need them or not). For example, if you have a small child, then having a complex which has a park or a game room can be a quality investment. Also do not forget to check for the parking facilities if you have your vehicle.

The location of your housing complex is of prime importance.

4. Location is of prime importance

How far is your office from your home? How far will the children have to travel while going to school? Is the market near? Is there a hospital nearby? The location will depend on the answers to these questions. Some people do not own a personal car or bike, and if you are one of them then you must keep in mind the ease of access to public transport systems like taxi, bus, auto and metro stations or a railway station. All these factors are crucial, and so you must look into them very carefully. After taking care of these factors, you should also make sure that the place has grocery stores and other markets that are necessary for daily household.

Before purchasing a flat or a readymade home, you must have a look at the track record and reputation of the promoter or the builder from whom you are planning to buy.

5. How reputed is the builder or the promoter?

Before purchasing a flat or a readymade home, you must have a look at the track record and reputation of the promoter or the builder from whom you are planning to buy. Find out whether they have a good reputation in the market for completing the projects on time or whether people regret after getting the key to their abode delivered to them. Make sure to know where the builder stays as that can help you in case of an emergency. Check whether the project is registered under RERA (HIRA for West Bengal4).

A home loan helps you to make your dreams come true as well as gives you tax benefits.

6. Funds for your dream home

When it comes to real estate, affording them comes with a cost. To be able to buy your dream house, you need funds. While you may have some savings that you can use in fulfilling the down payment but you may have to take the help of a home loan to fill the gap. When you do so, be careful that you take the loan from a reputed housing finance organization that offers timely disbursals and sanctions, gives reasonable charges, and long tenure loans. A home loan helps you to make your dreams come true as well as gives you tax benefits.

Property insurance protects your financial future in case of any damage that happens to the property.

7. Property Insurance

Property insurance protects your financial future in case of any damage that happens to the property. The insurance cost is comparatively low and provides coverage if there is a problem with the property or damage and legal issue. There are several insurance policies that you can choose according to your requirements. Choosing proper house insurance helps to protect the property.

While some people plan to buy their own house, some are there who buy a pre-owned home. If you are planning to buy a pre-owned home, you should make sure that you inspect the legal and structural soundness to avoid problems in the future.

While some people plan to buy their own house, some are there who buy a pre-owned home. Read the tips for Pre-owned home.

Here are some more tips that you must additionally follow if you are planning to buy a pre-owned home..

1. Check the real condition of the surfaces

A beautiful exterior may hide severe damages. One who wants to sell a house will make sure that the paint is more or less proper and not peeling off but there might be critical problems beneath. You should hire a trusted professional – a home inspector – who has in-depth knowledge about this and will be able to spot the underlying issues. After the inspection is done, chances are that the house may need a renovation. After assessing the damages consult with an expert for estimating the cost of renovation.

2. Look through the property’s past

In some cases, the one who is selling the property might not be the actual owner of the flat. You need to trace the ownership depending on the age of the property. For doing this you must consult a lawyer who is eligible to prepare a report on the particular property. The one who owns the property must have possession of the original documents. The amount of the property should be equal to the value of the property.

3. Do some bargaining

In most cases, the owner of a property might be under some pressure to sell the flat or the home; so it is important to bargain which can come to your benefit. Identify the defects carefully and then press the owner for additional discounts. And if there is a need for renovating, then that can get you a good deal. Second-hand houses in Mumbai are 5% less costly than the new projects while properties in Chennai, Gurgaon, and Bangalore are 10% to 15% lesser than the new ones.

4. Check for prospects, fees

Before signing the legal documents, make sure that you look through the maintenance fees and the parking charges that you have to deposit. Be it a new house or an old one, any house that you buy is probably one of the biggest investments of your life. So, do not forget to ask the property dealer about how much the property would be worth after ten years and more.

Check both the inside and outside areas before choosing an apartment or house.

Let’s not forget to have a look below the surface

Outside the house

  • Check the walls properly, and make sure that there is no dampness. Fresh paints might hide the damages.
  • Tap all the woodwork, especially windows and doors. If there is a problem with that like hollow sound or dust coming out, then talk with the owner.
  • Examine the water supply systems very carefully.
  • Make sure to check the drainage system of the building.

Inside the house

  • Check for water leaks, and other suspicious means inside the house.
  • Carefully examine the walls, whether there is any damage or bulk or maybe crack on them.
  • Check the closed spaces for any kind of fungal growth.
  • Open the tap to see if there is any kind of problem with the plumbing.
  • Ask for the layout and the age of the wiring from the housing society or owner.
Opt for home inspection services to get a health & safety Check-up of home.

Finally, get a Health & Safety Check-up of your Home – Opt for a home inspection

A hitherto alien concept in the Indian market, Home Inspection is now gaining popularity at a rapid pace. There are many firms specialising in property inspection services today. They take the onus of examining every inch of the property that you are buying and spot the defects that you may otherwise overlook. Equipped with the right knowledge and advanced tools, they come up with suggestions that save you from future home-related problems and recurring expenses.

So, all you need to do before buying your first home is doing a bit of research and the experience is bound to turn into a satisfactory one.

Coming back home, sitting on the front porch and sipping freshly brewed coffee – sounds welcoming? You are all set to own a home if you have considered the above facts. If you haven’t done that till now, get geared up and start your search for the perfect home.

RERA Karnataka will impose a fine of Rs 10,000 per month on builders for not filing quarterly updates on the project status.

RERA to levy delay fee on builders across Karnataka

The Real Estate Regulatory Authority-Karnataka (RERA-K) will impose a fine of
wwRs 10,000 per month on builders across the State for not filing quarterly updates on the status of their projects, which is mandatory under the RERA Act. As per statistics available on its portal, the updates have not been uploaded for 811 projects.

RERA-K Chairperson K S Lathakumari told The New Indian Express, “The quarterly updates need to be compulsorily updated by the builders as they give the buyers an idea of the physical progress of the houses. The financial details pertaining to the amount collected as well as the amount spent so far too need to be updated.” She said that this pertains only to the period up to December 2019. “We have given a waiver for the year 2020 for all the projects due to Covid-19. However, the updates have not been filed even for the previous year by the builders,” she said.

A ‘Delay Fee’ of Rs 10,000 per month would be imposed on each project, she said. “A common reason given for not filing quarterly updates was that the job was handed over by them to a consultant or a third party or even an employee who had quit. Some of them do not even know their login ID to update their projects. Hence, we have asked them to apply for it again online and update the reports.”

As per statistics available, 512 projects have not applied for extension on the RERA portal. Of these, 413 projects have not filed quarterly updates even for a single financial quarter. Out of another 515 projects that are ongoing ones, 398 have not filed quarterly updates. Action would be initiated under RERA Act under these provisions: Sections7 (3) revocation, Section 34 (1) and Section 63.

A total of 126 projects are set to get exemption from the penalty. “Of these, a total of 39 projects that had applied for a deadline extension to complete their projects would be allowed to do so and file quarterly updates within a month without delay fee,” the chairperson said. “Another 87 projects have applied for an extension and their applications are pending. Even they would get a month’s time to file their updates without the delay fee,” she added.

Source: https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2021/jan/19/rera-to-levy-delay-fee-on-builders-across-karnataka-2252000.html

Your home is your most precious possession. Keep it safe from any damage by opting for a home inspection services.

Prevent Any Damage to Your Most Important Investment: Opt for Home Inspection

Ravi and Malvika are a newlywed couple. They have recently bought a house where they plan to move in along with his parents. The whole family is happy. Ravi takes a good look at his brand new house and says “So, we don’t have to worry about the home for a long time… ah, finally!”

Days pass and within a few months, Ravi notices that the wall in one of the bedrooms has developed dampness. He thinks, it is temporary and does nothing. Soon the paint and the plaster start coming off – just after one year of construction! A frantic Ravi starts looking for a solution when a civil engineer friend advises him to look for the cause first. Ravi visually checks the window sides, the exterior walls, the ceiling and the roof but finds no crack / gap whatsoever in any possible place of leakage / seepage. He could not find the source.

And this is not all! Frequent tripping of circuit breakers starts giving his family the feel of living in a haunted house. What could be a happy one year completion of living in a new house turns out to be a matter of frustration for Ravi. After all, he had invested his hard-earned money in this house of his dreams.

Small damage in the house can turn out to be a big headache later. This kind of damage or potential safety issues can be detected well in advance (even after buying a house or if you are building a new house) with the help of Home Inspection. The importance of home Inspection is multiplied when the house is several years old.

So Know what exactly is Home inspection?

What Is Home Inspection?

A house has multiple components. There are so many rooms and passages. In each unit of space, there are so many elements and accessories. All these are essential for making a house an ideal place for living. Each of these elements is connected to each other (maybe not physically). When one of the parts of the house is damaged, it can impact other parts of the house too. These damages and faults can make the lives of people living there uncomfortable. Many times, these damages can lead to safety & health issues.

It is, therefore, necessary to inspect your home in order to detect these damages and prevent unwanted hassles. Early detection of damages and faults is beneficial – you can fix the issues without spending much money.

Home Inspection is thus worth opting for. Doing Home Inspection today will save you a lot of money tomorrow. What’s more, with Home Inspection, you can make sure that your house – your abode – is safe for your children and other family members.

What Does A Home Inspector Do?

A Home Inspector or rather – a Home Inspection team does a systematic review of the whole house along with everything in the property. All the areas of your property along with all the 7 elements (wall, ceiling, floor, doors, windows, plumbing, electrical) are checked and much more. Here is a list of things that home inspectors look for when they visit a house.

Home Inspection team uses state-of-the-art moisture detection tools to look for moisture within the walls.

Wall Inspection

India is a tropical country. The climate here is moist as monsoon dominates the seasonal cycle. This aspect makes the houses in India susceptible to moisture-related dampness. The Home Inspection team uses state-of-the-art moisture detection tools to look for moisture within the walls. This is a completely non-invasive procedure using modern thermal imaging – infrared technology. The team can tell if any wall has started to get damp without even touching the walls.

Besides, other issues like cracks, defects based on finish like efflorescence, hollowness etc are also diagnosed with precision by home inspectors.

Identifying and detecting the root cause of stains or other forms of moisture is an important step in dealing with it.

Ceiling Inspection

A ceiling is an overhead interior surface of a room or area. It can be made of RCC or masonry finish or can be a false ceiling. The things that are checked by home inspectors varies depending on the type of material. Unevenness, undulation, crack, and other surface deterioration or damages are commonly checked in most types. Similar to walls, visual signs of moisture or water stains are checked too in the ceiling. Identifying and detecting the root cause of stains or other forms of moisture is an important step in dealing with it. It is significant to find out the main reason behind the stains.

Flooring adds to the aesthetics of the room. Lot of parameters are checked by the home inspection team like Hollowness on tile, cracked / broken tile, gaps at tile joints, etc.

Floor Inspection

When you enter your house, flooring is the first element you feel. Flooring adds to the aesthetics of the room. There are various types of flooring materials – tiles, marble, mosaic, neat cement flooring etc. Considering common flooring(tiles), lot of parameters are checked by the home inspection team like Hollowness on tile, cracked/broken tile, gaps at tile joints, skirting fitted or not, the slope at wet areas, surface damage, etc. These points have their separate significance. Like it is necessary to check any hollow tiles present in flooring or dado. If there is any, then it can crack or get damaged on regular use. This can lead to seepage or other moisture-related problems. Similarly, the gap at tiles and the incorrect slope will lead to seepage and other deterioration which will create unhealthy living conditions. So, to avoid major repair cost and have hassle-free homes & living, it is essential to check floors properly.

Door Inspection

The home inspectors check if the door moves smoothly without any friction with the floor beneath. They also look for termites and other pests and any signs of damage resulting from them. Since India is a place where there is too much moisture, the home inspectors see if the wooden door is damaged by moisture and humidity. They look for any bulging or cracks. Along with that, they make sure that the hinges are rust-free.

What are the other issues that are usually found in the inspection? – Cracked door frame, the gap between frame and wall, presence of borers and termites, and overall firmness and stability of the structure.

Home Inspectors look for damaged wood or other material (like metal or UPVC) while inspecting windows.

Window Inspection

Home Inspectors look for damaged wood or other material (like metal or UPVC) while inspecting windows. They especially focus on the window sills, their height for safety concern and look for any damage there. A damaged window sill can cause rainwater to seep into the house. Similar issues can arise if the drip mould at the chajja is not provided.

The overall window installation is brought under the scanner because resolving the operational and functional issues becomes more important than anything else. The inspectors see if there is any gap between the wall and the window frames as that can lead to seepage and improper heat exchange between the interior and external environment.

The importance of windows gets enhanced if there is a window AC installed. The home inspectors will ensure that the AC is fixed properly with no loose fittings whatsoever.

Under plumbing inspection, special attention is given to the bathroom which happens to be the den of moisture.

Overall Plumbing

The Home Inspection team will check for the overall health of the plumbing system of the house. Beginning with the cursory examination – checking the faucet, drains, water pressure etc – the inspection team will look for plumbing issues in a much more in-depth manner.

i. Bathroom

Under plumbing inspection, special attention is given to the bathroom which happens to be the den of moisture.

The main problem that happens in the bathroom is the blockage of drains. The Home inspector looks for signs of blockage of the drains – the main drains, the drain on the sink etc. Along with that, the inspection team will inspect the floor of the bathroom to see if there is presence of water pocket, deterioration at tile grout etc. Since the walls of the bathroom are more susceptible to water damage, the inspection team will look for extra measures taken to avoid water damage. A good Home Inspection team will also look for potential causes of water wastage – like dripping faucets, leakage in the shower pipe etc.

Bathrooms can be a conducive place for the moulds to grow. The Home Inspection team will look for moulds and stains. Along with that, it will ensure that the exhaust fan is working properly to remove odours, steam as well as for proper ventilation. Hence bathroom inspection will reveal potential issues that can create further hassles if left unnoticed.

ii. Kitchen

Just like bathrooms, kitchens are also susceptible to water and moisture damage. Home Inspectors look for signs of moisture-related damage in the Kitchen. They make sure that the wiring in the Kitchen is done with safety in mind. The team will also examine if the kitchen is well ventilated. There can be plumbing issues present in the kitchen like a dripping faucet, water not draining properly at floor & counter etc.

To know about other things which are looked at by Home inspectors in Kitchen & bathroom, Click here.

Electrical safety inspection is crucial to the overall safety of the home. Issues like tripping or sudden blackout can indicate bigger hidden problems.

Wiring & Electrical System Inspection

Electrical safety is crucial to the overall safety of the home. Issues like tripping or sudden blackout can indicate bigger hidden problems. A home inspection team has dedicated people who check the electrical wiring & system in the house. They check if there is any loose, naked electrical wire in the house, if the outlets are working properly, if there is any chance of a potential short circuit and most importantly, does the house have proper earthing or not. All these aspects and more are covered by the inspection team. Even minor issues like dysfunctional/jammed switches are not ignored. Each and every switch board and point where a home appliance is plugged in is checked for possible a short circuit / damage.

Roof Inspection

An inspection of the roof is important. And this includes checking of the floor for any crack, faulty sloping, etc. If the roof of the house doesn’t allow the water to pass due to clogging of the rainwater outlet, it can seep in and damage the interior ceiling and walls of the house.

Along with that, home inspectors look for vegetation growth on the roof that can cause much damage with their roots. Having said this, rooftop gardening has become popular in many places. Home inspection services check whether it is properly laid or not.

Home Inspectors also check the parapet wall condition and the strength of the railings attached to the roof to ensure that the roof is safe.

The Home Inspection service looks for any damage to the exterior facade of the house.

Inspection of the Exterior Areas

The same extensive checking is done on the exterior part of the home too depending on the requirement of the customer. The Home Inspection service looks for any damage to the exterior facade of the house. Are the exterior walls painted with waterproof paint? Is there any leakage in the pipes that is making the exterior walls wet? Is the exterior of the house free from any moisture-causing issues like mounds of mud, bad drainage, cracks, etc? Are the staircases safe to use and railings are sturdy enough… and so on.

The home inspection team does not just check the house, it also checks the surrounding ground. It looks for areas that can get slippery during the monsoon. It also examines if there is proper drainage that lets the water flow out of the property of the owners. The Home Inspector also looks for potential damage that can be caused by tree roots. It examines if there is any tree that is too close to the exterior part of building.

So, you can see that Home Inspection is not just a superficial glance at the house to look for small faults and damages. It is a comprehensive examination of all the aspects of the home. A professional home/property inspection services will let you have a peaceful future ahead. No unexpected issue will crop up. Hence it will protect your most important investment of life i.e. Home from unwanted / unforeseen damages.

The Uttar Pradesh real estate regulatory authority (UP Rera) has ordered an FIR against a developer for allegedly obstructing a government team from checking for illegal construction at his site.

RERA orders FIR against Mathura developer

The Uttar Pradesh real estate regulatory authority (UP-Rera) has ordered an FIR against a developer for allegedly obstructing a government team from checking for illegal construction at his site in Vrindavan, Mathura.

The authority, with the mandate to safeguard rights of homebuyers, also decided to impose a heavy penalty against the developer for selling flats illegally.

“We had received a complaint that the developer had developed and started selling units in a realty project without obtaining a registration number from us. The developer also obstructed officials doing their job. Therefore, we have ordered filing of an FIR in Vrindavan,” said Rajive Kumar, chairperson, UP-Rera. “The penalty will be 10% of total project cost. We have started the process of imposing the penalty. Our team will calculate the total cost of the project to figuring out the penalty amount.”

The UP-Rera team had visited the site on Wednesday. They had video recorded the incidents that followed. The developer’s staff at the site could be purportedly seen obstructing them with one heard saying, “How can you enter my premises … I do not know what is Rera.” The video was later found published on social media.

This is time the Rera had faced such resistance, an authority officials said. The developer was unavailable for comment.

The confederation of real estate developers association of India said that no project should be sold out without approvals.

“We do not appreciate the act of interfering in officials’ work. To restore the homebuyers confidence the promoters should comply with all rules of regulations,” said Subodh Kumar secretary of CREDAI.

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/others/rera-orders-fir-against-mathura-developer-101610734961940.html