Maintenance Tips Archives | ApnaComplex Blog | Apartment Management Platform

apnacomplexnitin
February 14, 2022

Know all about society maintenance charges and how they can impact buyers

Maintenance is a big part of housing societies. To maintain the building, the common facilities, and to pay the society staff (security, janitors), every resident is charged a maintenance amount.

Before moving into a gated community, owners and tenants must know all about the society’s maintenance structure and how their contribution will be used.

In this article, we explain all about maintenance charges, how a unit is charged, how the collected money is used, how they can impact you financially, etc.

Charging maintenance

The management/RWA (Residents’ Welfare Association) has the right to collect maintenance charges from the owner or tenant. The maintenance amount is charged per square foot, or a uniform amount is levied on all the residents – whichever is agreed by the majority of the residents.

When a building is constructed, the builder takes the onus of maintaining the building until the building is substantially occupied for an RWA to form. The builder might request initial buyers to pay the maintenance amount of a year upfront during the purchase or in installments. This is perfectly legal as long as the builder uses the money only for the welfare of the building and has a valid audited record.

How should the builder handle the maintenance money collected?

There are certain guidelines involved here and the builders must abide by them. These guidelines and how a builder should discharge his/her duties when it comes to maintenance charges are discussed below.

Maintenance charges belong the society

The maintenance charges collected from the buyers belong to the society only and builders cannot use them for their gains. Here, the builder only takes care of the building for a limited period and the responsibility of managing and maintaining the building and its premises, in the long run this falls under the responsibility of the RWA once it is formed and fully functional.

An exclusive bank account

The builder/developer is required to create a bank account for depositing maintenance contributions exclusively. Once the RWA is formed, the builder should hand over the accumulated maintenance amount or the balance amount to the RWA along with the income, expenditure, and bank account details.

When the builder hands over the maintenance to RWA, it is mandatory that an auditor or CA (chartered accountant) endorse that the maintenance money has been used for the welfare of the building only.

Similarly, the lump sum maintenance amount deposited in the bank account will accrue interests. This interest amount solely belongs to the maintenance account only and cannot be used by the builder.

What is included in the maintenance charges?

– Common electricity and water charges

– Insurance charges

– Property and non-agriculture taxes

– Sinking or reserve fund

– Car-parking charges

– Society election fund

– Service charges

– Training and education fund

– Non-occupancy charges

– Expenses arising due to repairs and general maintenance of the building, including lift and other facilities maintenance and services.

– Salaries of society staff including security personnel, janitors, maintenance staff and their travelling allowances, etc.

What are the criteria for maintenance charges?

There are six types of maintenance charges with each having a different criterion and the residents are charged accordingly.

Sinking Fund – 0.25% of each unit’s construction cost (per annum).

Repairs and maintenance expenses of building – 0.75% of each unit’s construction cost (per annum).

Repairs and maintenance expenses of lifts – Divided among residents equally.

Service charges (security, assets, common area electricity, etc) – Divided among residents equally

Parking charges – According to parking slots given to each unit.

Water charges and property tax – Depending on the consumption of each unit.

Maintenance charges and GST

For the first couple of years post the construction of the building, maintenance charges will be unclear since the unit will only begin to occupy and the application of maintenance charges will be work in progress. The homeowners will set a standard and decide the maintenance charges that work for them both in the short and long term.

However, in July 2019, the Finance Ministry ordered that flat owners must pay 18% GST if their monthly maintenance contribution is more than ₹7500 and RWA’s annual turnover of supply of goods and services is more than ₹20 lakhs.

Maintenance charges and RERA

According to the RERA – Real Estate ACT (Regulation and Development) of 2016, the developer is responsible for the maintenance of the building and providing essential services to the residents until it is taken over by the RWA.

RERA also clearly states that home buyers who have agreed to the sale of a unit are responsible for making the required maintenance payments towards the association and contribute towards common electricity and water charges, municipal tax, ground rent, registration charges, etc. The owners are required to make the payment on the agreed date, time, and place as outlined in the agreement

Financial implications of maintenance charges

A society’s maintenance charges are decided based on the building’s life cycle cost and can influence the buyers’ decision. When the building construction is underway, developers might not bring up the maintenance nor discuss it in detail.

Nevertheless, when the property is ready-to-move-in, the developer will quote a maintenance amount considering all the expenses taxes, and other deposits. At this stage, the buyers have to pay one or two years of maintenance amount upfront.

For example, if the monthly maintenance is ₹4000, they will have to pay ₹48,000 (4000 x 12 months) or ₹96,000 (4000 x 24 months) initially and this will have an impact on their purchasing decision.

Waiving off maintenance charges

Though payment of maintenance charges are a mandate, they can be reduced or waived off for a stipulated time due to unexpected circumstances. The classic example would be the COVID-19.

Several societies in India had reduced the maintenance fee or have waived it off for a few months when the pandemic was raging and people had to take salary cuts or lost their jobs,

To conclude, buying a property is a decision that involves a substantial amount of money. Before signing the agreement, buyers must consider and analyse all the expenses including the maintenance amount they will be paying during their tenure. This amount that will be paid every month can amount to a significant amount in the long run if saved.

Want to simplify and streamline your society’s daily operations and make maintenance dues collection and payment an easy affair? Visit apnacomplex.com and schedule a free demo!

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apnacomplexnitin
October 26, 2021

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.

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apnacomplexnitin
December 8, 2018

Keeping Your Residents Happy

Ask anyone in the managing committee of an apartment complex or a residential layout, and most of them will confess that it’s the most thankless job one can think of. What makes the job a challenge is the brickbats that follow even after having worked in the best interest of all. “You can never please everyone” is a truism that every apartment managing committee member learns early enough in their tenure!

But all’s not lost! If you’re a managing committee member, we are glad to reveal that there is a way you can actually reduce your work and even win some praise for the efforts you put in.

To begin, we’ll have to first understand where most managing committees stumble in getting along with the members/residents of the apartment complex or layout. Broadly, the issues that residents have with their managing committees can be classified under the following heads:

We are sure you’ll agree that almost 90% of the criticism that members of owners association have against their managing committees fall under these three heads. When it comes to communication, the most common grouse is that the managing committee didn’t communicate early enough or clearly enough. When it comes to the complaint resolution, there are always comments saying that no complaint gets attended in time. The same issues keep recurring. As for expenses, the lesser said the better. Members will always claim that they do not know where the money is being spent or that the expenses are too high.

Now, if an association can “manage” to get these three aspects of their functioning in control then you could have a satisfied society.

So how do we go about doing it?

The answer is simple: use tools that help your association become efficient and thus more effective! At ApnaComplex we offer online technology solutions that help Managing Committees streamline their workflow and create better synergies with residents of the apartment. The Single Directory View of Members allows managing committee to view details of each owner and tenant in the apartment complex or layout. The powerful Notification features that we have ensures that you can use the power of SMS and emails to communicate with every member of your society – or broadcast to only specific segments of your members – like residents and tenants.

The online Complaint Box feature of ApnaComplex registers, tracks, and closes complaints from all apartment members in a central place. Complaints shall be filed under various categories and tracked till closure. Residents can know the status of a complaint anytime and also how many complaints are attended to by the maintenance staff. Sure, that makes the residents happier.

Apart from these, ApnaComplex offers rich features to support your billing and expenses. The Maintenance Charge Tracking feature allows the Treasurer to raise invoices for various charges and tracks payments made against them. To make the life of a Treasurer even simpler, the Income Tracking feature captures the details of income from maintenance collection and other revenue heads. The Instant Receipts Issuance feature not only enables the speedy creation of receipts but also enables members to view/download the receipts at any time. In addition, the Expense Tracking feature tracks expenses incurred under various heads and the Publish Accounts Statement publishes statements at the push of a button to all members and on to the notice board. Now, that’s total transparency.

Finally, the Metered Billing feature ensures that invoices are generated for various metered utilities such as a piped gas or water meter against each house and their respective payments are tracked within ApnaComplex!

If that covers 90% of all issues, we are glad to inform you that we haven’t missed out on the remaining 10% either. ApnaComplex has an Online Notice Board that ensures everyone can post their needs to all members. Online Notice Board can be used by the Managing Committee to ensure meetings and other events are known to everyone. To ensure that only authorized personnel can access the Management Committee features, ApnaComplex has an effective Role-Based access control system. So while ApnaComplex can be used by all, the right to information and features is rigidly controlled.

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apnacomplexnitin
September 18, 2018

Dos and Don’ts of Road Maintenance within your Society Gate

Roads are absolutely necessary for every apartment complex. They are used for easy commuting and also add an element of beauty to the society. But all of it becomes null if the roads are damaged or unusable. It is important to keep the roads in top condition so as to not hamper the daily life within your gates.

What is the need for maintenance?

Roads that are in regular use often end up riddled with potholes and wear-and-tear. This can be avoided if they are subjected to regular maintenance. Not only is it more cost efficient, but well-maintained roads also increase the property value of the entire complex.

In order to ensure that the roads are properly maintained, take up the issue with the apartment association during resident body meetings. While residents can take small steps in order to contribute, the apartment association can get the maintenance team to do the difficult tasks.

What are the types of problems?

1) Cracks: Cracks may form on the surface either due to repeated use or due to environmental degradation. Fatigue cracks occur due to the added effects of wheel loads. Environmental cracking develops in asphalt as it ages and is subjected to everyday temperature changes. These cracks are very small when compared to fatigue cracks Water and dirt should be prevented from entering cracks as they might grow worse this way.

2) Surface Wear: Wear on the surface mainly occurs due to tire wear and material degradation (ravelling). Its maintenance includes removing the surface and/or covering up the surface which is worn. Surface treatment depends on the severity of the surface wear.

3) Rutting: This signifies permanent degradation in the layers of the road. This can happen if the structure design is improper or if the roads are overloaded. It can also happen if the surface layer is of poor quality.

4) Potholes: Pits or holes produced by wear or weathering on the road surfaces can be fixed through surface treatments.

What are the maintenance measures?

The roads in an apartment complex undergo a lot of destructive changes. The apartment association will have to take on different approaches based on the problem involved. Firstly, residents should be constantly updated about the need to maintain roads by the apartment association. Littering on roads should be strictly prohibited and waste bins should be provided for this purpose. Stagnant bodies of water should be immediately cleared, especially after rain and the roads should be swept regularly by the maintenance crew.

Crack sealing is a process that’s followed in order to maintain roads and surface treatment can be done in order to prolong the life of the particular road. This treatment measures should be taken up by professionals, who can be hired by the apartment association.

A lot of factors affect the type of maintenance undertaken within the housing complex. These include the type of distress, vehicle loading, the general climate in the region, the cost of treatment; the roads expected life, the existing road type, and availability of good materials.

Residents can help maintain the quality of roads within the apartment complex by giving regular feedback on their defects to the management as well as bearing with the inconvenience caused during the repair of the roads.

Thankfully technology can add a touch of convenience while undertaking this task. ApnaComplex provides an integrated society management solution that can help you easily communicate with your fellow residents. Residents can use the Helpdesk feature to notify the committee of any defects that may need attention. On the other hand, committee members can use the ApnaComplex forums to raise notices that can be sent out to all the residents to keep them well-informed of the progress.

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ApnaComplex
November 30, 2016

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…)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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!

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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
July 12, 2016

Apna Monsoon Guide – Prepare Your Home For The Rains

Are the rains slowing down your city every year? Is everything always at a standstill? Breeze through life with these tips to prepare yourself for the rainy days.

It’s that time of the year again when the rain gods decide that it’s their turn to rain on your parade. The rainy season, paradoxically, is one of the most loved and detested seasons from among the rest. The increase in water content everywhere you look, and being forced into living with it, is what makes it difficult to like. But that’s also the foremost reason why people look forward to the rains; to look outside their window and sip on a hot beverage or to take in the petrichor emanating from the ground.

You surely want to enjoy that in the best possible surrounding. So why let anything under your control ruin something so idyllic? Simple observation skills are all you need. Here are some pointers to implement around your humble abode and garden area to keep them safe from the rains.

EXTERNAL PREPARATION –
- Roof –
  - Inspect the roof from ground level and check for any leakages, damages, ageing and cracks.
  - Check whether the tiling is in place and whether there are any cracks in the chimney. Loose tiling and cracks are congruent to direct exposure to intense weather conditions.
  - Look for damp patches in your loft that will help you prevent extreme leakages once the rains begin.
  - Make sure your television satellite dish is secured tightly to the roof.
  - Inspections of the roof must be done at least twice a year.
  - Outside light penetrating the roof shows that there is most probably an orifice that shouldn’t exist.
- Gutters –
  - Gutters are meant to clear out water from the area. A clear gutter is the only way it is functional.
  - Keep the gutters clear from debris, dead leaves and other blockages by cleaning them weekly to avoid clogging.
  - Tight-fitting wire mesh traps leaves and dirt while allowing water through.
- Garden space –
  - Trim any low hanging trees and creepers.
  - Clear out dead branches to prevent them from falling during the rains.
  - Garden equipment, tools and furniture can get extremely damaged in wet weather. Create suitable conditions to keep the furniture dry by keeping it inside or under a roof. You can also apply a waterproofing treatment to wooden garden furniture.

INTERNAL PREPARATION –
- Doors & windows –
  - Study your doors and windows and make sure they have secure sealing, and check if any repairs are required.
  - Fireplaces, skylights and other orifices or vents need to be scrutinised.
- Ceiling and walls –
  - Check for leakages and damp patches. They will most definitely reoccur and expand if they aren’t dealt with immediately.
  - Dark spots on the walls and ceilings could be moulds or condensation, and the underlying cause or leakage must be catered to.
- Draught proofing –
  - Door and window seals (brush, rubber etc.) help seal them against draught, light, smoke, odours, insects and dust.
  - They help retain heat inside the house too.
- Emergency kit –
  - Always keep an emergency kit well-stocked at home. Your kit should be easily accessible and should include:
    - Essential medication.
    - Flashlights and extra batteries.
    - Candles/oil lamps/battery operated lamps and plenty of matchboxes or a lighter.
    - Non-perishable, dry food and drinking water.
    - A list of useful phone numbers.
    - A battery-operated radio.
    - A first aid kit and a disinfectant.
    - Blankets.

MISCELLANEOUS PREP –
- Switch off your sprinkler system, if you have one.
- Treat damp patches before they spread.
- If you live on the ground floor, plan on accommodating most of your furniture to the highest space in the house, in the event of a flood.
- Also, sandbags can be used during extreme flooding conditions. They act as a barrier by preventing water from entering for short periods of time. Using them along with plastic sheeting improves their utility.
- Avoid using ladders during adverse weather conditions as it could prove to be fatal.
- Keep valuables and documents safe in waterproof bags and store them in higher places inside the house.
- Inspect your basement and check whether resealing is required in case there is water seeping in.
- Buy tarpaulin to protect heavy household items that are difficult to move, like sofas and beds.
- An emergency plan – Pre-plan what you would do at the time of an emergency.

Some important lessons to keep in mind before the rain hits us all –

But don’t let your house become one.

Just make sure your furniture is here to stay.

…Or else you might end up saying this to your doors and windows.

A penny for your thoughts on this one –

Anyway, the most important message that we get from the rain is that –

…Or at least successfully preparing yourself to face its wrath.

Keep in mind that extreme weather conditions can cause serious damages on the insides, as well as the outsides, of your house. This, in turn, would increase unexpected costs and become troublesome to deal with. Follow the above-mentioned steps to avoid most issues arising from the rains, and try to stay as happy as this little guy.

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ApnaComplex
October 26, 2013

The Housing Society Guide for Removing Monsoon Moss

The monsoon is welcomed in every Indian city and rightly so, because the entire atmosphere becomes fresher and greener right after the gruelling heat of the summer. However, come monsoon, you will have to face a hoard of problems starting with stagnant water to monsoon moss in your housing society.

During the monsoon season, the persistent moisture in the air will gradually result in the formation of moss in any structure. In a housing society, the main sections that will be affected include the roofs of buildings, walkways and stone walls.

If you observe the formation of moss over your property or anywhere else in the housing society for that matter, bringing it to the notice of the maintenance team is essential. The formation of moss can weaken the building’s structure and the foundation also becomes weaker when the issue is ignored.

Using Gutters to Control Moss

Most housing societies sport gutters along the roofs of their buildings and this can provide an effective solution for a variety of problems ranging from moss formation to fungal development along the roofs.

If the roof over your balcony or the one that slopes above your windows doesn’t have a gutter, you can take the initiative to add one yourself by hiring the right professionals. With gutters, you can take care of unnecessary rotting and moisture control as well.

Removing Moss Off the Roof

If you like rolling your sleeves up and getting things done, you can try your hand at removing moss off your roof – or you can also hire a professional who can do the same.

You can use a broom with soft bristles in order to lightly brush away the moss that’s present on the roof. Metal rakes can also be used for this purpose. Moss will generally have thin roots, making it easy to remove.
Small fragments of moss and other organic matter might be left even after you use a broom, so hosing down the roof is a good idea. This will help you eliminate all traces of moss and prevent its further development.
Any organic debris that’s stuck in the roof can decompose, preparing an ideal ground for moss to flourish in, so run a check and remove all debris that maybe present between the tiles.
Trim the branches that extend over the roof as these can deposit organic debris and also aid the formation of moss by providing shade during the already moist conditions.

Removing Moss From Brick Walls

Moss that accumulates over brick walls can grow back time and again, so you’ll need to constantly check for signs of moss and remove the same time and again.

Bleach can be used to remove moss of walls, and this can be used in a spray cleaning bottle.
Once you spray the mossy part of the wall with bleach, the moss will turn white.
You can then use a hose to wash off all moss from the wall. You can use power washing tools for this purpose too.

The maintenance team in any apartment complex will be in charge of attending to moss growth and ensuring its proper removal, so notifying the team regularly is an ideal thing to do.

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 trail as well so that you can try before you buy!

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ApnaComplex
February 29, 2012

Apartment Basics – Kids’ Rooms and How to Design Them

Designing your kid’s room in your housing society flat can be quite an ordeal because of the swift pace at which kids grow and their rapidly changing tastes these days.

You can implement some of these useful pointers, which will help strike the ideal balance between finesse and practicality for designing a kid’s room.

Space is the Key

Kids these days require as much free space as possible. It is extremely important for you avoid cramping up your kid’s rooms with furniture and unnecessary decorations.

While designing the bedroom, you must have a basic idea on how much storage space you will need. Kids often outgrow their toys every six months and demand new ones. So the designing process requires a lot of flexibility when it comes to storage. You can opt for beds with pull-out bins as these provide additional storage space.

Choosing the Bed

The bed is the first piece of furniture that you should choose. It is extremely important to choose one which is of an appropriate size, keeping in mind that your child will grow at a fast pace.

In order to make the bed inviting for sitting as well, make sure that you install a suitable headboard which is preferably made of cotton or leather as opposed to wood. Install a variety of pillows in different shapes and colors. Installing bunk beds is an extremely practical space saving tip.

Space can be an issue in a housing society flat, so choose the bed accordingly.

Make the Room Lively

While choosing the color, don’t be afraid to experiment. Choose a soothing yet lively wall color which matches with the rest of your furniture. Most parents take it as a given that pink is the color that they need to use while designing a girls room. This is not true.

You must remember that your kids grow out of their phases extremely fast, so try to go in for more neutral colors. Another important feature is the lighting. You must ensure that your room has sufficient natural and artificial lighting at all times.

When you’re assigning a room for your kid in the housing society flat, choose one that has proper natural lighting and finely spaced bars in the windows.

Furniture and Fittings

When it comes to furniture, remember not to overdo things. A comfortable bean bag can be the perfect seating accessory for your kid. Installing a bulletin board is a smart way to display your kid’s drawings and artwork. Storage closets and study tables are essential.

You can install multi-compartment pockets, each used to store a particular item. Study tables should ideally be placed facing a window so that natural light flows in, in addition to a table lamp.

Alternative Hanging Tools

Most parents in a housing society are uncomfortable using nails or tape for hanging wall decorations. The laundry line hook is a practical alternative. You can install one across the length of the room as this gives the room a vibrant air.

Designing a kid’s room can be challenging, yet fun. Keep in mind that your child requires a lot of space and color. Housing society families can take note of these useful tips while designing a room that will appeal to every single kid.

Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!

ApnaComplex is India’s best and 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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January 29, 2012

Housing Society Maintenance – Start the Year Afresh After a Garage Sale

If you have been thinking of providing your home a huge makeover, New Year is the best time to do so. Remove the thought from your mind that it will cost you a bomb; denial won’t help you achieving the makeover you want. Re-invent your home by deciding the perfect theme you want for the rooms.

To carry out a successful garage sale you need to first figure out what you do not need, that is, the items you need to dispose off. There can be many things in your house that are cluttering up your home space unnecessarily and do not have much use such as old boxes, extra clothes, unused furniture or more. Here’s a list on what can be thrown out.

The unused stuff above the shelves and beneath the beds, storage spots in the backyard; every place that has been cluttered with household items needs to be figured out.

Things to Do

Clean all the items you plan to sell out so that it is presentable and neat.
Check the online sources such as eBay on how much they are selling the same items for. Always remember that people want garage sales to be way cheaper than the others.
Price everything decently with clear labels on each of them.
You can use stickers in case you are pricing everything individually. Make different labels of the prices and put the items having the similar price range at a same place.
Make signs to direct people to the right spot when you put up a garage sale. But make sure you do not put them up before you have organized the sale.
Maintain a cash notebook and note down what you have sold and for what amount.
Keep a change bag with you, which you can clip on yourself.
Get packaging material such as boxes, plastic bags and other basic amenities so that you can carry things back home easily.
Group selling with neighbours is a better possibility to sell off your old stuff as soon as possible.
Make a list of all the people who would co-ordinate with you for the sales. If more people are selling off the stuff reach an agreement on the profit percentages to be shared.

Spice up Your Sale

Don’t forget selling drinks like coffee, tea, cold soda to the buyers during the sale.
You can add to it with having a sausage sizzle along with the garage sale. This attracts customers and also gives you new avenues to make profits.
Cakes, cookies, muffins can also be sold along with the packaged items
You can also put plants and pots from the plant cuttings in your garden, for sale. If they don’t sell it doesn’t really dent your selling plans.

How to Present

Set up the yard in such a way so that it’s easy for people to walk around and sell your stuff. Don’t clutter up the space where you have set up things for sale. Make sure you label the things so that people find it very organized and easy to sell.

This article aims at collating and providing information for benefit of ApnaComplex customers and blog readers. While ApnaComplex has taken every care to ensure the information is accurate, we suggest to please use it only as a guidance for further discussion and action with help of relevant professionals.

Get your Society on ApnaComplex – Today!
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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