Protect your Home from Masked Hazards

Not every masked object will be as vigilante & handsome as Antonio Banderas as in the 1998 Hollywood film-The Mask of Zorro. Your home can also be the safe haven of one or many masked entities. Sometimes a masked entity can be a hotspot of future issues waiting to lift its dangerous head to strike at its suitable moment or pierce its false teeth into your Home Sweet Home. Basically the masked structures take refuge or take birth due to various reasons unknown to the inhabitants of the home. Also since they are masked, it is neither possible nor feasible for a common man to even get a bit of idea about it. Or may be it is possible…… let us see how…

Every house has seven basic elements – walls, ceiling, floor, doors, windows, plumbing and electrical. These elements can conceal issues which as mentioned earlier can become humongous or pose serious threat in the proper functioning and safety of your home.

Many a times when the symptoms come to the forefront, the damage is already done or it’s too late.
‘Enough of Hide and Seek… now it is time for you to confront them head on.’

Walls: Yeh deewar tootni nahi chahiye

1. Hairline Diagonal crack – Most of the diagonal cracks portray building settlement and defects in building design. Diagonal cracks originate as hairline cracks on wall surface, but with time it gradually increases in length and depth. These cracks if not treated at the right time will gradually increase in depth and effect the building stability.

2. Hollowness in plaster surface – Newly painted walls does not forecast the condition of plaster surface beneath. Hollowness on plaster surface portrays the loss of stability of the wall surface due to thermal changes, moisture intrusion and multiple developing cracks. If not rectified at right time, this will gradually lead to collapse of the plaster surface and affect the habitability of residents living inside.

3. Finishing of External Wall – If the external wall has paint finish with exterior grade paint : #1 – prior to adequate curing of external wall surface plaster, #2 – on hollow plaster surface, will lead to inadequate bonding between paint and plaster surfaces. In the long run due to climatic changes and weathering action, moisture intrusion will occur in the deteriorated plaster and paint surface and will seep inside house. (Read our blog: Moisture / Damp / Seepage – The Invisible Silent Killer: Unsuspecting Criminal – https://macj-abuyerschoice.com/real-estate/moisture-damp-seepage-invisible-silent-killer-unsuspecting-criminal/)

Ceiling: Ceiling should be sealed

A smoothly painted false ceiling can hide:

  1. Leak from roof or above floor for few months. After that some discoloration > popping of paint > peeling > Termite / insects > water droplet > collapse of false ceiling.
  2. An inadequately supported false ceiling; which will lead to sagging of false ceiling.

A painted ceiling over RCC can hide:

  1. Loose plaster / hollow plaster – which will start to peel off / collapse.
  2. Rusted reinforcement (which is the back bone of the building); building with Rusted reinforcement is structurally not stable.
  3. Hide leak from roof or above floor for few months. After that some discoloration will occur & eventually lead to damage.

Floor: Keep your feet firmly on the ground!

1. Hollowness – It causes damaging of flooring surface either tiled / marble/ CC. Causes are due to uneven preparation of underlayments. Under the impact of super imposed load like furnitures, it may get damaged. Refilling / Relaying / rectifying the hollowness is possible. But the rectifications are costly as marble finish will require epoxy base materials where as similar shaded tiles are required in case of tile work.

2. Uneven Tile – It is visible but usually granted as minor issue hence neglected. Causes are due to uneven laying of tiles and sometimes curvature at tile edges by manufacturer itself. Rectification can only be done by relaying similar shaded tiles for uniformity.

3. Slope of flooring at wet areas and atmospherically exposed areas – It is also not visible unless inspected properly. Causes are due to improper levelling of flooring and poor workmanship. Water stagnancy / pocket/ accumulation/ catchment are some defects which lead to seepage and major damages in longer duration.

Door: Lock kiya jaye?

1. Stability – It is the prime technical aspect of a door, which is a prime form of security for occupants. Spalling of plaster, rattling of frame, distinct gap at frame joints are some symptoms which are caused due to stability issue rather than resistance to sudden impact. Inadequate anchorage frame fastener/ clamps/bracings/base support which is concealed at frame and adjoined wall/floor surface are invisible to naked eyes, hence stability of frame cannot not be easily assessed in a new flats/ houses.

2. Rottening of frame bottom portion – It is caused due to lack of seasoning of solid wooden frame and also if not treated properly at concealed bands of jamb. In the long run it’s been observed that wet patches arise at bottom portions and paint deterioration at adjoined painted wall surface. It also impacts the stability as higher the moisture content at wood leads to decay and expansion of intermolecular spaces, it loses the grip with anchorage fasteners/ clamps.

3. Rattling of door panels after locking – It is caused due to poor workmanship in installing the panel rather hinges and can be checked by providing PVC groove casing at jamb groove position for latch bolts. In the long run, separation gap can be observed as continuous rattling can affect the stability of door frame and even cause bending of panel in worst cases.

Window: A window is a gateway to opportunities, but only for yourself! / Open the window to let the sun and breeze in, good for us.

1. External gap around window frame – It can cause severe intrusion of moisture / water from the gaps and deteriorate the window frame with adjoined wall components.

2. Choosing of glass panes and panels – Shattering of glass panes can cause accidents to occupants or pedestrians below. Variety of toughened glass is available in market to suit one’s need.

3. Safety approach – Window sill if below particular height, then additional grill or fixed panel to be provided to restrict tripping off. Mostly found in bathrooms and common areas. But needs to be taken care as it might get fatal.

4. Drip mould at chajja – It restricts the flushed water from vertical external wall surface from splashing inside the unit. This minor work is neglected and we often see that box window with no drip mould are prone to seepage / moisture intrusion.

Plumbing: Plumber wale Babu mera pipe thik kare dey

1. Concealed leakage – Plumbing lines are mostly concealed at wall or floor surface, invisible through bare eyes. It occurs due to poor workmanship during installation, poor joint packing compound/ material, lower grade pipes/ corrosive pipes, over lapping, wearing due to time lapse. It will show wet patches at painted wall surfaces portions around the wet area, rising dampness above skirting level of painted wall surface, stains at bathrooms wall finishing.

2. Grouting – Being the most integral pipe fitting component, it is important to provide non-shrinking, workable and high strength grouting component. The floor outlet position, wall insertions needs grouting else water infiltration will occur and travel along the floor bed mortar level and effect lower floor occupants by water percolation from ceiling, rising dampness at surrounding walls, dirt accumulation and flooring joint filling deterioration around.

Electrical: Be an Electrical Safety hero. Score an accident zero

  1. Loss of current – Generally wire passing is conveyed by conduits running concealed inside wall/ ceiling/ floor surfaces – Practically not visible with bare eyes. If any damage occurs at concealed wiring during home renovation or wire pulling, electric loss will occur and human conduction can even be fatal.

Your home should be filled with happiness in every nook and corner. Our sole motive is to keep your home hale and hearty and hence we want you to know what can be hidden behind every element. We do not want you to get distraught and get worried regarding one of the biggest investments that you have made or might make in your life. So it’s better you unmask the issues rather than waiting for the issues to unmask themselves. Be wise and get your home inspection done at the right time.

Improper hinge size can cause stability issue

Detect Issues

Hinges not flushed within window section.

Describe Issues

The size of the hinges not matching with the window section, due to which hinges not flushing within window section and hence it is not  tightly  fixed as required. These will eventually cause stability issues of both hinges & panel and there will be chances of panel getting detached from window section.

If not rectified at the right time, will hamper occupants by adding repair cost and damage and also become a safety issue.

Direct Solutions

We recommend vendor to review & replace with suitable size hinge.

Thermal Imaging & Trained Team helps in assessing, finding source & solution to serious damp/seepage problem in an operating Commercial Complex

Thermal Imaging & Trained Team helps in assessing, finding source & solution to serious damp / seepage problem in an operating Commercial Complex

Thermal Imaging Technology, Latest Tools and Trained Team helps in assessing and finding source & solution to serious damp / seepage problem in an operating Shopping Mall cum Office Complex

The Serious Problem of Damp / Seepage - Moisture Intrusion

Operating Shopping Mall cum Office Complex in a key location of Kolkata, India.

The complex was facing severe damp problems. The maintenance team got multiple repairs and also the water proofing treatment done which lasted for some time but problems reappeared. It was both waste of time and money and most importantly having adverse effects on human health and the shelf life of the structure.

Being a running shopping complex / office space it was not prudent to shut it down for rectification for long duration – What was required was a quick as well as accurate & long term solution.

Fortunately they found MACJ – A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections when they were searching the web and in the MACJ website they saw how, through infrared technology, tools and trained team, MACJ – A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections is able to track and find the source of hidden damp / seepage intrusion with long term solutions.

Team MACJ was summoned to assess and find a long lasting solution.

We shall describe a particular office space that was affected in multiple areas due to moisture / damp from multiple sources.

Observations

The moisture / damp / damage had spread in different areas as mentioned below:

  • High moisture content, Damp, Peeling of plaster noted on window sill & popping up paint under the window in the Conference Room along the entire front wall.
  • Popping up of paint, Stains and Moisture presence noted In the Bathroom Alley walls,
  • Moisture and mold noted in Bathroom 1,
  • Moisture and leak stains noted in Pantry,
  • Moisture noted along the joints of floor tiles in Bathroom 2.

Tracking the Source and Reasons of the Problems through
Thermal Imaging Technology and Trained Team

  • In the conference room – Gaskets were not provided at window glass and the window opening junctions had deteriorated sealants;
  • Bathroom 1 – Major leakage in plumbing duct – Duct was enclosed and inaccessible; as seen by infrared camera moisture flow seen along the duct walls;
  • Pantry – Leak at outlet and water presence at the counter directly affecting the walls;
  • Bathroom 2 – Affecting walls of adjoining office due to Improper grouting at floor outlet and Gaps noted on wall & floor tiles joints;
  • Bathrooms /Pantry Alley  –  Walls affected by multiple reasons  –
    • Conceal drain pipe of AC
    • Moisture from the bathroom 1 wall
    • Seepage from Pantry
    • All along the lower portions due to seepage from tiled floors and inadequate plaster work

Simple & Low Cost Solutions

Before anything and everything, the source needs to repaired

  1. Conference room
    • Installation of suitable gasket in glass panel;
    • Window Gaps – Sealing with exterior grade silicone sealant in dry condition as per manufacturer specification;
  2. Bathroom 1
    • Plumbing duct leak to be repaired;
    • Floor outlet to be grouted by non–shrink grout;
    • Gaps to be sealed by silicone sealant;
  3. Pantry
    • Plumbing leak to be repaired;
    • Counter junction to be sealed with adequate sealant;
  4. Bathroom 2
    • Floor outlet to be grouted by non–shrink grout;
    • Gaps to be sealed by silicone sealant;
  5. Bathroom / Pantry Alley
    • AC drain pipe elbow to be reinstalled;
    • Plumbing duct to be repaired;
    • Plumbing repairs to be done;
    • Gaps to be sealed
  6. Plaster to be chipped off and affected areas to be left for drying, re- plastering, curing and paint finish;

Crux of the Matter

The moisture detected was both due to internal and external intrusion of damp / seepage in the building. The wet areas were primarily affected due to workmanship and plumbing work. The other areas affected due to improper installation of AC and external openings not made water tight.

In this case we got to know that intrusion of internal moisture was mainly from plumbing defects in wet areas i.e.bathroom, pantry and external duct and some other issues like junction gap in bathroom tile, door frame, floor tiles. All these things contribute to moisture intrusion.  Workmanship is a very crucial factor in construction.

First and foremost, the source of moisture / damp / seepage has to be identified, then rectified in proper way and sequence and then the affected areas need to be rectified.  And all this can only be done with the help of state of the art technology, tools and trained team. MACJ excels in this sphere of work – it was only a matter of time that the source was identified and long term solutions determined.

Also property maintenance is very important.  If periodical maintenance or health check-up of any property is not carried out or problems are overlooked, then deterioration will occur and the issues will spread. It will adversely affect both the human health and property life. Taking care of the elements of any property will not only ensure smooth functioning but will also provide those elements a longer and healthy life.

To know more, please read through our related Blog:

https://macj-abuyerschoice.com/damp-seepage-assessment-with-solutions-through-thermal-imaging-technology/

MACJ – A Buyer’s Choice Home Inspections
Inspected Once – Inspected Right
Long Term Solution – Low Cost of Repair – Least Destruction
We ensure Long, Safe& Healthy Life of your Dream Homes

Damaged insulation can affect your home

Detect Issues

Damaged insulation around AC gas pipe.

Describe Issues

Damaged insulation around AC gas pipe will lead to condensation of moisture due to surrounding warm air around cold piping. Condensed moisture will further damage the surrounding areas by intruding through weaker junction. If not rectified at right time will damage the related walls and create  unhealthy condition for residents in future.

Direct Solutions

We recommend replacing the damaged insulation and / or winding to be done with suitable insulation tape.

Purpose of Insulation in AC

Insulation in air conditioning system is primarily used to prevent contact with surrounding warm air and thereby preventing the icing of water vapour and condensation on cold surface.

How a Realtor can Benefit from a Home Inspection

Here comes the Hot-stepper, not a Deal Breaker!

A home inspection is not only favorable for the buyers & sellers, but it is also quite beneficial for the Real Estate Agent too. Because a realtor is the person who represents the buyer or the seller, they can advocate for the client when they know details about the property. For an instance, a buyer’s agent can tactfully negotiate with the seller for a price revision. Similarly, a seller’s agent can guide the home buyer when he knows the details about the home inspection reports. At this point, the property broker can also help the seller in making an educated decision on the repairs and the selling price before listing the property for sale.

Property brokers may tend to think that Home Inspectors are simply fault finders and the brokers’ sale will fall through for them. However, there is a strong argument for why an ethical agent’s referral adds value to the buyer and benefits all involved. A seasoned real estate agent has years of experience and expertise in the local market and will save a buyer a lot of time, money and frustration by promoting and recommending the concept of Home Inspection.

Realtors’ Survey in USA

  • Eighty-four (84%) percent of buyers requested a home inspection as part of purchase contract.
  • Nearly all realtors (92%) recommend that the buyer get a home inspection.
  • Most Real Estate Agents (84%) have not had any sellers contracts terminated as a result of a home inspection.

Home Inspection adds to Real Estate Agents’ Brand & Credibility and in turn Business Growth

  • Home Inspection can greatly assist in the sales process by making a buyer feel more confident about the purchase. Realtors can discuss the pros and cons with home buyers when they know details about the inspection.
  • Enables real estate agent to make sellers understand the health condition / potential issues in their property.
  • Realtors can Make Recommendations for Repairs. In that way, a seller / buyer can plan to the repair or negotiate on the selling price as per the market status.
  • Builds credibility, makes agents look more professional, and promotes referrals.
  • Increased Referrals From Satisfied Customers – Increased Business

Benefits of Pre – Listing Home Inspection by Property Brokers

Serving the Client
In an ideal situation, the buyers should rely on the experience of their agents for matters as important as Home Inspection. Infact agent referral should actually add value to the buyer. Real estate agents should look at the bigger picture and the bigger picture is caring most about the client’s satisfaction. It’s a question of serving the clients and building strong relationships. For the ones who truly understand the scenario, building strong relationships and good client service is a way to help all involved. It provides the home inspector with business, helps home buyers by providing them access to a dependable home inspector and provides the real estate agents with a solid reputation and peace of mind.

Protecting your Interests
The admonishment of “buyer beware” is especially relevant when it comes to buying a home. Real estate agents and buyers depend on the seller and the listing agent to provide the initial information regarding a property’s condition. When looking for a qualified home inspector, your first thought may well be to ask your real estate agent. After all, he has got you this far. A qualified home inspector is important to an agent’s business. Agents don’t want a finger pointed at them. Reputable real estate agent would not withhold information from a buyer or induce a third-party vendor to withhold information. Agents want their buyers to have full disclosure and be fully informed, those who aren’t will come back to haunt their agents after closing. More importantly, duped clients won’t refer anyone else to them, and given the word-of-mouth nature of the real-estate business, that’s the kiss of death.

Ask your Broker for a Home Inspection report
Besides, a home inspector’s negative findings don’t necessarily mean a deal is off. Buyer’s agents can negotiate repairs or cash credits as compensation. Only as a last resort do they advise the buyer to walk away if the home inspection reflects too many problems. Agents know what you should expect from the inspector, an in depth and complete written report highlighting the issues found along with their recommendations. But it should be objective and devoid of editorial sentiment. The commentary should detail different elements of the home but never offer sweeping generalisations about it.

Don’t get panicked
The agents’ usual problem with home inspectors is not so much that they’ll whitewash certain defects as that they’ll induce panic. They tend to get a panic attack the moment they hear that the property is going to be inspected. They have this inherent wrong idea that the home inspectors work against them, which is absolutely not the case. The Home Inspectors have no intention to tarnish the image of the agents whatsoever. But they should understand that it is in the best interest for all the parties involved. Home Inspectors are the Hot-steppers or the skilled people who are here to help the broker’s sale. They are absolutely not the deal breakers.

To have a competitive edge over others
The brokers can potentially sell the home for more money. If you are able to produce an inspection report that certifies your house as issue-free and without need for any major maintenance, this will help attract buyers. This may save the buyer the cost of arranging their own inspection, and helps ensure an overall smoother closing process. Buyers will have greater confidence in making an offer on your property, because they will have an official document and comfort from an unbiased third party certifying its true condition and value. The brokers, meanwhile can remain stress free.

Last but not the Least – Broker responsibility under the new Act – RERA

  • RERA Registration with all details
  • Maintain records
  • To keep home buyers informed with true project / unit status
  • To sell only registered projects
  • Promoters to display real estate agents’ names on their website
  • Penal Provisions – imprisonment up to one year / fine of up to 5% of the unit cost

Hence, it is safe to say the Home Inspection can greatly benefit a Real Estate Agent in:

  • Client Service – Greater Customer Satisfaction
  • Increase in Trust & Goodwill
  • Increased Professionalism & Brand – more referrals – more business

Realtors can’t lure investors by promising ‘assured returns’

RERA Haryana

Terming such schemes as “fraud”, the authority said SEBI has already declared “assured returns” as illegal Ponzi schemes.

GURUGRAM: Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (H-Rera) is going to issue notices to developers who are trying to lure people to invest in their residential and commercial projects, promising “assured returns”.

To lure people to invest in their real estate projects, many developers are offering “assured returns” schemes, in which investors in residential projects are assured of a fixed rental income, while in commercial projects, those assured returns go up to as much as 12%.

“It has come to our notice that many real estate firms are trying to lure investors through “assured returns” schemes, which is basically a financial scam promising very high returns,” said Gurugram H-Rera chairman K K Khandelwal, adding the body is preparing a list of such companies for criminal action by the authority.

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/real-estate/realtors-cant-lure-investors-by-promising-assured-returns-rera/articleshow/66876815.cms

Fill the junction gaps to save walls

Detect Issues

Popping off paint noted on wall surface.

Describe Issues

Moisture is originated from adjacent kitchen sink area. This has happened due to gap between sink counter & counter beading on wall surface at kitchen side. If source is not rectified at the right time, can further cause paint deterioration and other damages in the attached / associated areas. This will create unhealthy living conditions for residents and add a cost & time lag during repair.

Direct Solutions

We recommend joint cleaning & filling with stone grout of matching pigment.

Customer is the King: Maharera, Mumbai’s Landmark Judgement on (Refund of Amount with Interest for Delayed Possession)

MahaRERA Updates

In, Avinash Saraf versus Runwal Homes Private Limited case, the landmark judgement given by MAHARERA, Mumbai, having complaint number 32, Dated 13th October 2017. Final judgement is given by Honorable Shri B. D. KAPADNIS. The complainants contended that they have paid 97% of total consideration of the flat. The date of possession of the flat was August, 2016, as per agreement of sale executed in November 2014, but the respondent failed to give the Possession in time.

And hence the complainant demanded the amount of consideration with interest @ 21% p.a. from the respondent with compensation for amount expended towards stamp duty and registration charges.

The respondent contended that MAHARERA has come into effect from 1st May 2017. Therefore MAHARERA has no jurisdiction entertain this complaint. The date of possession was delayed due to delay in getting permission for constructing parking from MCGM (Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai), for the reasons beyond control of the respondent.

Now point for consideration before The Honorable judge was whether the complainant is entitled to get back the amount paid to respondent with interest and compensation? He answered affirmatively with the following reasons.

The cause of action for claiming possession after the lapse of agreed date of possession becomes recurring course of action. Therefore MAHARERA has the jurisdiction under section 79 of the Act. The reasons given by respondent for delay in possession is also not acceptable, since the agreement was executed in November 2014 it means the respondent was aware of the time for giving possession.

Finally honorable judge has delivered the following judgment.

To refund entire amount paid to the respondent till date with interest and compensation for amount paid towards stamp duty and registration charges. Rate of interest upto the date of 30th April 2017 was decided @ 9% per annum. And from 1st May 2017 the rate of interest was decided to be the interest at SBI’s highest marginal cost of lending rate + 2% p.a. till the date of final payment to the complainant.

The complainant got finally Rs. 1,74,17,986/- + Rs.8,86,800/- towards stamp duty registration charges + Rs. 11,00,000/- towards interest till 30th April 2017 + interest at SBI marginal cost of lending rate plus 2% p.a. till the date of final payment to the complainant.

Soure: https://taxguru.in/corporate-law/customs-king-maharera-mumbais-landmark-judgement-refund-amount-interest-delayed-possession.html?amp

Final Order of Judgement.pdf

Improper wire connections can cause fire hazard

Detect Issues

MCB is overheating.

Describe Issues

This can burn the distribution box and cause fire and safety hazard for residents. If rectified at the right time, it will keep you & your home safe.

Direct Solutions

Overheating is due to loose wire connections with MCB. We recommend jointing using LUG.

Purpose of Lugs at electrical wiring

Cable lugs are connecting devices used primarily for terminating and joining cable & wire conductors in electrical installations and equipment.