Praveen G P | ApnaComplex Blog | Apartment Management Platform

Praveen G P
November 26, 2021

Brand Activation: Here is why you should conduct it more often for your society’s benefit

There are several ways using which a Society can generate revenue, however, Brand Activation remains to be the one sure way to get that income coming in.

How does Brand Activation work?

ApnaComplex works and negotiates with thousands of premium brands for this very purpose. When societies partner with an aggregator like ApnaComplex, we bring in those brands that we have tied up with and enable them to put up stalls and conduct other promotional activities inside the premises of the society.

These brands pay a significant amount as “rent” to societies for allowing stalls and other promotional activities. These rates depend on the size of the society and the duration of the event.

This makes the entire Brand Activation process a lucrative opportunity for Societies and they can generate substantial revenue through it.

The ApnaComplex Advantage for Societies

Societies can benefit immensely by partnering with ApnaComplex and there are several advantages to the former.

Approved and trusted brands

ApnaComplex brings in brands that are genuine and only after approved by the society. The activations are done as per the schedule of the society.

Steady revenue for societies

Through frequent Brand Activations, societies can generate steady revenue. On average, a society can generate ₹20,000 to a few lakhs a month depending on the size of the society.

This renders the need to increase maintenance charges unnecessary, creating a win-win situation for both management and residents.

Exclusive discounts

Brands bought by ApnaComplex will offer exclusive discounts to the residents of the society. These discounts cannot be found anywhere, online or offline. This advantage is unique to ApnaComplex and cannot be found with any aggregator.

Engagement among residents

Several societies that have indulged in Brand Activation through ApnaComplex have reported an increased community bonding following the event. This proves Brand Activations conducted from time to time can encourage good engagement among residents.

These events can also be a breath of fresh air for the residents who are working from home for a long time.

COVID guideline – a priority

ApnaComplex ensures that all brands follow COVID-protocols and guidelines to a T before they begin to put up stalls or kiosks. Also, since only residents are allowed to shop, the risk of exposure is very slim.

With Brand Activation, residents can shop their favourite product right inside the society premises instead of going outside to shop. This further reduces the risk of COVID spreading among the residents.

Preference to residents’ choice

ApnaComplex always gives utmost importance to residents and management’s choice of products and brands. Based on their preference, we strive to bring in brands demanded and chosen by the management.

Say NO to middlemen

You can as well bid adieu to those middlemen who barges in unceremoniously and request space for unheard-of and bogus brands.

When you partner with ApnaComplex, you can be assured about the genuineness of the brand and do not be concerned about illegal or shady businesses, for there won’t be any. We not only negotiate but also verify the brand for you.

Looking to increase the revenue of your society effortlessly? Get in touch with us and we’ll show you the way!

Effective ways to overcome the pollution menace in Delhi’s Housing Societies

Neha Misra, Estate Manager – Tata Housing shares a handful of apartment-centric tips to reduce/prevent pollution in Delhi/NCR’s housing societies.

It is the time of the year for people living in the NCR. They are masking up doubly in light of the increasing pollution.

Emissions from vehicles and other industrial activities are at an all-time high and the AQI (air quality index) remains to be unhealthy as the atmosphere is encompassed with smog.

Given this situation, the Delhi government has imposed several restrictions including a ban on construction works (one of the highest contributors) to combat pollution. While the Delhi government is contemplating the imposition of the odd-even rule in the city, the Haryana government has already enforced it in four districts.

If you are someone who is living in a housing society, what can you do to protect your surroundings as much as possible from this pollution menace? In this article, Neha Misra, Estate Manager – Tata Housing shares a handful of apartment-centric tips.

Air-purifying plants

Neha, who is currently managing Primanti Garden Estate in Sector 72, Gurugram and New Haven Bahadurgarh at Jhajjar, Road Bahadurgarh for TATA insists on having indoor plants for she reckons they not only beautify the building but also act as natural air-purifiers.

“Snake plant, money plant, areca palm, spider palm plant, bamboo palm, the beautiful peace lily, and the succulent and medicinal aloe vera are some of the air-purifying plants we have potted throughout the buildings, in common areas, yoga room, clubhouse, etc,” Neha said.

These plants are better than commercial air-purifiers any day since they are natural, harmless, and absorb carbon dioxide and emit oxygen which refreshes the air.

Wise use of recycled water

Recycling water and smart use of recycled water is one way to reduce excess water consumption. “We use recycled water for our horticulture purposes and to water plants,” Neha said.

In both Primanti Garden Estate and New Haven Bahadurgarh, Neha and her team have implemented one innovative approach to ensure that the outside dust doesn’t waft into the societies.

“In the morning, we spray this recycled water on the road outside and inside of the societies so that the dust settles in and does not blow into the societies.”

Zero-construction and reduced manpower

Since there is a ban on construction in and around Delhi, developers, including Tata Housing are not engaged in any construction works. This will likely have an impact on the pollution and is expected to improve the AQI.

Apart from respecting the ban and diligently following government rules, Neha and her team have implemented a few other restrictions to reduce air pollution in their societies. Speaking about these she said, “ we have limited the number of people entering the societies for any work inside. We have also put restrictions on certain repair works such as tile replacement or break of walls since these will spread more dust adding to the pollution. These initiatives are helping us reduce air pollution in our complexes at least”.

Neha hopes that the pollution levels will come down and the AQI will improve in the coming weeks so that the ban will be lifted and they can resume the construction works.

Switch from diesel to gas generators

Housing societies in the NCR are looking to switch from diesel to gas generators as per the government’s advice. Neha said that once all the societies make the switch, it will have a profound impact on the surroundings and will be the biggest contributor towards reducing pollution.

Though this will be challenging for already constructed buildings (they have installed diesel generators only), she believes this transition is the need of the hour.

Choosing ash bricks over red bricks

Neha emphasised that Tata Housing uses ash bricks instead of red clay bricks for all their building.

Ash bricks are produced using the waste materials coming from coal combustion in thermal plants. Whereas clay bricks are made using clay collected from the topsoil or fertile land. This makes ash bricks the top choice here since it is more eco-friendly.

It is worth mentioning that ash bricks are stronger than red bricks.

When asked about what can societies across the country can do immediately to reduce the pollution levels in their complexes, Neha said there are no shortcuts here.

“From placing air-purifying plants to utilising treated water effectively, these are the major initiatives we do to combat this pollution. Societies should install STPs (Sewage Treatment Plant) to reuse water. Well, it is impossible to stop water wastage thoroughly but we can minimise it as much as possible. Likewise, societies should recycle and reuse anything and everything they can like garbage, RO water, and segregate waste and ensure that minimum waste exits their apartment complex.

Societies should also service diesel generators often to ensure that excess emissions are not released into the atmosphere. These are some of the things societies can do operationally to ensure minimum waste is exerted into the environment”.

She insists on planting more trees and said that Tata Housing actively conducts plantation drives in all their housing societies at least once in six months or every quarter.

Neha uttered that humans are the sole contributors to the ongoing pollution crisis and therefore it is our responsibility to minimise the damage as much as possible. “The Government has set out guidelines to follow and we must factor them in and follow it diligently. We have come to a state that today children are born with breathing issues. Ultimately, we are reaping what we sow. If we do not try and control pollution today, things are not going to be any better tomorrow. To give a clean and green environment to our future generation, we have to act now”, Neha concluded, and we couldn’t agree more.

About ApnaComplex

We are an 11-year-old society management app specially curated for Indian societies. Our modules were created to simplify and streamline operations in apartment complexes and have undergone several modifications based on the feedback and suggestions provided by the Management Committee members.

This not only makes the only mature solution today for gated communities but also a solution for by and for the Management Committee.

To know about our features and modules in detail and for a free demo, please visit our website.

Leave a comment InApartment Articles Eco Living Housing Society

Praveen G P
November 20, 2021

Single vs Double Accounting – what’s good for your society?

Accounting can make or break a society. When your society’s finances are handled meticulously and your treasurer or president is well aware of the income, expenses, outstanding payments, loans, etc, auditing the accounts would be a cakewalk for any auditor and he/she might as well make a wonderful example out of your management prowess.

However, when the income and expenses are not accounted for properly and there are too many discrepancies to count, well, your society’s finances will likely go downhill from here irking both the residents (after all, the monthly maintenance fee is a major chunk of income) and auditors.

In India, societies majorly follow the Single Entry or Double Entry Accounting systems. The key differences between these two systems and the impact they can have on a society are explored in this article.

Single Entry Accounting

1. Single entry accounting is majorly used in smaller societies where there is no large maintenance fee collection from the residency.

2. Smaller societies are unlikely to follow a proper bookkeeping process. Their entries may not be comprehensive.

3. They record the transactions on a cash basis and not on an accrual basis. Here, the cash transactions are recorded only when the payment is made and then the invoices are raised. However, Double Entry Accounting gives an estimation of all the transactions, upcoming payments, assets, and liabilities, etc.

4. The biggest advantage is, Single Entry Accounting will be useful for societies that do not require a skilled accountant to record financial transactions. Also, they do not require a large number of books/statements to record the limited number of financial transactions.

Double Entry Accounting

1. This system gives the idea to the Management Committee (MC) members or the treasurer about the total maintenance amount which needs to be paid by the residents, how much is pending to collect, and how much paid by them.

2. Likewise, they will also get a fair idea about how much they need to pay to the vendors from whom they are taking various services, and how much has been paid.

3. By following the accrual accounting method, the MCs can get a clear picture of the fixed assets they have, loans, and advances they have provided to their staff and outsiders, including vendors. They will also be aware of their liabilities such as loans borrowed by the association from banks, financial institutions, and other parties.

4. Accrual accounting comes as a big advantage for larger societies that have thousands of apartments. The treasurer or the Management Committee will get to know how much bank balance, cash, fixed deposit, and investments they have in their books of accounts of the association. This recorded information will come in handy when they have to submit their financial statements to auditors.

Financial maintenance: an obligation

It is imperative that the treasure or the Management Committee precisely knows how much maintenance fee they have collected from the residents, the amount paid to vendors, creditors, and other various parties. Likewise, they should also have updated information about fixed assets, loans, fixed deposits, investments, funds available in bank/cash, etc. This cash flow helps the management to run the society smoothly.

On the other hand, the treasurer, and the Management Committee are obliged to maintain these financial records. After all the residents entrust the treasurer with a portion of their income every month and hence, the management is answerable to the residents and must be able to present a satisfactory financial statement.

Apart from the residents, the management and treasurer should also be able to submit clear financial records to auditors, banks, and other legal entities. At some point, these documents can be used by the society to secure loans.

How can ApnaComplex be of help?

The ApnaComplex software is the only mature solution available in India today that offers an extensive Accounting module specifically conceived for the Indian gated communities. The software completely automates the accounting process in a society and simplifies the process for the treasurer or management.

– The software or app automatically reconciles the balance sheet eliminating the need for manual intervention.

– Payments can be paid through the app and when every transaction is digitally recorded, there are no suspense entries.

– ApnaComplex automatically generates defaulters and penalty collection reports. You can custom configure the software to send automatic notifications to the defaulting residents.

– You can configure the software to send auto-reminders to residents when maintenance dues are close.

– You can also configure the software to send recurring invoices to residents or vendors.

– When a resident default often and fails to pay dues on time on multiple occasions, the system allows you to block them from using certain facilities until the dues are paid. This improves your collection and minimises defaulters.

– ApnaComplex Budget Variance Report helps you to modify the budget of your society according to your needs. The app helps you keep track of your budget and will send reminders if you are close to the threshold.

– ApnaComplex offers 30+ Audit-ready financial reports. These comprehensive reports can be downloaded effortlessly during the time of audit streamlining the whole process.

– By using ApnaComplex diligently, a treasurer can save their time by 80%.

Though the Single Entry Accounting is straightforward to follow, it is evident that gated communities can benefit a lot by following the Double Entry Accounting system both in terms of legal obligations and welfare of the society.

To know more about our Accounting and other modules, visit apnacomplex.com

Leave a comment InApartment Accounting Software Society Accounting Software Society Billing Software

Praveen G P
November 15, 2021

Discover the secret to reducing your society’s maintenance fee!

Levying a monthly maintenance fee is vital for running a gated community smoothly. However, exorbitant charges can be a bummer to the residents and likely to cause discord among the Management and residents.

In this article, we will explore the ways using which you can reduce the expenses of your society which will directly contribute to a reduced maintenance fee and increase the savings of the treasury.

Bid adieu to overstaffing

Through the means of community automation and smarter technology, now effortlessly reduce the number of staff you deploy. In a study, it was discovered that an app like ApnaComplex is instrumental in both streamlining the operations and cost reductions.

In an apartment complex, earlier 9 security guards were working on three rotational shifts 8 hours each and two supervisors were managing them. This security team costs the society INR 1.71 lakhs each month.

However, once the ApnaComplex app was deployed, the management was able to monitor the security guards’ routine and patrol better. QR codes were pasted around the building and the patrolling guards were asked to scan the QR code often throughout their guard duty to ensure that they were up and vigilant.

It was concluded that ApnaComplex reduced the total guards from nine to six who worked in two 12-hour shifts and only one supervisor was needed instead of two thanks to the superior monitoring tool available.

The Management had to pay only INR 1.08 lakhs every month to the new security team which means, a net saving of INR 63,000 was possible each month! It was also observed that ApnaComplex improved the quality and efficiency of the guards.

It is worth noting that the above study is only the tip of the iceberg. Through ApnaComplex’s various other modules, the extent of cost-saving can be much more.

For instance, ApnaComplex’s Accounting module comes with auto reconciliation of balance sheets which eliminates the need for an external auditor. This directly contributes to cost-saving. Likewise, online transactions and digitally storing data remove the need for manual cheque collection and storage.

Say hello to efficient staff management

In another case study conducted by ApnaComplex, it was noted that efficient and smarter staff management can do wonders to your society’s treasury.

In another society, four electricians were working two shifts of 12 hours each and their total cost came up to INR 48,000 per month. When the ApnaComplex app was installed in the society, not only did the complaints raised by residents via ApnaComplex reach the electricians immediately, the app also allowed the electricians’ manager to raise a job card and monitor how quickly the problems are resolved.

With the help of ApnaComplex and better planning, the electricians were able to tend to multiple households on the same day with improved efficiency. Likewise, better monitoring and planning reduced the number of electricians from four to three and it cost the management INR 36,000.

Smart and sleek operations offered by ApnaComplex enabled the society to save INR 12,000 every month.

Adopt smarter Inventory Management

Along with the study on electricians’ efficiency, inventory management was also observed. When the inventories and their availability were updated on the ApnaComplex app, it was noted that the storage of light bulbs, socket covers, tube lights, etc were substantially improved which also led to a faster turnaround time.

To boot, inventory and complaint data available on the ApnaComplex app also helped the management identify recurring errors and malfunctioning assets. Using ApnaComplex they were able to find the root cause of the problem and fix it at the origin. This enabled the management to reduce wastage and asset replacement.

Through smarter management and better inventory replenishment, the said society was able to save INR 8,000 every month, the study noted.

Apart from helping you save money, an app like ApnaComplex can also help you increase your society’s revenue. Our modules are tailor-made for gated communities are app is the only mature solution available today. To know how else we can benefit your society, visit our website.

Leave a comment InFinancial Maintenance Charges

Praveen G P
November 8, 2021

NTPC Ramagundam, one of the largest public-sector townships is now on ApnaComplex!

We are glad to inform you that one of the NTPC’s (National Thermal Power Corporation Limited) townships in Ramagundam has now become one of ApnaComplex’s esteemed and premium customers, and using the ApnaComplex app religiously to manage their society’s vital and day-to-day affairs.

After intense discussions and considerations, the residents and employees of NTPC Ramagundam had chosen ApnaComplex out of three society management apps based on three criteria – the stability of the app (glitch-free performance), if the app is meeting all their requirements, and positive feedback from the majority of residents.

Earlier this year, NTPC Ramagundam and resident/Deputy Manager (IT) of NTPC – Srinivas Thotakuri, successfully conducted vaccination drives with the help of the ApnaComplex app in the public sector society. While speaking to us, Mr. Thotakuri had said that their society had used ApnaComplex’s ‘Facility Booking’ feature extensively to enable residents to book their vaccination slots.

How did ApnaComplex help NTPC conduct a mass vaccination drive for 1200 families?

Initially, a trial version of the app was given to Srinivas and at that precise time, vaccination camps also came up. He used this opportunity to make the best use of ApnaComplex. Since the residents were asked to book slots, they had to install the app or book via the ApnaComplex website by entering their details.

Digitally registering the data gave Srinivas accurate information of how many residents were residing in the society, their contact details, and their vaccination status. With the help of necessary tools, NTPC was able to effortlessly streamline and organise the vaccination drive ensuring 100% vaccination coverage.

After the onboarding, the NTPC Ramagundam society is actively using all the modules of ApnaComplex whilst Complaint Box and Vaccination Module seem to be their favourite reportedly. The residents praised the app and were quite impressed with ApnaComplex’s functionality.

With a stable application and mature solution being its foundation, ApnaComplex was able to ace the evaluation process and beat other contenders hands down emerging as the top society management solution.

To know more about all the modules of ApnaComplex and for a free demo, please visit our website.

Read here to learn how ApnaComplex helped this NTPC society in Ramagundam conduct safe COVID vaccination drives.

Leave a comment InApartment Apartment Management Software Hyderabad

Praveen G P
November 3, 2021

Diwali 2021: the do’s and don’ts to bear in mind

Come Diwali gated communities across India indulge in week-long celebrations. For the safety, comfort, and consideration of all the residents, it is vital that the Management Committee and residents together make meticulous planning and conduct in the safest manner possible.

Below, we are listing out a handful of Do’s and Don’ts that you can consider following this Diwali.

Bursting Cracker

Do’s – Allocate a time and place to burst crackers and inform the residents beforehand. And for general gatherings, allocate a different place. This way, you will have a chance to control noise and minimise complaints from other residents.

Don’ts – Allowing residents and children to burst crackers as and where they please.

Clothing

Do’s – Always wear cotton clothes while bursting crackers. God forbid if there is an accident or burn, cotton will not stick to the body and give you respite. On the other hand, synthetic will melt and stick to the body if there is fire causing more damage. Also, ensure that you are wearing proper footwear.

Don’ts – Wearing synthetic clothes and barefoot while bursting crackers.

Precautions

Do’s – Before beginning to burst crackers, ensure that you have a few buckets of water or hose handy. If there is a fire, you can put it out easily.

Don’ts – Choosing crowded areas to burst and not being cautious.

Children-supervision

Do’s – In your society, ensure that the children or at least, pre-teens are accompanied by adults and not on their own.

Don’ts – Allowing children to burst crackers on their own.

Storing firecrackers

Do’s – Allocate the areas that you deem safe to burst and store firecrackers. Preferably, clean it beforehand. Also, store firecrackers several feet away from the bursting area.

Don’ts – Bursting and storing firecrackers near flammable materials like electrical cable, wood, fure, etc.

Handling firecrackers

Do’s – Take time to read the instructions that come in the package before bursting the crackers. Handle it very carefully for your and other’s safety,

Don’ts – Ignore the instructions and be careless.

Treating injuries

Do’s – When someone gets a 1st degree burn, run the affected area under cold water for several minutes and give first aid immediately. If it’s 2nd degree or more, take the victim to a physician to treat. The same applies to the eyes as well.

Don’ts – Ignore the injury.

COVID Protocols

Diwali is no reason to not follow COVID guidelines. In fact, you should follow it more diligently than ever since you are constantly around people while celebrating the occasion.

Below are some COVID Do’s and Don’ts concerning Diwali.

Wearing mask

Do’s – Even though you are in celebrating in your gated community, always wear a mask while stepping out of your house. This way, you are protecting yourself not only from crackers but from all the smoke too.

Don’ts – Not wearing a mask.

Sanitisation

Do’s – Carry your hand sanitiser always and sanitise your hands often when out or bursting crackers.

Don’ts – Not carrying our using hand sanitiser.

Temperature checks

Do’s – Checking the body temperature of all the residents and children who are taking part in the gathering and bursting crackers.

Don’ts – Not checking the body temperature.

These are some of the most important and basic protocols that you should follow to safeguard your society from COVID and general harm. Hope you find these useful.

ApnaComplex wishes you a very happy and safe Diwali!

Who are we?

ApnaComplex is an 11-year-old apartment management software that is being used by more than 6,000 societies across 80 cities. Our management modules are the only matured solution available today it caters to every need of a gated community and the Management Committees.

To know more about our modules and features, please visit https://www.apnacomplex.com/contact-us-for-demo?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=thoughtleader

Leave a comment InApartment Management Community Living

Praveen G P
November 3, 2021

ApnaComplex Diwali offers – up your celebrations with these enticing offers!

Diwali is right around the corner. India is gearing up to celebrate the festival of lights with gusto, sweets and savouries are aromatising the air, and the festivities are certainly in full swing.

Making the occasion more memorable, ApnaComplex brings you a handful of irresistible offers that are sure to add a zing to your Diwali.

A makeover your home deserves

Add an additional flavour to your home this festive season! Using ApnaComplex, paint your house new and get a free wall makeover for FREE!

Through the ApnaComplex app, you can book two leading home painting services – Berger Paints and Aapka Painter, hassle-free. When you book home painting services via Berger Express Painting Services, you will get a free designer illusion wall worth ₹9999.

Likewise, Aapka Painter offers 10% OFF on their painting services along with one wall makeover (up to 100sqft) available in their catalogue.

To avail yourself of this offer, open the ApnaComplex app and click on “Home Painting” listed under “Home Store”.

Travel at a convenient price

Here is your gateway to be near your loved ones this Diwali, while also, being kind to your wallet.

From airports to rentals and outstations, book or rent cabs at up to 40% OFF.

We have partnered with one of the most popular cab services: Ride Alley. Using this service you can effortlessly book rental and outstation cabs.

To avail yourself of this service, open the ApnaComplex app and click on “Automobiles” listed under “Home Store”.

Please note that this feature is only available in certain cities.

Enjoy a cleaner and smoother car

Off to visit your friend/family or shop for Diwali? Now don’t worry about smelly or faulty cars before taking your four-wheeler out, for ApnaComplex is here to your rescue!

Using ApnaComplex, book FREE car inspections offered by PITSTOP and assess your four-wheeler before taking it out for long journeys. Also, get your car serviced by PITSTOP completely at 50% OFF!

To avail yourself of this service, open the ApnaComplex app and click on “Automobiles” listed under “Home Store”.

About ApnaComplex

We are one of the leading society management apps in India. We are catering to more than 6,000 gated communities with 6,00,000+ households for 11 years. Our app has gone through a sea change over the years to accommodate all the needs of management committees across the country, and therefore, it is safe to say our app is the only mature solution that is created for and by the Management Committee.

To know more about the app or for a free demo, please visit https://www.apnacomplex.com/contact-us-for-demo?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=thoughtleader.

Pro-tips to minimise home maintenance errs!

Home maintenance is more than mopping, sweeping, and vacuuming. It goes beyond regular chores and needs attention from time to time. From plumbing to electrical, everything that is vital for comfortable and healthy living needs to be looked after and ensured that they are always working at their best.

But most of us tend to miss on the basic repairs and upkeeps due to lack of time and busy life which lead to poor maintenance of the house. In this article, we’ll share some handy tips that will simplify home maintenance.

Keeping an eye on faucets, plumbing issues

Over time, faucets can become leaky and rusty. When this goes unchecked, the repairs can cost you a lot of money. Hence, it is prudent to check the faucets at least once in two months. Other plumbing-related issues such as drain, water heater, and pipes should also be checked often.

Keep clogged gutters at bay

When storm drain pipes aren’t unclogged often, the dirty water will overflow. This will erode the foundation, and the waterlogging can flood the gated community’s pathway, basements/parking. To avoid this, take professional help and clean the gutters at least twice or thrice a year.

Maintain appliances

Make some time to check your home appliances like air conditioner, refrigerator, fans, etc, and service them regularly so they don’t run into trouble. When not serviced regularly, they’ll malfunction or stop functioning altogether, and the replacement expenses can burn a hole in your pocket.

Well-maintained tanks and roofs

Water tanks are more susceptible to water damage. Incorrect and improper flashing, wind damage, storm, or faulty roofing can cause roof leakage. Water tanks should be cleaned often and cleared of algae, rust, bugs, dirt, etc. It should be checked especially before and during monsoon and corrected soon if any issue should be done. This will save you a fortune in the long run.

Pay attention to electrical wiring

Though faulty or broken electrical wirings are a common issue we seldom look into it unless we experience blackouts, burning smells, or broken switchboards. To avoid this, install branded wirings and switchboard at the beginning itself even if it is slightly on the pricier end since they tend to last long. Whenever possible, check circuit breakers to ensure wires are all intact.

Exterior care matters too

Weather condition rapidly affects the exterior of the house. Go for rainproof paints and seal cracks and chips once in a year or two. If this goes unchecked, the water will seep through walls eventually eroding the building. Likewise, paint your house, both exterior and interior, once in five years.

Taking care of windows and doors

Loose and creaky windows/doors may not pose an immediate threat but when not taken care of properly, they can cause a lot of trouble in the long run. If you notice dust owing to termite or creaking, oil or grease them up. Likewise, clean and often inspect the mesh or shutters installed in the balconies too. Else, birds/bird feathers and rodents may get in.

Clean, clean, and clean!

When we say clean, we are not only referring to floors or generic cleaning but also attic cleaning. When the attic collects dust or mold, it can become a breeding ground for rodents, insects, and reptiles. This can cause health issues too. So, clean the attic!

Cleaning agent and toolkit

To maintain a house properly, you need more than water and soap. Stock your house with proper gloves, goggles, microfibre cloth, the correct mixture of acids and chemicals for cleaning. Similarly, have a toolbox that has spare nails, screwdrivers, hammers, tape, utility scissors and knife, glue, etc. These will come in handy when you need to quickly fix something.

By using the ApnaComplex app, you can effortlessly hire experts to fix your home, raise complaints if you encounter an issue and auto-escalate it, and do much more. ApnaComplex will also help you to set early maintenance reminders on common society assets such as lifts and other equipment. To know more about the app or to schedule a free demo, kindly visit https://bit.ly/371rCxL.

Leave a comment InHome Improvement Maintenance Tips

Praveen G P
October 19, 2021

Smart Water Conservation – Keerthi Gardenia’s tool to tackle Bengaluru’s water crisis

Managing a society efficiently is a mammoth task. It involves commitment and dedication, team effort, and the ability to constantly improve the management methods and add innovation for the welfare of the society.

One such society is Keerthi Gardenia, located in Marathahalli, Bengaluru. Lieutenant Maniyan, President of Keerthi Gardenia, shares the ‘best practices’ implemented by his society which are benefitting them in the long run.

Water Treatment Plant (WTP)

Maniyan was quite proud of the measurements his society is taking when it comes to treating and reusing wastewater. He said, “we collectively strive for better hygiene and good health of our society members and we ensure both water and water-supplier, are good.

This has pushed us to implement a wonderful WTP (Water Treatment Plant) System in place. Our water filters are well maintained and make sure our water treatment plant is always in a good and operational condition. Here, I’d like to particularly thank our housekeeping team who cleanse the media filter for half an hour daily. If you don’t flush it, then the salt will sediment and the quality of the water will also be affected. Eventually, within a month, the filter will also not function as it is supposed to function.

Every member of the housekeeping actively takes turns to cleanse the media filter and maintain the WTP. While there are at it, they will also take a photo and share it with the Committee Members as proof”.

Water Preservation

Keerthi Gardenia has taken three measures for water preservation – the Rainwater Filter and STP (Sewage Treatment Plant), and the Rain Water Harvesting Pit.

“You might have seen a black box or cylinder on the rooftop of a few apartments and we have such a system here as well. This is called the rainwater filter. This filter collects the rainwater that falls on the terrace, filters impurities and then the water is moved to the sump. This way we have reduced the water dependency from outside sources.

Secondly, our STP system is doing very well. The water is so transparent and free of impurities that even our vendor claims this can be used for drinking purposes, however, we don’t use it for drinking as of now. The treated water doesn’t carry any kind of smell and it is very clear and clean. The daily logging system we have in place is also proving how honestly we are maintaining the STP.

Once KSPCB (Karnataka State Pollution Control Board) audited this water sample and post which, they certified it as well stating Keerthi Gardenia is treating the water well”, explained Maniyan.

Speaking about Rain Water Harvesting, Maniyan said, “our apartment has been constructed on only 60% of the area, and the rest of the 40% is open or rather garden. In this land, we have created 10 Rainwater Harvesting pits. We ensure that the rainwater is collected properly and the excess water is released to the borewell”.

Smarter COVID management

Maniyan recounts how his society effectively took care of the COVID crisis and the measures they had taken especially when the cases were at their peak.

“When Corona cases were skyrocketing during April and May, the government had issued guidelines and one of them was people traveling must home quarantine mandatorily. In light of the then-developing events, our society created a voluntary framework to tackle the situation. We decided not to allow any vendors or online delivery agents inside the premises and the packages were asked to be left at the gate.

“Since we have a voluntary framework, our volunteers pick the deliveries from the gate and leave them at the doorsteps of the quarantined flats. If a package was left at the gate at 4 pm, by 4:15 pm, it was delivered to the flat by our volunteers. We were able to see the deliveries in real-time.

After a while, cases increased in our society too and we continued to follow this framework along with other COVID protocols. We went to great lengths to avoid gossiping about or treating COVID-positive residents as pariahs.

Another best thing is we had enormous voluntary support. Three or four volunteers came forward to help a single flat that was under 14 days home quarantine. Through these methods, I believe, we were able to effectively and successfully tackle the Coronavirus crisis”, concluded Maniyan.

From assisting with the water tank monitoring to helping track quarantined flats and vaccinated staff and residents, ApnaComplex helps with every aspect of society management. Our app is comprehensive and we are the only matured solution that caters to all the needs of a gated community. Schedule a free demo by clicking https://bit.ly/371rCx and manage your society effortlessly with the help of India’s No 1 Society Management Application!

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Praveen G P
October 7, 2021

This is how Bengaluru gated societies are conducting Committee Election this year!

Societies across India are in the process of conducting or have already conducted Committee Elections. Committee Elections are a process that takes place every year or once in a few years depending on each society’s by-laws and the outcome of the election determines the new Management Committee in a society.

Since the pandemic, conducting safe elections has been the top priority of the gated communities. While some have gone digital and effectively used the ApnaComplex application, others have taken other precautionary measures before conducting the elections.

Speaking about upcoming Committee Elections in his apartment, in a reply to our email, Mohandas Ukkandath, President of Harmony Homes in Bengaluru said, “last year, we conducted the whole process online. This year we intend to do it in person with all covid precautions in place”.

Not just Harmony Homes, lieutenant Maniyan, President of Keerthi Gardenia was also singing a similar tune. He said, “we are going to conduct committee elections probably by the end of this year. We usually have a ballot box and residents will vote the traditional way. With the ongoing pandemic and fear of COVID still around, we are planning to conduct the elections online. In the past, we have conducted GBM (General Body Meetings), polls, and surveys online, and our residents are used to this. So we are expecting the elections to go smoothly as possible”.

Keerthi Gardenia has been using ApnaComplex for conducting all the surveys and polls and Maniyan had nothing but praises for the application. He added “using the ApnaComplex application is extremely easy. Even people from non-technical backgrounds were able to create and host a poll on ApnaComplex easily. The application is so user-friendly that our estate manager who is from a civil background was able to use the ApnaComplex app comfortably. He used it extensively for conducting polls based on the COVID vaccination and requesting residents to get vaccinated. He found the application very easy to use”.

Keerthi Gardenia elects seven Committee Members and 15 executive committee members – three members representing each wing.

On the other hand, Sanjay Dutta, Director (electrical) of Suncity Apartments, Belandur, reveals that their society did not conduct a proper Committee election since the onset of COVID and the present Committee was formed based on the willingness of owners who wanted to take committee responsibilities. Speaking about the election that was held before, Dutta said, “we had conducted elections once, and at that time, though we conducted physical election, we requested people who were eligible to vote register for casting their vote online. Conducting online and offline elections parallelly can cause confusion and residents can end up voting twice rigging the election process. To avoid this, using ApnaComplex, we had created a group exclusively for people who opted for online voting and created a separate polling list for them. We ensured that those residents cast their via online only. This enabled a smooth election process”.

However, Sanjay Dutta was quick to tell us how ApnaComplex is helping them conduct regular and AGM (Annual General Meetings) online. “We have conducted our third AGM online last week using ApnaComplex. With the help of the application, we have also conducted polls that played a crucial role in decision-making during these meetings ”, he said.

These tête-à-tête with Management Committee members has given us an insight into how much software like ApnaComplex is helping societies conduct safer elections. Apart from offering additional safety during these hard times, it also provides practical solutions.

To know more about ApnaComplex and how you can digitise your society for both Management Committee’s and residents’ benefit, please visit https://bit.ly/371rCxL.

All posts by Praveen G P