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September 8, 2018

7 Easy Tips To Improve Your Home Office

Almost every home has an area designated as “the home office” or simply, “the study.” Often these areas double as storerooms. However, with the recent rise in usage of work-from-home (WFH) option, it has become extremely important to have a workspace that is comfortable and free from distractions.

So if you are looking to redo your study to enable productive WFH, here are 7 tips to help improve the space. Whether you’re working from home, or simply a student, we hope these tips help create a stress-free environment.

1) De-clutter your workspace

The first thing that needs to go is unnecessary clutter that you may have lying around. Your office space should follow the minimal style for interior decor. Anything that doesn’t directly contribute to your work needs to go. Also, remember to keep a dustbin next to your desk for all those balled up papers or pencil shavings.

2) Let the light in

Remember to keep your workspace well lit and ventilated. Whenever possible, let the daylight stream in. However, if this is not an available option, make sure you have a bright table lamp.

3) Don’t compromise on comfort

If you spend a lot of time at your desk, uncomfortable furniture is a big no-no as this puts a lot of strain on your back muscles. Invest in a good chair which supports your back adequately. Supplement it with cushions and a footrest. When you’re sitting at the desk, make sure the height of the desk reaches your chest. This will reduce the strain on your body.

4) Make it easy to track time

Make sure there is a clock that is easily visible from your seat. Not only will this help you manage your time, it also will remind you to take breaks while you work. According to psychology, it is important to take a short 5-10 minute break after every 40 minutes of continuous mental effort.

5) Get some greenery

Consider placing a potted plant nearby. Plants make a room look welcoming. They also have a mild detoxification effect on the room. Consider placing sweet-smelling herbs around the room. This can also help reduce stress.

6) Make it quiet

It may be a good idea to soundproof the room. Background noise, by common knowledge, hampers performance. So if you live in a very noisy neighbourhood, it may help to block it all out.

7) Put a dash of Colour Psychology

Colours have a way of influencing our mind and body. For a study, always go for light, cool colours. These colours and soothing and stimulating to the brain. Hang up artwork that uses blues, greens and purples. As for the furniture, opt for light wood. This too helps to reduce stress.

A home office should ideally, help you feel relaxed and yet motivated to work. This space should also improve your efficiency rather than hamper it. We hope these tips help you do just that! Happy redecorating!

apnacomplexnitin
August 18, 2018

An Eight Step Guide to Designing a Kid’s Room

A kid’s bedroom: there is no room more challenging, yet more fun to design. Before embarking on this project, you may want to consider all the pointers that follow.

1. Safety

The first thing you need to remember is to account for the safety of your child. Make sure that the wiring, paint, furniture and decor items are all of good quality and child-safe. No matter how good it looks, avoid items that are made of glass. This includes shelves and furniture.

2. Space

Children spend a lot of time in their bedrooms. Remember to leave plenty of open space in the room. Opt to put all the bulky furniture against the wall. Leave the centre of the room empty so they have plenty of space to play, move around, and let’s face it, scatter their toys.

3. Tastes

When designing a room for children, it is important to include them in the decision making process. The easiest way to do this is to ask them to pick the colours for their walls. If the colour they pick is way too bright for your taste, use it as a feature wall and paint the rest of the room a more neutral colour. Yet another thing you can do is narrow down the different furniture you’re willing to buy and leave the final decision to your child.

4. Practicality

No matter how attractive the alternative, purchase practical items. Children are quick to grow in size. They are even quicker to grow out of phases. So while making big purchases, like furniture, keep things simple. You can indulge their tastes in things like bedding, rugs or wall decor.

5. Lighting

It is very important that your child’s room is adequately lit, both during the day and at night. When setting up the room, make sure there is nothing blocking the windows. As for the light fixtures, try opting for warmer lights. These help the body to relax so it is easier to put your child to bed.

6. Storage

Children may be small but they always seem to have more stuff than everybody else in the family. Give them sufficient storage space for all their things. Try to go for furniture that doubles as a smart storage option. It is always a good idea to invest in overhead storage for all the things that they don’t need every day.

7. Furnishing

A common idea while furnishing a kid’s room is selecting a theme. This helps in making the room look seamless. Themes range from cartoon characters, favourite animals to just a combination of colours. While designing a room based on a theme may be fun, the real problem comes with maintenance. So pick furnishings that are easy to clean and quick to dry. Remember, if it’s a kid’s room, spills, stains and scratches are part of the parcel!

8. Creativity

One of the best ways to personalise a child’s bedroom by displaying their artwork. Pick out the best of your child’s drawings and have them framed. You can also hang framed photographs or poetry. Have them create wall hangings and craftwork for their shelf. Deck the room in their work and watch it come together!

Kids are the most challenging “customers” to please. Designing a kid’s room can be challenging. But the smiles, in the end, will definitely be worth all the effort!

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apnacomplexnitin
August 3, 2018

Balcony Gardens: Fun Tips for Decorating your Balcony

While apartments have their advantages, one big downside is the detachment from nature. As opposed to a house with a big green yard, apartments tend to feel closed off and small. The only gateway to the outside world often comes in the form of balconies. Sitting out on your balcony, sipping a warm cup of tea (or coffee), and just watching the world go by is an undeniably therapeutic hobby. But often balcony spaces are underutilized. A common sight is a couple of old chairs, some pots with small plants, and heaps of refuse that we store for no real reason.

In recent years the concept of “handkerchief gardens” has blossomed (pun intended). What originally started as small, square garden spaces is now a term used to describe gardens in small spaces. So why not bring this concept to your balcony?

Landscaping small spaces can be a daunting task. Not only does it need to be space efficient, it also needs to fit your personal creative tastes. Here are some tips that can help set the wheel in motion.

Plan it well
As with any DIY project, the first step is planning. Having a clear idea of the space available is a must. Measure the area and create a plan for where you want to eventually place each item.

Clean it up
The next thing you need to do is clean up the balcony. Remove the clutter that has been lying around. Keep a lookout for cobwebs and dust bunnies that may have appeared in the unused space. Put up nails and hooks wherever you may need them. Remember to check the wiring and sockets that can be used. If you want to go the extra mile why not try hand painting the wall for extra flair?

Know your climate
The primary requirement of any garden is, naturally, plants. While everyone loves the idea of exotic sweet-smelling flowers, we should remember that these plants need a lot of work. Look up plants that may be easier to grow in your locality. Also, check the direction of your balcony. This will have a direct effect on the amount of sunlight your plants will receive. Instead of flowers, consider growing herbs (like mint) that not only smell good but can be used in your kitchen.

Pots and pans
A pot garden with the little mud pots is a common sight in most balconies. But why stop there? Almost anything can be reused as garden pots; bottles, old buckets, kettles, old cans, everything is fair game. To add a little variety you can also purchase hanging pots or hooked planters.

Stack it up
Balconies are usually small. In such small spaces, vertical gardens are usually a good idea. Old bookshelves, step ladders, tables and stools, all provide good surfaces to put your pots on. Do not be afraid to add variations in height. It is all part of the aesthetic.

Drape it down
Another dramatic addition you can make to your balcony garden is vines and creepers. If you want to add an aura of magic and fairy tales to your space, this is the way to go. Just remember, vines take a little extra effort to maintain. Team it up with your vertical garden and it can make a striking impression.

Read more about the types of vines you can grow: https://www.houzz.in/ideabooks/98947783/list/8-climbing-plants-great-for-indian-balconies-and-gardens

Always accessorize
Gardens do not have to be limited to growing plants. Adding decor pieces that compliment your setup is always a good idea. Place random knick-knacks like figurines and windchimes. A popular addition you can install is a water feature. Small fountains and aquariums can add a bit more zing. You can also create a small bird bath. If you are lucky, the chirping of birds will be a great new feature of your new garden.

Let there be light
Outdoor lighting can go a long way in building the aesthetic. Drape fairy lights along your walls or hang paper lanterns from the ceiling. This is usually cost-effective and easy to remove. However, if you want something permanent, buy new light fixtures for the space. Try to opt for warm lighting. It creates a more cosy ambience.

Keep it simple
One of the most effective ways of creating a low-maintenance garden is through terrariums. A terrarium is a glass container with a plant growing inside. It is a usually self-sustaining ecosystem. The evaporated water condenses on the surface of the glass and waters the plant over and over again. Once in place, it requires almost no help to grow. All you need to do is open up the container every so often to fertilize or trim your plants.

Seats for all
Do not forget to add some outdoor furniture to the mix. Your balcony could be used for anything from reading to meditation. Seats and throw cushions can help create a comfortable nook. Outdoor swings are an ever-popular choice in India. Choose quick dry foam cushions to avoid rain damage. Make sure whatever furniture you place outside is weather resistant or coated with oil paint.

A balcony garden is a very good place to relax and unwind after a long day. The sense of tranquillity that comes from being surrounded by foliage is unparalleled. Big or small, it has a proven effect on your mood and psychological well-being. In a life always on the move, everybody deserves a chance to stop and smell the flowers.

So pick your favourite ideas from this list and create your own handkerchief-sized masterpiece. Happy gardening!

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ApnaComplex
November 9, 2016

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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 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!

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!

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ApnaComplex
July 19, 2016

Home improvement – Utilize your home space efficiently

If you live in a home or an apartment that’s commodious enough for one or two people, but still feel like you could use the space better if you knew how to, these are the home decor tips you should be reading. Today, we show you how to make your home look captivating no matter what the size.

Seamlessness is key –
- A major piece of wisdom that I’ve gained over time, reading various pieces on apartment décor, is that ‘seamlessness is key’. You want to make your rooms look bigger and you can do that by reducing the breakages in colour and hues on the walls. This technique can be applied to fixtures and conversation pieces as well.

Utilising corners effectively –
- Place an oversized chair or accent chair in the nook for a comfy look.
- Stacking books on corner shelves is a smart way to use that part of a room.

Lighter shades of paint and flooring –
- Using lighter shades on the walls and floors will make the room look bigger and brighter.

Select furniture that makes the room look sizable –
- Avoid making your rooms look cramped by taking advantage of compact and undersized furniture pieces.

Floating shelves –
- Floating shelves are a wonderful alternative to chests and drawers. They offer great storage space while not looking bulky and colossal inside a smaller room.

Curtain tints –
- Buy curtains that create a fusion with the walls with their hue. This improves on the ‘seamlessness’ aspect mentioned earlier.

Hang a proportionally sized mirror –
- A mirror in the room will make it come alive and reflect light inside it.
- The bigger the mirror, the larger the room looks.
- Mirrors can be hung horizontally or vertically to make the room look wider or higher.

Use transparent movables –
- Pellucid movables make for a more spacious setting than wood or metallic furniture.

Furniture that doubles up as storage space –
- Storing regularly used objects beneath that coffee table is a clever approach to getting things out of the way.

Foldable/Collapsible furniture –
- Purchase foldable tables or chairs that maximise space inside the house when they aren’t being used.
  Some of these pieces can double-up as ironing boards or other useful surfaces around the house.

In-built shelves –
- Built-in shelves save up space inside a room like no other. No protrusions jutting out at odd places and no jamming your little toe into the legs of an awkward table anymore.

Convertible pieces –
- This revolves around the same logic as foldable furniture.
- Convertible armchair-beds, sofa-bunk beds or collapsible coffee tables are examples of reusable pieces in the living room and in bedrooms.

Matryoshka furniture –
- This is the kind of furniture you’ve seen pictures of but don’t really know what they are called.
- Matryoshka furniture is named after the Russian doll or Babushka doll that has figurines of a similar shape and smaller sizes inside it.
- An extremely useful space saver, Matryoshka furniture can be arranged back into its original shape after being used.
- It reduces the amount of space that is permanently utilised for seating, as the seats can be organised to your liking.

Extra décor ideas –

Vinyl wall art –
- You can’t go wrong with vinyl wall stickers. They are one of the cheapest and quickest ways to transform any room and make it come alive.

Accommodating greenery in your humble abode –
- Vertical garden displays are not the norm yet, but are a great way of making your house seem less like a concrete box. They bring more of a balanced look and make it a ‘living’ room.
- This idea is definitely worth a shot, in our opinion. No harm done with extra oxygen around the house, right?

Wall photo collage –
- Instead of using frames and bulking down the room, creating a collage of pictures in a particular shape would be more practical and fun to look at.

Decorating the walls with wall tape and foil tape –
- Using washi tape (decorative wall tape) is another way of revamping a dull wall.
- Foil tape can be used to create designs on a wall, and if done correctly, it can lift the ambience of the room to a point that the room would be unrecognisable.
- It is the ultimate DIY activity that can be done by anyone from scratch. Pick a design and start taping.

String art –
- String art is an easy and fun pastime and you can create any kind of pattern by practising it a little bit.
- Once you’ve made a design that you think looks like the initial idea you had, put it up on a wall that needs some TLC.
- Your hard work will surely pay off with all the compliments and admiration coming your way.

Having a smaller space to live in can be very interesting if you make it that way. Rooms, no matter what size, can be altered by the furnishings and embellishments one places in them. Smaller homes can be a challenge to decorate but it is a very enjoyable experience. If you know what you’re doing and you know you’re doing it the right way, the end result is bound to leave you more than just satisfied. Try these suggestions to visually expand room sizes and you won’t be let down. In fact, your home will undoubtedly look as fresh as paint.

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ApnaComplex
October 23, 2013

How To Deal With Laborers In Internal Construction Projects

Renovation or modification work often involves hiring skilled laborers for getting specific jobs done, such as carpentry, cementing, painting and electrical works. Having to rely entirely on the laborers leaves a home owner clueless in most circumstances. Here are a few suggestions and tips to help you effectively manage the laborers working on your construction projects.

Common Questions That Most People Have Regarding Laborers

1. Where do I find laborers, and how do I approach them?

Laborers seldom have a hiring agency where you can go and contract the desired labor. You will most probably have to ask around and see if any of your friends, relatives or acquaintances knows any laborers that they have worked with before. Another possible way to source labor is to visit construction sites and ask the contractor or supervisor if they know of any laborers who would be willing to work on your project.

2. How many laborers do I need to get the job done?

It is a bad idea to ask your laborers how many of them you would need to complete the job. It’s essential that you have a fair idea about the work that needs to be done and the amount of labor it would require. You need to be able to set down a definite number of workers or you’ll be scammed into hiring excess labor at your expense.

3. For how long do I need the laborers, and how do I fix the remuneration?

Laborers work on time schedules and charge by the hour or by the day. You need to work out the timelines before you begin searching for laborers. Be realistic, yet firm on the deadline. Regarding remuneration, it’s best if you spoke to different laborers or people you know who have recently hired laborers and enquire about the average pay. The cheapest laborers may not necessarily be the best. Go for the ones who promise to meet your deadlines and yet charge reasonably. Make sure you settle the payment policy beforehand, i.e., hourly or daily rates, payment schedule and advance amount.

4. What is the most effective way to communicate with them?

Communication is very vital for the success of any endeavor. Most laborers will be migrants from other states. Not being able to communicate with them will result in frustrations and unnecessary delays. Make sure you hire labors who speak a language that you are familiar with. Also, ensure that all the laborers speak a common language so that the work goes on smoothly among them.

5. How should I handle or supervise the work that they do?

Be polite and patient with your laborers. The worst thing you could possibly do is to drive them away with your anger or persistent interference in their work. Give them precise orders and let it to them to finish the job. Losing your temper and yelling at them won’t make them do their job better.

The key to successfully completing your construction project is to effectively manage your laborers. Communication and team work are more likely to work than dictatorship and highhandedness.

Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!

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ApnaComplex
September 30, 2013

What You Should Know About Choosing An Interior Designer

An interior designer works closely with you on the project and sees to it that your vision is given shape in the most effective way. Choosing an interior designer is highly subjective as the project involves personal taste and preferences. Here are a few things to consider before you select the right candidate for the job.

6 Guidelines For Choosing An Interior Designer

Be Clear About What You Want

You need to be sure about what you want before you can start calling prospects. Assess the level of your involvement in the creative process and the amount of guidance you need. Know whether you are open to suggestions from the designer, or if you are firm about what you have come up with. Having a clear picture about your needs will ensure that you hire the right person.

Verify Their Credentials

Before you hire an interior designer, verify his or her credentials. Check if they the prerequisite license to work as an interior designer. Ask about the designer’s education, training, work experience and other credentials. A good interior designer will have had a comprehensive training that includes flame-spread ratings, space planning, AutoCAD, 3-D modeling, and lighting.

Scrutinize Their Portfolio

Studying a designer’s portfolio will give you an idea about his or her style and working methods in similar projects. If you can arrange for a visit to one of the designer’s completed works, you can get an up-close and personal taste of their finished project.

Ask Your Friends For References

One of the easiest ways to find a reliable and proven interior designer with good work habits is to ask your friends and relatives if they know any designer they have successfully worked with. This way you can not only be sure about the reference, but also have easy access to the designer’s work.

Choose A Designer With Transparent Billing Methods

Understand the fee structure of your prospects in order to know if their billing methods are transparent. Find out if the designer is going to charge you a flat fee or by the hour. Make sure you let your prospective designer know about your predetermined budget. Having a clear understanding of what you are paying for will ensure that the work is not compromised by any financial disagreement that may come up later.

Choose A Designer You Are Comfortable With

You will be working together with your designer for the entire duration of the project. Choosing an interior designer with whom you are comfortable will ensure that the room ends up the way you envisioned it. You want a designer with whom you feel free to ask questions and make suggestions.

Interviewing and choosing an interior designer for your project can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to months. Do not hurry, as picking the right designer is critical to the long-term success of your project. Selecting the wrong designer, no matter how experienced or qualified he or she may be, can lead to a décor disaster.

Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!

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ApnaComplex
September 30, 2013

Home Renovation Tips To Avoid Common Blunders

Renovating a house can be quite demanding in terms of money, time, and effort. Here are a few common mistakes that most renovators make, that can prove very costly at the end of the day.

Here Are A Few Basic Home Renovation Tips

Going For Cheaper Materials

Although it might be very tempting, cutting corners to save money may put your home and yourself at serious risk. Prices vary on materials for a reason. High quality materials are more durable, and hence more expensive. Save yourself the trouble and future expense of frequent repairs by going for good quality products. The same applies for the labor, interior designer, or engineer you’ll be hiring. It does not always pay to go for the lowest bidder. Go for the best that you can afford at the moment. If not, wait till you have enough funds.

Taking Inaccurate Measurements

One of the most basic home renovation tips is to make sure that you take accurate measurements. You spend a lot of money, time, and effort on a home renovation project, and you don’t want your halls to turn out too narrow, or the door frames to be crooked. Invest in quality measuring tools in order to avoid mistakes that will make you hate your renovated house. Also, be serious about taking accurate measurements, as even small discrepancies can result in drastic changes in the final outcome.

Failing To Prepare Well

Plan well before you begin the project. Do not start off and expect to tweet your plans as the work progresses. It never works. Do a lot of research, read plenty of books, and talk to people who have already renovated their houses. You might end up spending hours chalking out the last detail of the plan before you ever pick up a tool, but it’ll be worth the time and effort. If you do not have the time or interest to get things done yourself, hiring a professional would be a smart choice.

Biting More Than You Can Chew

A common mistake that most renovators make is to plan big and go over the top in their home renovation efforts. Make sure you know what you are getting into. Be realistic and factor in your finances, abilities, and resources before you begin tearing your house apart. It might be a better idea to work on smaller sections than to renovate the entire house at once. Running out of cash, time or interest midway, will only leave you with a poorly renovated house.

Failing To Obtain Prerequisite Permissions

While this is very obvious, some homeowners fail to secure the required work permit before starting a home renovation. Be on the safe side and avoid unnecessary fines and legal fees by getting all necessary permissions for the renovation plan. Do keep in mind that your house insurance will not cover damages or injury if you go ahead without required permissions.

Make sure you follow these basic home renovation tips to avoid costly mistakes. The golden rule is to plan well, and know what you are getting into, beforeyou pick up that hammer or paint brush.

Have more tips to share with us? Let us know in the comments below!

Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!

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ApnaComplex
September 29, 2013

The Three Best Flooring Options For Your Apartment

Choosing the best floor for your apartment can be a tough decision. Should you stress on looks, durability, or high-quality? The answer lies in finding the right balance depending on your needs, finances, location of apartment, and whether you intend to stay there or rent it out. Here are the three best flooring options you might want to take a look at.

Marble Flooring Options

Marble flooring is the most popular type of flooring in Indian households. It is also the most expensive type of flooring. Marble is available is a range of three shades- white, black, and green. The pieces normally come in the form of slabs, blocks and tiles. The cost of marble flooring depends on the colour and design pattern. Marble floors are highly durable, and can last for years.

On the downside, one has to be careful with spillage, as marble can get permanently stained with certain chemicals or foods. Marble floors also develop cracks easily, and require regular polishing. If you wish to go with marble, you can choose from among Indian, Greek, Italian, or Spanish varieties.

Tile Flooring Options

Tiles have replaced cemented or stone flooring in most Indian homes. Versatile, durable and affordable, tiles come in a wide range of designs and patterns. Tiles are moisture resistant, and easy to clean. Pet lovers might want to reconsider, as tiles easily crack under stress and rough use. Replacing broken or cracked tiles is however easy, you just need to replace the damaged tile instead of replacing the entire flooring.

Tiles come in a variety of materials such as ceramic, stone, metal, vinyl, porcelain, and even glass. Ceramic and vitrified tiles are the most popular variety as they are easy to maintain, and comparatively less prone to scratches. Tiles are however very slipper. Choose tiles that offer more traction, and opt for anti-skid tiles for bathrooms. Prices for tiles vary, depending on the material, quality and designs.

Hardwood Flooring Options

Hardwood floors are an excellent choice for a warm feel around the house. These floors are expensive and can cost you most than marble if you go for high quality oak or teak flooring. Hardwood floors are durable, but are not recommended for pet owners, or for people who like to move their furniture around a lot. They are prone to scratches, and may require regular polishing. These floors also have an affinity for moisture, and attract termites if not well maintained.

Hardwood floors come in two types. Solid hardwood floors consist of planks sawn from a single piece of timber. They have a thicker wear surface, and can be sanded and polished more number of times. Engineered wood flooring, on the other hand, is made up of two or more layers of wood that form a plank. These floors are more stable and are the most common type of hardwood floors.

Choosing a floor requires factoring in a lot of variables like cost, durability, personal preferences, and not to mention comfort. Research more about the flooring options you are considering, and go for the floor that is most likely to make your house your dream home.

Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!

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ApnaComplex
September 28, 2013

All You Need To Know About How To Soundproof An Apartment

Living in an apartment can be fun, with plenty of interesting neighbors. On the downside, sharing common walls means you can hear every move your neighbor makes as clearly as they can hear yours. Music and heavy bass often pumps through these common walls late into the night. You can even hear your neighbor’s footsteps overhead, often flat-out stomping.

Learn How To Soundproof An Apartment

Learning how to soundproof an apartment can help preserve your privacy and at the same time stop you from involuntarily being privy to your neighbor’s personal life. Here a few inexpensive ways to soundproof an apartment that will muffle, if not entirely eliminate sounds from entering or leaving your rooms. Most of these tips do not require any major changes to your room’s interior.

Add weather stripping to the sides of the door and window frames to prevent gaps around the frame.
Put up decorative foam sheets or patterns on the walls as foam is quite absorbing.
Use thick sound reduction curtains and draperies on your windows and doors to dampen any sound waves that might ordinarily pass through.
An easy and inexpensive way to soundproof you walls is to line noisy walls with bookshelves full of books.
Make sure your rooms are not sparsely filled as sound travels well in empty spaces.
Use a vinyl barrier on the walls to improve soundproofing.
You can create a drop or false ceiling to reduce sound from going or coming from upstairs. The dead air space between the false ceiling and the real one creates a sound-trapping chamber.
Use thick carpeting on floors to minimize sound from bouncing off the floors or transmitting into the rooms below.
You can further increase the density of the carpets by adding some high-density, mass-loaded vinyl.
Replace hollow doors with heavy solid ones to reduced sound transmission through doors.
Install automatic door bases that drop retractable neoprene sound seals to the floors whenever you close the door.
Fill in any cracks or gaps in walls, around faceplates of electrical outlets and switches and recessed light fixtures with non-hardening flexible caulk.
Mount speakers, washing machines, televisions, refrigerators, and other instruments that shake on neoprene vibration isolation pads to stop sound from flowing into your floor.
Put up some high-density fiberglass baffles on your ceiling and walls.
Put potted plants with broad-leaves in your balcony or indoors wherever possible as they are very effective noise blockers.

Follow these simple tips on how to soundproof an apartment in order to make your home a more personal and sound-free space. In most cases, you could dramatically change the acoustics of a room by simply rearranging the furniture. However, if you need to record audio in your apartment, you might want to consider hiring a professional to completely cut out noise and reduce echoes.

Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
ApnaComplex is India’s most comprehensive web based housing society accounting, management and communication software. It is designed to make the life of residents and owners a lot better by bringing in more transparency and accountability in managing a housing society. Check out the features of ApnaComplex and sign up your society today to get the benefits! We offer a free 30-day trial as well so that you can try before you buy!

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Category Home Decor

1) De-clutter your workspace

2) Let the light in

3) Don’t compromise on comfort

4) Make it easy to track time

5) Get some greenery

6) Make it quiet

7) Put a dash of Colour Psychology

PURPLE —

PINK —

RED —

ORANGE —

YELLOW/GOLD —

GREEN —

AQUA —

BLUE —

BLACK —

GREY —

WHITE —

BROWN —

Quick tips

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!

If you live in a home or an apartment that’s commodious enough for one or two people, but still feel like you could use the space better if you knew how to, these are the home decor tips you should be reading. Today, we show you how to make your home look captivating no matter what the size.

Extra décor ideas –

Common Questions That Most People Have Regarding Laborers

1. Where do I find laborers, and how do I approach them?

6 Guidelines For Choosing An Interior Designer

Be Clear About What You Want

Verify Their Credentials

Scrutinize Their Portfolio

Ask Your Friends For References

Choose A Designer With Transparent Billing Methods

Choose A Designer You Are Comfortable With

Here Are A Few Basic Home Renovation Tips

Going For Cheaper Materials

Taking Inaccurate Measurements

Failing To Prepare Well

Biting More Than You Can Chew

Failing To Obtain Prerequisite Permissions

Marble Flooring Options

Tile Flooring Options

Hardwood Flooring Options

Learn How To Soundproof An Apartment