Centre plans to set up common online platform for RERA of all states, UTs
NEW DELHI
The Centre has planned to set up a common online platform for the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) of all states and UTs, a move which will provide an opportunity to home-buyers, builders and authorities to exchange views. Announcing the government’s plan here, Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra said that with this platform, the real estate law will become “more strong”.
Under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, all states are mandated to constitute their respective real estate regulator RERA which provides proper protection to home buyers.
“We are working to introduce a common platform where RERA of all states and Union Territories (UTs) can exchange their views. With this, RERA will be more strong,” he said.
According to the ministry, as per the norms of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), home-buyers will not be able to avail Credit Linked Subsidy Scheme (CLSS) under the mission if real estate project is not registered under RERA.
Under PMAY (U), home-buyers can avail an interest subsidy of upto 2.67 lakh.
Later, Mishra told reporters that on the online platform, any state RERA can study an order of other states in a particular matter. Also, home-buyers and builders can give their views on this issue.
Giving details about real estate projects on the fourth anniversary of PMAY (U), AMRUT and Smart Cities Mission, the secretary said that till now, over 42,000 projects have been registered under RERA while more than 32,000 real estate agents have been registered.
On his part, Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said that wherever the central real estate law has been implemented, it has made a “very big difference”.
RERA is a real estate regulator and it gives an opportunity to home-buyers to register their complaint against builders, Puri also said.
Mishra said that 30 states and UTs have notified RERA, but West Bengal has notified its own real estate regulator – Housing and Industrial Regulation Act, 2017 (HIRA).
In July last year, the ministry had sought the opinion of the Law Ministry over West Bengal notifying its own real estate law instead of implementing the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act enacted by Parliament.
Protect your wooden door panel in rainy season
Detect Issues
Wooden door panel is rubbing and hitting the frame.
Describe Issues
No gap left/ made in between panel & frame after closing. This issue has happened as wood has a feature of seasonal expansion which can lead to door panel not getting closed in some cases or getting closed with pressure in others. This can create problems in rainy season.
Direct Solutions
We recommend maintaining uniform 3 mm gap all around with carpentry jack plane.
Home Inspection: A New Lucrative Career in India
Although the concept of home inspection is new in India, the demand for the service has been on a steady rise. A large number of Indians, as well as NRI homebuyers, are opting for home inspection before investing in a property, new or resale. And interestingly, it is not the homebuyers only who are getting benefitted from it; all the stakeholders in the real estate space including sellers, resellers, builders and developers, and interior designers are reaping benefits from home inspection. It is turning out to be a win-win proposition for all. This remarkable end-user response is drawing support from the government as well. Recently introduced RERA also encourages quality check of the real estate property purchased by an individual. So, clearly, home inspection as a service has a bright future, which means, one can consider it as a lucrative field to build a successful career.
The job of a home inspector
To know if you have a career in home inspection, you must first try to understand what all the job of a home inspector covers:
- Studying the property details:
- Whether a property is under construction, newly built and ready to move-in, new but second hand, or old; an apartment in a housing society or a standalone house, etc.
- Construction and repair history
- Location details: Proximity to a water body, low-lying area, elevated area, the climatic condition of the place, etc.
- Visiting the site
- Inspecting each and every component of the property – exterior as well as the interior: walls, ceilings, floors, doors and windows, plumbing system, electrical wiring system, furniture, appliance outlets, driveway, roofs etc. Learning how to use advance scanning devices.
- Documenting the observations made.
- Producing a report combining text and images.
- Advising the best possible solutions to the damages detected.
Who can be a home inspector?
To become a Home Inspector, the requirement and qualification are not too difficult. Even a graduate, the diploma holder, retired professional, educated housewives or non-technical people can become home inspectors. They need to be smart & intelligent enough to run & manage their business. They have to do a home inspection certification course along with related practical training. They can enrol in an online or offline home inspection certificate course1 and learn the nitty-gritty of the job.
This is also a good career option for engineers and interior designers. Home inspector is a new career option for them. For the core job, people from streams like civil, mechanical, electrical are better suited.
What are the skills needed to become a successful home inspector?
More than a degree it is the following skills that are needed to become a successful home inspector:
- Observing skills – the person must have an eye for detail.
- Well conversant with the construction processes and materials used.
- Highly diligent, non-tiring
- Analytical
- Moderate risk-taking ability
A basic sense of aesthetics is a must if you want to join this profession because without that you may not be able to read some subtle signs of damage in a home.
Career prospects in home inspection: An outlook
The sky is the limit for students qualified in home inspection. There are huge, untapped skill development and business opportunity waiting there for them to explore. They must go for it before the competition rises and the field becomes saturated just like the way it has happened in many other sectors. Instead of waiting for a conventional job or landing a not-so-satisfactory job after completing graduation / post-graduation, they must educate themselves in a new subject like a home inspection. After completing the home inspection course2, they can kick-start their career by interning with one of the premier home inspection companies like MACJ – A Buyers Choice in India and then choose to go for a full-time job. The median annual salary for inspectors in 2019 is around Rupees 3 to 4 lakhs. The projected growth rate for home inspectors in India is almost similar to the average of all the emerging occupations in India.
However, there is nothing like starting your own venture in home inspection. You can be your own boss from Day 1 and start earning around Rupees 50,000 or much more per month!
Here’s how you do it:
Franchise opportunity in home inspection
The concept of franchising in home inspection is gaining popularity in India. Entrepreneurs who once used to run their own standalone businesses are now considering a shift to the franchise model for growing their business. The reasons are pretty simple. Buying a franchise reduces the risk of going through the entire process business set-up to a large extent. The franchisor provides a franchisee with an already established business model, all the necessary guidance on an ongoing basis, and assistance in terms of systems and instruments (in some cases), inspection/marketing, etc – everything in return for a fee that can be one-time or periodic in nature. Other general advantages of buying a franchise3 are:
- Independence of doing business supported by an already established brand
- You don’t need any prior business experience. You are trained by your franchisor.
- Higher rate of success than any start-up business
- Pre-established processes & systems in place.
- Securing finance is easier in a franchise business
- You can build on the brand’s reputation, brand image, and proven work tactics
Entrepreneurs with prior experience in construction and home remodelling or interior design may find this business model suitable as they already have a working knowledge of the same. With a perfect team of professionals, a couple of licenses, training, and a proper business plan they can start earning handsomely from it from the first year itself.
Viability of the franchise model in this sunshine industry in India
Home inspection is still largely an unorganized sector in India with only a few big names like e-Ghar, MACJ – A Buyer’s Choice, HomeInspektor, measurement, check prop, Nemmadi, etc making an impact. The industry is a sunrise sector with little competition at this stage, leaves good scope for promising entrepreneurs to make headway and succeed. Before the socio-economic scenario changes and the sector reorients itself, these entrepreneurs must take the plunge and leverage the success of these brands by becoming their franchisee or start on their own.
If you see yourself as one of these entrepreneurs here are the three reasons why you must not delay any longer:
- The sector is new, which means there is a lot of potential in it
- The sector serves the heart of the Indian economy – Real Estate
- Over 100% ROI potential on an annualized basis
To learn more about this winning business model, click here.
India’s startup scene4 is looking brighter than ever. The ecosystem, which is the world’s 2nd largest, is estimated to grow at the rate of 10-12% year-over-year. In H1 20195 alone, Indian startups raised US$4.88 billion, an increase of 8.7% YoY. You must cash on this buoyancy. Ride the wave and build a successful career in home inspection.
Reference links used:
1. https://www.nachi.org/recommended-home-inspector-courses.htm
2. https://icaschool.com/
3. https://www.indiafilings.com/learn/franchising-advantages-and-disadvantages/
4. https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/international/go-to-market-guide/indian-startup-ecosystem.html
5. https://yourstory.com/2019/07/india-startup-funding-report-wework-ipo
Ceiling’s Damp/Leakage/Seepage Mystery Solved by MACJ – ABCHI!
Classic Case of Mystery Water Seepage from False Ceiling of a High End Residence. The Flat was facing Severe Seepage Problem. The Owner had major waterproofing done on the above floor last year only, spending Lacs of rupees on the repairing, but it did not solve the issue. Witness how Team MACJ reached to the root cause of the leakage and solve the Mystery.
The Team uses Specialised Tools, Equipments & Gadgets like Moisture Meter, Thermal Imaging Cameras and Infrared Technology to detect the Source of the Moisture. And provides a Comprehensive Report to its Client in which all the issues are explained and are backed up by Colour images for reference. Not only that the report also explains the relevant solution to stop the leakage / Seepage that how it can be resolved in the most cost effective manner and provides a long term solution.
Builders must provide financial plans of projects to Tamil Nadu RERA
CHENNAI
Builders of large housing projects in the state will soon have to convince the Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TNRERA) that they have the money to complete them and not leave home-buyers in the lurch midway.
“The basic idea is they should have a financial plan for completing the housing project,” TNRERA chairman K Gnanadesikan told TOI. The real estate regulator has already asked a couple of developers in the city to furnish these details before registering the projects. Developers of projects with 100 units and more must compulsorily present their financial contingency plan to TNRERA.
The TNRERA move comes against the background of several housing projects across the country being abandoned midway due to lack of funds with developers, leaving homebuyers in the lurch. According to the Tamil Nadu Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules, 2017, all ongoing housing projects above eight units or more than 5000 square feet should be registered with the TNRERA. The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, states that 70 per cent of the amount realised from buyers must be deposited in a separate escrow account, which would be released by the banks after completion of each stage of the construction.
TNRERA sources said that some projects come to a standstill at different stages largely due to insufficient funds. This leaves customers in trouble. The financial contingency plans will help to protect buyers’ interests as they will have roadmaps to raise funds through tie-ups with financial institutions.
According to data with ANAROCK property consultants, 8,650 apartment units worth Rs. 5,620 crore launched before 2013 are yet to be handed over to buyers in Chennai.
The Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Association of India (CREDAI) has welcomed the move. Its Chennai chapter president W S Habib said, “After the implementation of the real estate Act, fly-by-night developers have almost disappeared. The new development will be an extra cover for protecting homebuyers investments,” he added.
Beware! while choosing switch for AC
Detect Issues
Switch is used for air conditioner.
Describe Issues
In case of overloading in AC, starter will trip and hence will break the circuit whereas providing switch will lead to burning of AC motor. If not rectified at the right it can lead to electrical safety hazard in future, and also add an extra cost of repair or replacement.
Direct Solutions
We recommend to replace the Switch with adjustable amp AC Starter.
7 Common Household Hazards to Watch Out For
A home can turn out to be a surprisingly dangerous place if some obvious signs of caveats go unnoticed for days. The damage could be immediate and one-time or slow having far-reaching effects. To know how healthy is your home, you must be vigilant enough and run visual checks from time to time or opt for a home inspection for an expert assessment. A home inspection is capable of identifying every household hazard that can compromise your family’s safety and saves you from possible disasters.
Here are 7 common household hazards that you must watch out to avoid future damages:
1. Excess Moisture < Condensation < Damp
Damp is the silent monster that damages the structural integrity of a building. It creates unsightly patches on ceilings and walls, causes floor tiles and wall tiles to bulge at places and timber fittings to loosen over time. But damaged aesthetics is not the only side-effect of damp. It has a significant adverse effect on Human Health. It has a multiplier effect, the root cause of which lies in excess moisture generation inside the house. How is this excess moisture generated? – There are multiple ways and these are the real hazards for which you must stay alert:
- High atmospheric humidity and poorly insulated walls
- Plumbing failures leading to leakage/ seepage
- Poorly fitted window frames and panes which can let in rainwater
- Ponding or water stagnation on roofs or bathrooms due to wrong sloping of the floor, clogged drains, etc.
- Construction defects leading to water penetration
Excess moisture leads to excessive condensation, which in turn results in a damp attack.
What can be done to prevent damp hazard?
- Damp proofing is the ultimate long-term prevention against moisture decay. Generally, at the time of construction, a preventive damp-proof course is installed at the base of the walls to prevent rising damp from damaging the wall fabric. If you still notice any signs of damage on the walls (especially, in the ground floor) you must consider a corrective damp-proofing but not before a proper damp assessment.
- Repairing plumbing leaks on an urgent basis.
- Waterproofing the ceiling.
- Ultimately, the objective should be to find the source of the problem for long term solution.
However, as we said, ruined aesthetics is just one of the numerous damages that are caused by damp. Dampness also leads to uncontrolled growth of disease-causing microorganisms and may cause accidents from short circuits in the concealed electrical wiring system of a house.
2. Algal and fungal attack
Generally misunderstood as condensation, the dark spots in your roofs are much more serious problem- algae. These are micro-organisms that grow in colonies in a damp environment. In a humid climate, especially in neighbourhoods with plenty of shade and trees, blue-green algae are seen growing on rooftops. Inside the house, fungal growth can be noticed on old, decaying furniture. Black spots of moulds though rare in Indian homes are also an obvious effect of damp. Moulds pose as a serious health threat for house inmates as they cause allergy, asthma, and skin diseases.
How to prevent fungal growth?
Proper cleaning and drying, preceded by water removal, is the only solution to prevent algae and fungal growth. But this activity should not be taken as a one-off task. You must repeat after every heavy shower or at least, after the monsoon so that the damp effect is reduced to the lowest. Using dehumidifier at home also helps to keep indoor moisture under check.
3. Fire hazard
Fire is the biggest killer among all home accidents and there could be multiple causes of fire. The most common causes are – gas cylinder leakage, a problem in the air conditioning unit, short circuit, water in the concealed electrical wiring system of the house.
How to minimize the risk?
- Have your electrical system checked by a home inspection team
- Ask your LPG delivery person to check the cylinder for any leakage
- Turn off the knob of the cylinder when you’re not cooking
- Switch to UPVC sheets from asbestos for driveways and roofing. Asbestos is both toxic as well as flammable
- Consider installing a smoke detector in your house
Follow other standard safety rules to prevent a fire1 in your home.
4. Lead-based paint
Doctors refer to lead poisoning as ‘silent epidemic’. The human body cannot digest and excrete lead. So, long-term exposure to lead and its deposition in the body can cause serious damage to health, especially in infants and pregnant women. Paint is one of the many household products that contain this toxic element as pigments. Lead makes paint durable, moisture resistant, and helps in quick drying. But at the same time, it exposes inmates to serious health threats such as anaemia, learning and cognitive disability in children, and birth defects, etc.
Choose lead-free paint for a healthy & happy home
In India, nowadays, many major paint brands like Asian Paints, Berger Paints, and Kansai Nerolac are making lead-free paint2. If your house is old, consider repainting it, using products manufactured by these companies. You may also consider using their damp-proofing paint solutions3 if there is a damp problem. But before going in for any investment, get the hazard assessment done through a home inspection.
5. Carbon Monoxide
The by-product of combustion, carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas, having no smell or taste. Common household items like gas fires, oil-burning furnaces, portable generators, charcoal grills increase the risk of exposure to this poisonous gas. Frequent CO exposure can cause long-term problems including congestive heart and failed renal system, etc. CO binds to haemoglobin over 200 times more easily than oxygen. So, oxygen doesn’t find space to get into the haemoglobin. As a result, cells become oxygen-starved leading to death- a condition called CO poisoning.
CO leaks can be prevented by keeping appliances in good working condition. Besides, you must also keep your room well ventilated, use kitchen chimney, and stop using charcoal in an indoor barbecue.
6. Mud cracks, alligatoring, and other paint hazards
Limited tolerance of paint or asphalt to thermal expansion and contraction produces alligatoring4, a pattern of cracks resembling alligator skin. When left unattended, these cracks widen up to let in water from outside. Natural ageing of oil-based paints due to temperature fluctuation and other application errors may lead to alligatoring.
What can be done?
Alligatoring on painted walls can be repaired by removing the old paint and repainting them all over again. It is easy to find a remedy for such a hazard but you must get to the root cause behind it. And for that, a home inspection is the best solution.
7. Decay
The disintegration of wood can be a real household hazard as it leads to fungal growth. You can easily identify a decaying wooden product5 in your home but what you may not gather is the cause behind it. The decay may set in due to many reasons. One reason could be the quality of the wood and the polish on it. The other reason has to be high moisture content of the house. To ascertain which one is the real cause, you must get seek an expert’s opinion. Home inspectors use moisture meters and other advanced technology devices to assess the moisture level of your home. They also throw light on small but important things like the ideal gap between walls and the furniture and extent of the decay, etc.
Maintaining a safe and secure environment in your home where you and your family can live without fearing any hazard is a basic priority. Sometimes you can ensure that and sometimes you cannot. Also, a DIY project is not always a feasible option. So, you must consult a professional if it demands so. Hire a home inspector and get your home checked for all sorts of hazard for we all know: A stitch in time saves nine.
Reference links used:
- https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire.html
- https://www.asianpaints.com/content/ap/hi/home/green-assure.html
- https://www.bergerpaints.com/imaginecolours/decor-culture/damp-proofing-freedom-damp-walls
- https://www.dulux.com.au/how-to/general/paint-problem-solver/exterior-paint-problem-solver/alligatoring
- https://www.permachink.com/blog/all-about-wood-decay-and-how-to-prevent-it
Basement’s Damp/ Leakage/ Seepage Mystery Solved by MACJ – ABCHI!
Classic Case of Mystery Water Leakage/ Seepage at Basement from False Ceiling of a Leading Brand’s upcoming Showroom. The Showroom was facing Severe Leakage/ Seepage Problem. Vendors were unable to detect the Source of the Leakage/ Seepage, witness how Team MACJ reached to the root cause of the leakage and solve the Mystery.
The Team uses Specialised Tools, Equipments & Gadgets like Moisture Meter, Thermal Imaging Cameras and Infrared Technology to detect the Source of the Moisture. And provides a Comprehensive Report to its Client in which all the issues are explained and are backed up by Colour images for reference. Not only that the report also explains the relevant solution to stop the leakage/ Seepage that how it can be resolved in the most cost effective manner and provides a long term solution.
Rajasthan RERA serves notices to nine developers for violations
JAIPUR
After nearly one-and-a-half year, the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), Rajasthan, on Wednesday once again swung into action and issued notices to nine developers who were allegedly violating the norms.
The authority cancelled the registration of one project, while it issued show-cause notices to developers for advertising their projects without getting registered under the RERA (Rajasthan).
An official source said, “One developer who had proposed a project in Pratap Nagar near NRI colony has allegedly claimed that the land belongs to him. For the same, an affidavit was submitted, while registering the project at RERA. However, a complaint was received against the developer and during examination, it was proved that the land doesn’t belong to him and RERA cancelled the registration.”
To others notices were issued also under Section 35(1) of the RERA Act 2016 to builders for advertisement of project without prior registration. The authority has also directed these developers to stop such illegal actions immediately and explain in writing within seven days. “The developers violated the law as the advertisement, market, book, sale or offer for sale or invite person to purchase in any manner, any plot, apartment or building in the real estate project prior to registration of the sale under the said Act is prohibited,” said the source.
The authorities would impose penalty if these developers are found guilty. “In case the explanation is not submitted within given time, the authorities may take action,” said a source.