Archives: December 31, 2016

new year resolution

5 Ways To Decide On A New Year Resolution That Doesn’t Need Work

It’s that time of the year when almost everyone around you is coming up with ways of making the incoming year more productive. Some people have been planning their new year resolutions since the latter half of the year. Piling on one promise after another with a failed attempt at each is not the way to go, is it? Well, ApnaComplex is happy to lend a helping hand. Here are 5 easy new year resolutions in case you haven’t got on to the ‘change is good’ wagon yet. Trust us, these are more helpful than you’d know.

 

  • Save water –

With all the global warming signs getting bigger and bigger, doing your bit for the planet will only make you feel good about the next year. Tracking water usage levels and avoiding water wastage is one option. ApnaComplex provides you with Water Monitor, a water tracking app that allows you to track the volume of water being used by your society. A plus point is that it tracks the billing as per water usage too. Find out more about Water Monitor here.

new year resolution

 

  • Avoid preventable theft –

This one leans towards those who have faced theft issues in the past. Why offer a chance when there doesn’t have to be one? One aspect of this problem is vehicle theft. ApnaComplex’s solution to that is Vehicle Sentry, a vehicle tracking system that lets you stay aware of your vehicle’s whereabouts. Know more about Vehicle Sentry here.

new year resolution

 

  • Family safety –

For all those who believe that safety in any form can never be enough, ApnaComplex has Gatekeeper, a visitor tracking app. Gatekeeper lets you know about your visitor beforehand and lets you verify their entry. Be aware of who knocks on your door. Stay alert with Gatekeeper here.

new year resolution

 

  • Spend less –

Everyone can cash in on this new year resolution. Spending less is never an idea that is unwelcome. One way of going about with this is by holding less change in your pockets and using cashless services. Collection Gateway by ApnaComplex is another such service that lets you pay maintenance dues via NEFT or RTGS. Here’s why Collection Gateway should be your new year resolution this year.

new year resolution

 

  • Make lives easier –

Why not have an easy management system in place for those who work hard at settling the books in your society? Get some good karma under your belt by getting ApnaComplex for your society. Keep track of reminders, bill and maintenance payments and vendors of your society in a more automated manner. This is one of the most easiest ways of fulfilling a new year resolution, don’t you think?

new year resolution

 

So, this time, let’s all make a promise to ourselves to move forward with the new year resolutions we choose. Good luck chasing the new life!


go cashless

6 Reasons Why A Cashless Society Is Here To Stay

With the new cashless wave gaining momentum in India, societies all over are adopting various ways of doing their bit to forward this initiative. Here’s why everyone should go cashless starting from today –

 

(Firstly, to avoid this…)

go cashless

 

  • Track dues and payments automatically

Now, Indians will make payments for most purchases/liabilities online. Automatic withdrawal and payment from connected accounts are also an option. So, there are no dues pending at the end of every month and that gets ticked off your to-do list instantly, without even having to make a confirmation.

go cashless

 

  • Cloud-based auto sync in real-time

All transactions are updated in books online and accounts are kept up-to-date after every transaction. Even people not so good at math will like this number game. Going cashless isn’t so bad after all.

go cashless

 

  • No long queues to wait around in

Queues that move quickly are a crowd favourite. A place where personal presence is optional is looked forward to by everyone, not just by introverts. Anyone who can’t be at a particular place at a specific time would appreciate such a development.

go cashless

 

  • Countrywide acceptance of this stance

This line of thinking will be eventually accepted and put into practice all over the nation. So, purchasing most things gets easier when done directly using an e-account.

go cashless

 

  • Chances of robbery & theft are low

When there isn’t enough to rob, why would someone painstakingly make the effort to break in and steal? Travelling outstation also gets easier since staying connected with your funds becomes more flexible. This is a great move for tourists looking forward to exploring our country.

go cashless

 

  • You can’t get lazier than swiping a card / pre-storing payment details just ONCE!

There will be no such thing as overusing your card, especially during difficult times. Swipe it for a purchase and you’re good to go. No more hunting for change in your pocket / wallet / bag / other nooks and crannies they managed to slip into. Added bonus: It just adds to your laziness. Now, who would want to go against that?

go cashless

 

But, a move like this cannot be taken for granted. Regular monitoring of one’s own funds is the primary reason for this move to be able to thrive. You can check your account details online without the hassle of visiting the bank by visiting the website provided by it instead. The web and mobile applications made available by banks equip you with another option to go cashless.

 

Let’s make a conscious and informed effort towards having a cashless society.

 

Going cashless in your society is easy with Collection Gateway by ApnaComplex. Try it here. Go cashless today!

Occupancy Certificate and Partial Occupancy Certificate – All you need to know

When one purchases property to move into, or for investment purposes, its pros and cons come along with it. Formalities need to be completed and documents, such as an occupancy certificate or a partial occupancy certificate, need to be procured before one transports their belongings all the way across the country or hires movers to move them from the opposite building. These two documents are just as important as the rest, if not more.

 

Partial-Occupancy-Certificate-Before-Moving

 

On completion of a building / project, the builder must apply for OC to the local authority in charge. An occupancy certificate is issued to him, stating that the residences in the buildings constructed by him are fitted with all the facilities and utilities as promised at the time of construction. This means that the premises are fit for occupancy.

home-energy-audit

But when does the need for a partial occupancy certificate arise?

A partial occupancy certificate comes into the picture when there are blocks or phases of large projects to be developed with varying completion dates. When the construction of one phase is completed, the concerned authority grants a Partial OC to the builder after thorough inspection of the building. Similarly, phases that are completed after that are given a Partial OC as well.

 

partial-occupancy-certificate

 

A Partial OC is replaced by a consolidated document called the OC (Occupancy Certificate) stating that the entire project has reached its completion point and is now deemed fit for occupancy. All the Partial OCs for that particular project become invalid once the Final OC has been granted. Until then, they act as the OC for that particular phase. The concept of Partial OC has always existed but it is becoming increasingly significant nowadays, since townships and other residential areas are being built in phases.

 

An OC and a Partial OC certify compliance to –

 

AAEAAQAAAAAAAAJxAAAAJDhjNDkyMmViLTI2ZDQtNGQ0Zi1iYjcxLTM2ZWZjNTIwNTQyOQ

 

  • Fire Service Department
  • Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
  • Pollution Control Board (including Sewage Treatment Plant)
  • Forest Department
  • Parking regulations
  • Electricity Board (including elevators)
  • Waste Disposal and Management facilities
  • Rainwater harvesting facilities
  • Airports Authority clearance, if the project is within the range of an airport

 

house-health-check

 

 

How does an OC come into the picture at the time of redevelopment?

If there is redevelopment taking place or there are additional floors to be built, the developer obtains a Partial OC for every flat on every floor that is constructed and ready for possession. This Partial OC is also replaced by a final OC at the time of completion of project. If, for whatever reason, the project has not been completed or was unable to be finished within the specified duration or permissible time limit, construction should be stopped. After that, an inspection will follow, based on which a final OC will be granted to the residents.

 

Partial Occupancy Certificate

 

Importance of OC and Partial Occupancy Certificate:

  • Legal and immediate possession of a flat is valid only if there is the OC or Partial OC to show for it.
  • Builders cannot hand over flats to buyers without receiving the OC from the concerned authority in charge.
  • Without an OC, buyers / owners are not eligible for any insurance or compensation claims.
  • Possession of a Partial OC lets one apply for sanitary, water and electricity connections. Even if these facilities have been made available without an OC, they are liable to get disconnected.
  • OC is generally required to get a home loan sanctioned by a financial institution. With a Partial OC, one may not get an approval for their home loan.
  • Application for Partial OCs and OCs need to be submitted within 30 days of completion of the project / phase. The local authority, in turn, must respond within 30 days of receipt of the application, providing an acceptance or rejection and reasons for the same. The OC is a necessity when one wishes to sell their flat.
  • An OC or Partial OC tells you about the extent of deviation from the sanctioned plan and acts as an assurance to its regularisation, if the violations are within 5 percent of –
    (1) the setback that is to be provided around the building
    (2) plot coverage
    (3) floor area ratio
    (4) height of the building.
    The deviations are regularised after the modified plan is approved by the authority in charge.

 

If you have purchased a flat that is under the phased development plan, insist on getting a Partial OC. This is valid until the project is under construction. Then make sure you replace it with an OC once it is completed. Keeping these important documents safe and available whenever they are required is of utmost importance. These are synonymous with other necessary compliance that ensures the safety of the flat and the quality of facilities that are being provided. The amenities and services that a flat owner receives must live up to the quality that was promised by the builder. Getting an OC / Partial OC helps to acknowledge this.

 

check-house

 

Thoughts and comments

If you have any thoughts on the partial occupancy certificate, please do share them with us by commenting below.
Visit http://www.apnacomplex.com for more.

Carpet Cleaning Tips As Per Different Types Of Smears

Got a carpet for your home but it doesn’t look new anymore? These tips will teach you how to clean your carpet effectively and get back that brand new look.

 

  • Regular clean-ups:

    • Your carpet is the main focus of your room. So, keeping it clean by vacuuming it at least once a week or fortnightly is a habit that will extend the life of your carpet.
    • Prevent dust accumulation by doing so, especially if there are children in the house.

how to clean your carpethow to clean your carpet

 

  • Affairs in odour:

    • Baking soda is a regular for getting rid of odours in general and it works just as well on carpets.
    • If your carpet is unattached to the floor, drying it in the sun is the most natural way to get rid of a stench.
    • Another option would be to add 5-7 drops of your favourite essential oil to any cleaning concoction, spritz the carpet and vacuum after a few minutes.

how to clean your carpet how to clean your carpet

 

  • Mould / Mildew:

    • A mixture of lemon juice and salt or hydrogen peroxide (3% or less) and water will help in killing the fungi that cause moulds.
    • A non-chlorine bleach would work just as well but testing it out on an inconspicuous area of the carpet first is advisable.

how to clean your carpet

 

  • Accidental spills:

    how to clean your carpet

    The best way to reduce damage to the carpet due to a spill is by absorbing most of the liquid as quickly as possible with a dry, white cloth. 

     

    • Never rub a stain as it will reinforce the stain/debris into the carpet and wreck the carpet fibres. We cannot stress more on this fact.
    • Work your way inward by starting the blotting process from the edges of the spill.
    • In case of food, pick it up off the carpet and pat the area lightly with a soft, clean paper towel.
    • Apply dry baking soda on the area and let it sit until it foams and pat the area again.
    • Do not rub the stain as it will push the matter deeper inside and make it extremely ugly and difficult to work with later.how to clean your carpet
    • Wine stains can be taken out by first applying cold water and then by using –
      • A generous amount of salt to absorb the liquid
        OR
      • A mixture of a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide (upto 3%) and dish soap. This is best saved for light coloured fabrics as hydrogen peroxide is a bleaching agent. Spray soapy water and subsequently, lukewarm water after that.
        OR
      • White wine / vodka dilutes the red colour when applied instantly to the red wine spill. Blot the area with a sponge and apply a thick baking soda paste on it. Cover the stain with a clean cloth and apply slight pressure to it. Let it sit overnight and vacuum the baking soda once it is dry.how to clean your carpet
    • Coffee and other stains can be taken out by using ordinary shaving cream or a liberal amount of club soda and letting it stay for a few minutes before spraying it with water.

how to clean your carpet

 

  • Ink blot:

    • Pure alcohol will make your ink worries disappear, because that’s where the magic of alcohol lies. Use alcohol on the ink stain to release it from the fibres.
    • Always blot ink or any other liquid from the outside to the inside to avoid spreading the spill.
    • Shaving cream can also be used to get rid of an ink blot. But, make sure you get rid of the foam that is formed by adding water, dabbing gently and vacuuming.
how to clean your carpet how to clean your carpet

 

  • Greasy smears:

    • Corn flour can help to get rid of sticky messes on the carpet as it dries out the stickiness. But, it must be used immediately.
    • Chewing gum and other sticky substances can also be taken off by using an ice cube to harden them first.

how to clean your carpethow to clean your carpet

 

  • Wane wax:

    • Do not fret if wax has dripped onto your precious carpet, especially if it has dried up. Heating it will make it come off just as easily. Place a white cloth over it and iron the cloth for a little less than 30 seconds to warm it up, so that you can scrape it off with a butter knife.

how to clean your carpet
how to clean your carpet

 

  • Oil aboard / Crying over crayon:

    • One teaspoon of dishwashing liquid (without bleach) should be diluted in one cup of water and sprayed onto the carpet and blotted until the oil / crayon stain lifts.

how to clean your carpet how to clean your carpet

 

  • Blood work:

    • Paper cuts or other causes of blood drops on your carpet shouldn’t raise your blood pressure since the dried blood can be made loose with a concoction of water and a mild detergent. It can then be scraped off. The remaining blood can be removed with hydrogen peroxide. Foaming is normal on application. Blot with a dry towel to finish up.

how to clean your carpet

 

  • Pet peeves:

    • The most well-trained furry friends can accidentally muck up the carpet. One easy, but gradual, DIY solution to this is to create a blend of 30ml of water, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar and 1/2 a cup of citrus fruit peels (like oranges or lemons) in a container. Shake it well and let it sit for 3 months (you read that right) and your naturally prepared suspension will be ready for a cleaning.

how to clean your carpet how to clean your carpet

 

  • Throw ups:

    • Blot as much as you possibly can and dilute it with club soda or baking soda. Then apply 1 tablespoon of ammonia to 10 tablespoons of water and spray it on the soiled area. Let it sit for a few minutes, spray cold water over it and then blot again. Vacuum the area after it has dried.

how to clean your carpet how to clean your carpet

 

  • Water trouble:

    • We know that most of the remedies we have given you make use of water. But, that is because your carpet has already been ruined. Water ruins carpet texture so keep it as far as it can be kept from carpets, unless it is needed for cleaning.
    • In case of a spill, blot the area and absorb as much water as possible with a dry cloth or paper towels.
    • If there is excess moisture in the carpet, place thick white towels on the spot and weigh them down with a heavy object like a big book to add some pressure.

how to clean your carpethow to clean your carpet

 

Quick suggestions:

  • As much as you might have heard about vinegar being a good stain remover, avoid using it since it contains acid and that could ruin the carpet’s delicateness.
  • One obvious piece of advice that we’d like to remind you of is to test any new cleaning method on a small area first.
  • To prevent the carpet from catching rust stains from furniture, place a foil or plastic sheet beneath the legs.
  • If your carpet has lost some colour in the cleaning process, touch it up with a little acrylic paint, felt pens or permanent marker.

 

While looking to buy a home, one of the first things a buyer notices is the condition of the carpet. So, keeping it well-maintained will increase the chances of a sale you’ve been wanting to bag.

how to clean your carpet

 

These solutions cover, pretty much, every carpet complication that could arise and are enough to get you through the tough day you might need them for. Hopefully, you don’t wonder about how to clean your carpet on such a day. Bookmark this guide to access it whenever you need to. Until then, you learn something new every day.

 

Do let us know if you have any additional information relevant to carpet cleaning in the comment section below.

 

how to clean your carpet

 


How to choose room colour

Choose The Right Colour For Every Room Based on Colour Psychology

Wanna know how to choose room colour? Find out here.

 

Have you ever really noticed the patterns of your daily routine? Do you know why you make certain choices over others? Why you chose that shade of yellow in your living room or why you knew that lilac wall would make the room seem very welcoming? Colour, being a non-verbal language, depicts emphasis in a profound manner.

 

The colour you paint your room in signifies the level of comfort you are going to have when you start using it. But colour psychology works on a daily basis, more often that you would realise. So choosing the right colour is just as important as choosing the right room for it. Here, at ApnaComplex, we’ve put together a list of basic colours and the vibe they give away when used as paint. With the guidance rendered in this post, you will now have a well-informed reason to splash your room with the colour of your choice.

 

PURPLE —

Purple, depending on the shade, evokes varying levels of richness and sophistication. It inspires spirituality and prosperity and adds a dash of adventure to an otherwise mundane room. A stylish choice, purple hues encourage a fresh take on issues that are hard to come to conclusions to. Adding depth to a room, purple evokes compassion and humanity.
how to choose room colour

 

PINK —

Pink is a very common colour in a little girl’s room and is accounted for as it represents love and understanding. Hues such as rose, lavender pink and mimi pink are a crowd favourite. Use sophisticated fabrics to avoid a pale and monotonous look in the room. Vivid pinks are also viewed as glamourous and powerful and can be counteracted with blacks and greys. Such hues can be used in entryways as they are transitional spaces in a house and suggest movement, so save brighter pinks for the smaller spaces.
how to choose room colour

 

RED —

Red acts as a stimulator; a stimulator of appetite, conversation, etc. So, it is best to save the reds for the kitchen and dining rooms, but to add flair and depth into your bedroom, one wall can be highlighted with a deep red to make it stand out.
how to choose room colour

 

ORANGE —

Orange is an edifying color and it promotes happiness, warmth, emotional strength, optimism and spontaneity. The living room could do with a hint of orange as it also a social communication enhancer. The kids’ room could also have some orange walls as it aids in creativity and new ideas. This is one of the most underused colours and will add a touch of quirkiness to any room it is used to paint.

how to choose room colour

YELLOW/GOLD —

Yellow symbolizes power and vibrancy and also stimulates health, wisdom and patience. It acts as an excellent mood enhancer. In feng shui, yellow and gold are associated with wealth. These colours can be used in smaller spaces around the house and in entryways, making them seem larger and airier. Avoid using bright yellow hues in calmer sections of the home as they stimulate the nerves.
how to choose room colour

 

GREEN —

Green is the colour of new starts and growth, healing and freshness. It is the primary colour of nature and it encourages stability and rejuvenation and improves concentration. Green tints would do very well in the bedroom, kitchen and study but can be used to spruce up a living room with minimalistic varying textures. The bathrooms could use a little bit of green to make things less monotonous as well.

how to choose room colour

 

AQUA —

A mix of blue and green, aqua, represents youth and helps in inducing a state of relaxation and meditation. Aqua coloured curtains complement white walls and help in reducing sleep difficulties. Aqua ornamentation creates a feel of spirituality.

how to choose room colour

 

BLUE —

A blue room projects tranquility. Blue is said to have relaxing effects on people as it lowers blood pressure, reduces respiration rate and heart rate. Deeper blues infuse wisdom and introspection into the room, but overdoing it can make the room give off a dismal vibe. Blue walls are best saved for family rooms, bedrooms, larger kitchens, bathrooms and for a twist, a powder blue ceiling.
how to choose room colour

 

BLACK —

Black is a colour that adds an essence of contemplation and reflection to a room. It also creates a mysterious element when paired with metallic ornamentation. As a more formal and elegant but magnetic colour, it should be preferably used as an accent colour (complementary colour).

how to choose room colour

 

GREY —

An unknown fact about the colour grey is that it cultivates helpfulness. A harmonious union of black and white, when paired with eye-popping hues of pink, it creates a balance of subtle and bold. Grey is a calming colour with a delicate aura and silver and grey can be used in different tones to create a perception of enchantment and mysticism. It is alluring and charismatic when paired rightly with a red.
how to choose room colour

 

WHITE —

White is a crisp colour that invites clarity, precision and communication and is normally used in kitchens and living rooms. White’s cleanliness and contrast to almost every colour works in any room, especially with woodwork. White also looks dainty when it is used along with grey and provides a seamless background for black furniture.

how to choose room colour

 

BROWN —

Brown is an earthy tone that offers stability and security. It is generally used to highlight bolder colours like orange or lime green. Brown is the colour of wood and wood can be used to add an elegant and warm feel to a room. Browns combined with hues of green, like sage, discourage tension in the room and create a sophisticated mode of living. Brown can be used in the dining room or as an addition to the bedroom paired with a lighter, more airy colour such as aqua or pink.

how to choose room colour

 

How to choose room colour depends on the different hues of these colours that evoke specific emotions. Room colour decisions should always be made keeping in mind the ideal room setting, embellishments and furniture that is used in the room. The colour of paint makes a drastic difference in the perception the room creates about itself since the character of the room is decided by the undertone that the colour projects. A light room with a dark wall can change the perceptive depth of the room, and in addition, the more tranquil / bold your colour is depends on what you would like to see all year long. The ultimate goal is to blend the colours you would like to look at in the most pleasing manner possible.

 

Quick tips

  • Mix and match colours that highlight architectural details and centerpieces in the room.
  • Saturated colours like sunshine yellow and lime green add energy to the room.
  • Cool colours like blue, green and purple make the room look larger and more spacious.
  • Colours on the opposite of a colour wheel normally complement each other, but watch out for overplay.
  • Notice how a color behaves in relation to other colors and shapes, and compare the contrasting effects for a good and balanced feel.
  • Stick to a maximum of four colours per room to keep things lively, but not too busy.
  • Try a few test patches of the colours you’ve chosen to decide what compliments the room best so that it doesn’t tire out your eyes.

 

…And don’t forget!

How to choose room colour

 

Now that we’ve given you a low-down on how to choose room colour, we hope you have an easier decision-making process when it comes to home décor and home improvement. Happy colouring!

how to choose room colour


Avoid A ‘Home Alone’ Situation With The Gatekeeper App

Remember Harry and Marv? The tiny short-tempered man and the tall dumb one, who terrorised the living daylights out of a naughty 8-year-old called Kevin McCallister?

Yes. We’re talking about the plot of the 1990 blockbuster movie, Home Alone, where the bad guys ultimately end up paying for their crimes, behind bars. While the movie served its purpose of entertaining people and raking in some big moolah, the depiction of events hold no semblance in the real world.

Now, imagine a country like India where there are thousands of Harrys and Marvs – probably a lot more deadlier – goofing off in every major metropolis, and most probably in an area surrounding you too. How do you keep your apartment and your kids from witnessing or being victims to rancid, violent Home Alone-esque occurrences?

 

Gatekeeper Home Alone

 

The answer lies with choosing an effective and efficient security system of course, like the Gatekeeper app by ApnaComplex, one of India’s leading security solutions providers. It’s quite like a benevolent all-seeing eye watching over your kids. Here is a scenario on how Gatekeeper can effortlessly handle it without the guard having to break a sweat.

 

The Trespassing And The Break-In

Remember when Kevin, despite all his best efforts, could no longer hold the “There are people in the house” act? Well, the criminal twosome from the Wet Bandits gang decided to invite themselves into the McCallister household, which spelled more trouble for the obnoxious little kid.

However, when you get Gatekeeper, the visitor tracking app, there is no chance of random strangers gaining unauthorised access to your apartment complex, let alone your doorstep.

 

Gatekeeper

 

The All-Seeing Guard

For a visitor to enter your apartment complex, they will need to provide brief details of the resident they are going to visit and their door number at the security booth. For the information to be rechecked correctly with the resident, the guard has the option to then send a text message or call the resident and confirm whether they are expecting a visitor.

Once the authenticity (or the apparent lack thereof) of the visitor’s request is ascertained, one can figure out whether a visitor is around for the right reasons or not!

Having a high-security feature in the form of a user-friendly app will not just help you avoid the Home Alone situation, but will also play a key part in safeguarding the well-being of your kids and your entire family.


Mind-Numbing Real Life Security Incidents Indians Face

If you go over crime rates of the past few years, India hasn’t quite been the safest place for its citizens. Instances, particularly those relating to thefts, burglary and breach of security systems, have seen a steep rise in recent years. In fact, most of the thefts and robberies took place in apartment complexes, which already had a number of security guards manning the gates.

 

security-incident

 

Talking about robberies and thefts, a few occurrences, like the ones in Greater Noida and Mumbai come to mind, both of which took place in well-guarded apartment buildings. These issues also received wide media coverage from popular news agencies, like The Times Of India.

In Gaur City housing society, one of the sprawling complexes of Noida, over 15 apartments were ransacked by miscreants when the owners were, either out for work or had gone shopping. The criminals made away with a sizable sum of jewellery and cash.

In another incident  in Mumbai, in a posh Vesu area apartment, a theft of Rs.35 lakh in cash had taken place at the residence of a textile processing unit owner.

Such instances occur due to the lack of an effective and foolproof security system that can handle these unpleasant situations in the first place. In fact, these aren’t even the most bizarre incidents faced by people in India. Here are a few other security threats faced by Indians:

 

security-incident

 

Being Followed Home

Indian citizens have seen a fair share of strangers follow them home. However, this particular incident took things to the next level. It was a humid Friday night, and a 20-something woman stepped out of her house to wait for a cab. While she was waiting, a 6-foot man appeared from a crossroad. After surveying the area for a brief time, he just picked the woman up and carried her away, while she kicked and screamed for help.

If her housing complex had an efficient security system, such an incident could have been easily avoided.

 

Snatching Valuables Off Senior Citizens

Senior citizens usually go out for walks around their residential campus after their dinner, to help their metabolism. Chain snatchers take advantage of such situations.

They grab their jewellery and make a run for it. Elder people cannot be expected to run after them, since they, sometimes, use motorcycles during these episodes. Having good security means that miscreants will be kept out of housing societies, providing the dwellers a safe place to carry on their regular activities.

These are just few real-life security incidents faced by a majority of people in India. To tackle such cases, having an efficient security system like the Gatekeeper app, from ApnaComplex, can help keep your housing society safe.


3 Tricks To Prevent A Break-in By Using CCTV Cameras

You might have come across the famous adage ‘The best defense is a good offense’. Well, no other statement is truer when it comes to ensuring the safety of your apartment.

 

A detailed report on the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), published in 2014, claims that there were over 40,000 registered robbery and dacoity cases in the country, over the course of the year. Judging by the way criminals are able to get away, it is not a startling statistic either.

However, as more and more people are concerned about the security in and around their houses, a variety of security equipment are seeing a massive rise in sales. Among these, the sales of CCTV cameras stand out like an inkblot on a white shirt.

If you are looking to safeguard your house with the help of security cameras too, here are a few basic tricks you need to know :

 

  • Install A CCTV Camera Near The Front Door

Gatekeeper

A vast majority of burglars enter apartments through the front door, which is why, installing a surveillance camera with a view of the front door can curb break-ins. To make the most of the camera system while still keeping them away from a potential intruder’s reach, place it at an elevation while pointing it to the front door. Also, use mesh wiring to prevent the wiring systems from being tampered with.

 

  • Understand the usage of FPS Ratio To Record More Data

While installing a surveillance camera is a simple task, maintaining the massive flow of data is not. Here’s how you can deal with it –

Imagine that you have a 2 MP camera that records real-time footage at 30 frames per second (FPS), 24/7.

You will need 500GB of storage space, approximately, for 30 FPS. However, if you can reduce the FPS rate to 15, you can record two times more footage with the same amount of space, without compromising on the quality.

 

  • Get DDNS Or Install Gatekeeper

Gatekeeper

Viewing security footage isn’t always as simple as it is shown in the movies. One needs to access the camera from a remote location to review the footage. And for that, the camera must be connected to an IP address. However, there’s a catch. Your IP address keeps changing so often, which makes it impossible to connect it to the system. Instead, you will need to get access to a DDNS (Dynamic Domain Name Service), which is, basically, a personal domain name that resolves back to your original IP address, irrespective of the number of times it changes.

 

To sum it up, having a surveillance camera will help you identify the perpetrator at first sight. Apart from CCTVs, you can also use the Gatekeeper app, a visitor tracking app for apartment complexes, to safeguard your family in a better way. The Gatekeeper app is not just a handy tool for your security guard, but also for your guests, since they will be allowed a quick entry, unlike unwarrated visitors.


apartment-security-systems

Three Apartment Security Systems That You Need To Stay Safe

Apartment security has become a major concern in the country, especially in urban India. NCRB has stated that there has been a drastic rise in robbery and burglary cases in the past few years in Indian cities. Keeping this in mind, nowadays, many people have beefed up the security systems at their house.
apartment-security-features

 

Without having a robust security system in place, your house becomes an easy target for criminals. This article will guide you on why and how to choose some of the modern day security equipment.

 

  • Access Control Systems

This is the most common type of security system one would come across. Access control includes doors, gates, windows, fences and common area lighting. Due to the presence of 24 x 7 security officers, access control barriers are what residents prefer when it comes to apartment security.

 

apartment-security-systems

 

  • Card Access Systems

Considered as one of the best security measures, Card Access Systems provide the best technology to access locked doors and gates. If your residential apartment is a part of a newly constructed building, then opting for this type of security is the better than any traditional security measure. This is because it offers top notch security management, without burning a hole in your pocket.

Access cards use specially programmed software to record date, time, and location of every entryway. For instance, access cards can store information of residents and visitors who enter and exit the building, spa, gym or parking lot. All these features make card access systems worth installing.

 

apartment-security-systems

 

  • Advanced Key Control System

If you install Key Control System at your residence, it will not only be an efficient guardian to your home, but will also prove to be a pocket friendly deal. The best feature of key control systems is that if the access card is damaged, lost, or the resident moves out, the card details can be deleted from the server just with a few keystrokes.

Owners of multi-storied residential properties will prefer this system more. This is because advanced key control systems can safely store the codes of each and every person using it, and can be password protected on all floors.

 

Apart from using a safety system, you can also make use of Gatekeeper, a simple app that allows you to monitor visitors and store their information. It is easy to use, which means your security guards will have a more efficient system of maintaining security.


Apartment Security And Technology: Tracing The Evolution

The requirements of apartment security are based on two factors: properties at risk and threats to those properties. If we look at India’s apartment security system of the past few decades, it was largely constituted of security guards manning residential apartments, colonies, and localities. But with the advent of modern technology, things have grown by leaps and bounds.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the evolution of apartment security over the years and how it developed into an advanced system that we witness today.

How It All Began?

In the early 1700s, English inventor Tildesley created the first-ever ‘calling bell’. This device was equipped with set of chimes that were mechanically connected to the door lock. So whenever someone tried to open the door, the alarm rang and alerted the residents. Shortly after this invention, came in the ‘level tumbler lock system’ aka the modern day lock and key system.

apartment-security-evolution

Home security systems kept on advancing and evolving throughout the 18th and the 19th century. Many inventions and innovations pertaining to home security were carried out throughout this period. But after the advent of the computer and the Internet, things took a drastic turn for good.

Let’s take a look at the revolutionary advancements made in this field, especially post-1990.

From 1990s To Present Day

By the 90s, the cost of apartment security systems went down and they became more affordable. The burglar alarm system evolved to a whole new level during this era. Also, the motion sensor technology was improved in the 90s, and used infrared technology to avoid false positives. Besides, there were professional security companies that installed these safety measures in homes.

apartment-security-evolution

But after the year 2000, with modern and powerful computers being used to control home security systems, things never remained the same. Wireless technology acted as a catalyst to this.

Presently, people can monitor their homes through smartphones and can receive alerts on it. There are many apps like the Gatekeeper app, which can be used to track visitors entering apartment complexes.

Just like humans have evolved over the years, home security has too. And you will be spoilt for choice when you go about looking for a home security system. However, you must choose one that is efficient and meets your personal security requirements.