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

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

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

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

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

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

Air-purifying plants

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

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

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

Wise use of recycled water

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

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

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

Zero-construction and reduced manpower

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

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

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

Switch from diesel to gas generators

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

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

Choosing ash bricks over red bricks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About ApnaComplex

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

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

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



5 Tips for Effective Home Renovation

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

1. Prepare Well

Plan well before you begin the project. 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, 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.

2. Take accurate 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. 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.

3. Obtain Prerequisite Permissions

While interiors are free from legal scrutiny, huge external projects often require legal permission.  Be on the safe side and avoid unnecessary fines and legal fees by getting all the 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.

4. Invest in Quality

Although it might be very tempting, cutting corners to save money may put your home and yourself at serious risk. 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 to the labour, interior designer, or engineer you’ll be hiring. Go for the best that you can afford at the moment. If not, wait until you have enough funds.

5. 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. Be realistic and factor in your finances, abilities, and resources. 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.

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 before you pick up that hammer or paint brush.


Community Collaboration: The Communication Tools on ApnaComplex

ApnaComplex has always tried its best to offer the best possible facilities and tools to its users. Communication gap has always been a problem in most of the apartments. There is a lack of an effective communication system among the committee members or between the apartment management committee members and residents. Understanding this gap, ApnaComplex offers various communication tools to its users for their convenience.

As an ApnaComplex member (whether you are part of the apartment management committee or not) you may need to do one of the following at some point in time:  

a) Communicate with all residents

b) Send out personal or one-to-one messages

c) Communicate with Administrator of your portal

d) Communicate with Committee

e) Communicate with Registered Owners

f) Communicate with sub-groups of residents

When you need to send a message across to an individual or a group in your residential complex, there are different communication options to choose from for different communication scenarios. Here is everything you can do with the Communication feature on your ApnaComplex App

1. Notice Board

The notice board is a foolproof way to get a message across to all or particular residents. The message can be sent through the App, or even by email or SMS. It also reaches numbers that are on DND. While sending out the notice you can even attach relevant files or documents.

2. Discussion Forum

The forums allow you to start or join in discussions with fellow residents. You can access all the past and ongoing discussions easily. However, if you choose, you can restrict access to certain discussions to a few residents like committee members. All your society-related discussions will be easily available in one place.

3. Surveys & Polls

You can create polls and surveys to take the opinions of the residents. The polls can be customised to be accessible to either certain residents or all of them. You can customise it further to make it multiple choice, rating system, and with an option to respond anonymously! It is all up to you.

4. Groups

You can even create groups or clubs within the society. Start a discussion board for your sub-committee (or even hobby clubs!)  with all the relevant documents and a complete mailing list. Connecting with your neighbours has never been easier!

5. Photo Gallery

Share photos and create albums within your community. Photos of your community events should now be easily available to all the residents easily.

6. Repository

Keep your important documents handy. Upload and share useful documents like bye-laws, dos and don’ts, lease agreements under tags and categories. Again, this too is customizable to who can view and access each of the documents.

7. Community Wiki

Create a hub for your society. Share information, publish articles and tips, collaborate with other residents and much, much more. allow all your residents to contribute to the same. Create a one-stop information centre for all things related to your society.

Here at ApnaComplex, we understand that a housing society is a close-knit community. What is a community without communication? As such, these tools are always at your disposal. Now you can know and collaborate with all your neighbours with ease!


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.


Featured Society: Purva Highland

Just off Nice Road, in Mallasandra, lies one of Bangalore’s well-known high rise apartments – Purva Highland. Perched on a hillock, this apartment complex boasts breathtaking views and a list of luxuries for both, body and mind. This society has 13 towers, each 20 stories high and a one-of-a-kind 3-tiered pool.

The apartment complex stretches over a huge plot of land and hosts more than a 1500 flats. This society provides a number of amenities and luxuries – a tennis court, a basketball court, a three-tier swimming pool, a medical store, a cafeteria, a supermarket, are just a few of the many, that are housed inside the gates of this society. Couples, children, bachelors, elderly, this community has a bit of everything. With so many people living in one place, using all these facilities, naturally, the managing committee has its work cut out.

Managing an apartment complex is just like managing a mini-city

So how does the committee manage everything? According to Mr. Ravi Shripathi, Secretary, the managing committee was founded in 2015. “There are three principal office bearers president, secretary, treasurer. Apart from this, there are nine blocks in the complex. Each block has its own Vice President. Besides this, we have many sub-committees like the Green Committee, Library Committee, Sports Committee, Evacuation Committee, and more, who work closely with our office bearers.”

All these committees comprise of volunteers who have decided to work in their free time towards making their communities run smoothly. But it is easier said than done. A big apartment complex is like a mini-city. And like any mini-city, there are problems that keep cropping up, decisions that have to be made, plans that have to be executed. This requires time from each committee member which, sometimes,  is more than they can spare.

Using ApnaComplex as a force multiplier

This is where newer technologies come to the rescue of managing committees. Being a fully integrated apartment management platform, ApnaComplex uses technology to reduce the workload of both residents and managing committee members.

Take billing, collections and accounting as an example. According to the Estate Manager, Mr. Shaman Joshi, “Previously, we had to rely on accountants who came in. I had no control over it at all. I was completely dependent on the accountant. Now, using the ApnaComplex App, I can generate our invoices myself. There is no more dependency.

When asked how this has made things easier he replied,Everything is faster and more convenient now. Earlier we had a big ledger we had to go through to list out all our defaulters for the month. Now it is no longer manual. The app automatically generates a defaulter list that we just need to send.

Or security, another big challenge for the size of a community like Purva Highland.As just a resident, I thought of ApnaComplex as just an accounting software,says Mr. Shripathi,Now as a Secretary, I saw all the other options available. We have been using ApnaComplex Gatekeeper for almost a month now. The response has been positive. We are planning on introducing biometrics soon.

ApnaComplex Gatekeeper @ Purva Highland, Bangalore

When asked what the ultimate goal of this was, he replied, “We have tons of manual registers that have been maintained over the years. Eventually, I want to get rid of it all and move to a strictly electronic records.”

From a library to a health spa, Purva Highland has a little bit for everyone. This society and its committee strive to make its residents happy, comfortable and safe. ApnaComplex commends the committee on their work and hopes our service continues to aid them.

Gym in Purva HighlandGym

Indoor Games @ Purva HighlandIndoor Games

Tennis Courts @ Purva HighlandTennis Court

Children @ Play @ Purva Highland Children at Play

Library @ Purva HighlandLibrary

Squash Court  @ Purva HighlandSquash Court

 


Pets in Apartments: the Rights and Responsibilities of Pet Parent

Many people love the idea of having a four-legged furball at home. They tend to have a therapeutic presence. Animal lovers will do anything for their furry friends. But others consider them a nuisance. Pet-related activities are disapproved of and even opposed. Often, people forget that other species on the planet also need a place to live. Sheltering a few homeless animals, newborn or aged, is not a bad idea.

The perpetual debate of whether pets must be allowed in apartment complexes, or not, has made us realise that there is a need for a clear understanding of the situation  (especially before we jump to conclusions about the rights and wrongs).

Authorities within residential areas often send out circulars that have rules and regulations about pet ownership. These circulars contain ‘vital’ information about whether or not they can be allowed to live with their human caretakers.  What people are unaware of is there is no law enacted by the Parliament, or any State Legislature, that bans animal friends. At most, you may have to register your pet (In many parts of the country you are legally required to register your pet). More often than not people end up having to choose between their home or their animal companion. This violates a fundamental right of being a citizen of this country. The right to make personal choices is protected by the constitution of India.

Following are the issues faced by pet owners:

  • Pets being banned on society premises on account of being noisy.
  • Prohibiting homeowners from using parks, lifts and other facilities if they are accompanied by pets. Also, being charged for the same.
  • Being charged ‘pet rent’.
  • Forced usage of muzzles (on calm pets).
  • Discrimination as per the size and breed of pets allowed in the housing society.
  • Being asked for a pet resume before being given the flat on rent (A pet resume contains the pet’s basic details, previous rental experience, health, behaviour, references, etc).

To make matters clear:

  • No bans can be imposed on usage of facilities (like lifts and parks) by pets.
  • RWAs cannot impose any extra charges for this, either.
  • Pets and resident owners of the pets not violating any Municipal Sanitary Bye-Laws or Regulations are permissible to stay in the society or community.
  • Size of pets cannot be a valid reason to ban them from society premises.

Such rules are highly discriminatory and might lead to friction among the members of the society. But, it must be kept in mind that these objections have risen due to certain behaviours of pet animals that have inconvenienced people in some way or another in the past.

As has always been, rights come with responsibilities. Pet owners must come forward and offer to adhere to simple, implicit rules and mannerisms.  This will eventually resolve the issues that lead to discriminatory circulars.

So, to make things fair:

  • The pet owners must make sure that there is no nuisance caused in the society due to their furry pals.
  • When out of the house and in the premises of the complex, the pets must be accompanied by their owners or anyone who has them under careful observation.
  • Since there is no central law regarding cleaning pet excreta, RWA can request pet owners to do the same.
  • Training must be provided to the pets in apartments on identifying people walking in and out of the apartment wing. This will help prevent them from getting provoked when neighbours and children are around.
  • The animals should be taken to an obedience class/training class as well. A certificate is generally provided once the animal recognises behaviour signals.
  • Crate/kennel training is another way of training the pet to stay in one place as it provides a feeling of security to the animal.
  • The pets must also be trained, through positive reinforcement, to not get aggressive around other animals and prevent matters from going downhill.
  • Pets must undergo regular vaccinations and medications required to stay healthy.
  • The owners should take responsibility for their pets.
  • Children and residents must be asked to not provoke or tease the animals.

In conclusion,  the society representatives and pet owners, must organise regular meetings and address the issues each party faces, and meet each other halfway. Non-pet owners must be sympathetic and flexible towards pets and their owners. The latter must take precautions to ensure that they and their furry friends continue to behave like responsible members of the community.


(The Governing Body in India Concerning Animal Welfare- The Animal Welfare Board of India, 1962, was the first of its kind to be set up in the world, by any Government. It was established as a part of the Ministry of Environments and Forests, Government of India, in accordance with Section 4 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1960 (No.59 of 1960). It has a list of bye-laws for pets, and was created to advise the Government on matters concerning animal welfare and preventing the infliction of pain on animals.)

Read more here: https://awbi.org/awbi-pdf/pet_dog_circular_26_2_2015.pdf


Disclaimer: This information is offered as a public service. While we try to make it accurate as possible as on the date of publication, the laws change and more importantly the way we interpret laws could also change. We cannot promise that this information is always up-to-date and correct. We strongly recommend you to always consult appropriate professional advisers for your society to ensure compliance. We are not responsible for any actions or non-actions that are done by you based on the information present in this article or any other article on this blog.


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


Things to keep in mind when looking to rent a flat

There are many things one must consider before choosing to rent a flat in any apartment building. We, at Apnacomplex, list out the things we think you should keep in mind before renting that flat.

  1. Budget – Always consider your budget carefully before deciding to take up any flat on rent. The things to consider would be; gross rent paid, deposit, maintenance, and upkeep. All those things need to factor into your decision to rent out a flat.  Generally, things work up to 1.2x of the gross rent. So assuming your rent to be 10000 per month, you’ll eventually end up paying 12000 per month all things included. Once you know what the rent of your new flat will be, factor in your household income. As a rule of thumb, it is ok to spend 30% of your household income on rent in any given month. Once you have your budget sorted out, looking for a place can be much easier and less time consuming.Know your budget
  2. Broker Vs. No broker – getting a local broker can be a good way to increase your awareness of apartments in your area of choice. But then there’s the dreaded issue of brokerage, the one thing we never wish to pay (Trust me, I’m regretting paying brokerage as I write this article). Going on online sites can be a healthy start too, but what you see is not always what you get with online real estate listings, so it might take you longer than anticipated when you take that route. The only trait you’ll need is patience and you might just find the right fit searching online. In our experience, some of the best deals are available on classified newspapers and online portals (Please check https://www.apnacomplex.com/classifieds). You’ll be surprised at the deals you find there.Consider a broker carefully
  3. Be specific – If you’re experienced in renting out a place, you’ll probably be aware of these factors more or less, if not, then here’s the stuff that you’ll need to make that house a home.
    1. Check the amount of noise in that area – having religious institutions nearby might be good for your piety but can have a disastrous effect on your sleep schedule.
    2. Check if household services are available in that area – From dry cleaning to housekeepers, there are many areas where these basic services are difficult to come by, so ensure that you’re not making your life more difficult in the future.
    3. Check power outage cycles – some areas are notorious for a number of power cuts that occur there. So make sure your apartment provides for power backup or there are limited power outages there.
    4. Check water limitations – Water is considered the element of life, so maybe having a check on whether your apartment is equipped with rainwater harvesting or has some water facility to meet demand and supply will benefit you. Else you won’t have to option but to literally air your dirty laundry.Check if there's water in the flat
  4. Check the contract – Contracts are mandatory if you’re taking a flat on rent legally. Yes, we’re putting it that way because taking a flat legally benefits you more than the landlord. Here is a snapshot of things you need to look out for while taking you flat on rent:
    1. Contract dates – check when your contract starts and ends. Yes, you’ll be surprised at how many people miss this.
    2. Termination clauses – This is the most highlight-able area of your rental contract. Check to see if “My sister wants to come and stay” is a valid reason. Else, you can’t be evicted if you pay your rent on time.
    3. Penalties – Generally most flats have a one month rent as a penalty from their deposit. But make sure you’re aware of that clause in your contract.
    4. Repairs – Most contracts are segregated into major repairs and minor repairs. Major repairs are undertaken by the owner and minor repairs are undertaken by the tenant. So be sure to look out for that.
    5. Guests – Check to see if there’s any limitation on guests allowed. Contracts generally mirror society rules on such issues, so if your society limits guests then it’s better that you’re aware of what needs to be done.
    6. Rent renewal – arguably the most important part of your contract, check on the terms of a renewal. If there’s no renewal clause, push for it to be added in. Assuming you’re not going to move out of the house for the foreseeable future, it’s unjust to randomly have your rent increased on renewal. In our experience, most landlords settle for an annual 5% increase in rent year on year.
    7. Get everything in writing – Most landlords make blanket promises when giving out their house, make sure you get these promises/guarantees in writing, taking someone at their word can be good for relationships but remember, you’re looking for a house, not a friend.Contracts are important - Read carefully
  5. Inspect your flat – A lot of issues with your apartment can be hidden from a simple look. Inspect these things properly before deciding on whether or not to take the place.
    1. Pipes – make sure there are no blockages and the pipes work smoothly.
    2. Electrical fittings – See if the lights and fans work properly. It’s common courtesy for your landlord to provide these. Else, make it clear on who pays to fix it.
    3. Faucets and shower heads – Sometimes these basic fittings don’t work and nobody checks it out before renting out a place and moving in. Be sure to check these facilities in your prospective flat.
    4. Cracked windows or broken walls – If you can live with a cracked window or a broken wall, then it’s still fine. But make sure you keep photos of these issues before taking up a place. Those photos will come in handy when you’re vacating, trust us on this.Inspect your house carefully
  6. Rules and regulations – Although your landlord may be okay with these things, sometimes the housing society can have a lot of issues with some of the things you want. For example, you might not be allowed to keep pets in your house or you might not be allowed to throw a party. These are things that you should ideally check beforehand. It’s wiser if you ask the landlord these things than asking the society directly. (In Mumbai a lot of Societies require you to give an interview before being able to take a house on rent, so additional caution is advised there)Pets are people too
  7. Negotiate – A lot depends on who your landlord is and whether or not they’re ready to negotiate on the price. If it’s a person who owns a lot of property and runs this as a business, you’re going to find it harder to negotiate a better deal for yourself. If it’s an individual that is just looking to supplement their household income, play hardball, you’ll come out on top. Most landlords also practice up-selling their houses, so negotiating could make your deal sweeter than you think. Keep your poker face while negotiating
  8. Check if your apartment society is smart enough – Last but not the least, check if your prospective apartment complex is listed on http://www.apnacomplex.com by searching for it. If it is, then you’ll notice how simpler your life becomes once you live there. If not, then there’s always something you can do about it; like referring the software to you society or searching for a different apartment altogether.

Are you Ready to Invest In Real Estate? Your Check List is Here!

When it comes to property investment, timing is everything. Ultimately, choosing the right time to enter the market will have a significant impact on the long-term success of your investment.

But how can you, as an investor, know whether the timing is right? Here are 10 tell-tale signs that now is the time to start building your investment portfolio.

misis

1. You are financially ready. You have saved enough for the down payment and you have also established your emergency fund. You have taken into account home maintenance expenses. Your credit history is good and you are able to meet all the financial obligations.

2. You have set your long-term goals. You have a clear picture in your mind of your investment’s purpose and you are flexible enough to adjust to changing circumstances. You are not hesitant. When the timing is right, you are able to adapt to the market needs and the development of technologies.

3. You have done your research. You know the neighborhood of your future property well enough to foresee the coming trends and the possible changes in the community. You have researched all the schools in the area as well as the best commuting means.

4. You have chosen a stable economy. The area is financially stable, economic trends are promising and equities are surging. No demographic fluctuation or no irregular variation of population have been recorded in the area.

5. You understand the country’s policies regarding real estate. The policies of the region promote and encourage a positive, innovative environment as well as drive further economic growth. The tax policy in the country is positive for homeowners. Global innovation index is rising in the area.

6. Infrastructure projects are underway and likely to lead to an increase in property values. The infrastructure of the area is being developed with a focus on: transport, energy, solid waste and water management developments.

7. The region is moving toward sustainable development. The region’s awareness of global and local environmental issues is increasing, the demand for eco-friendly homes as well as for sustainable rural and urban development is rising. As more and more people head toward sustainable living, investing in sustainable property will increase its value in the future.

8. The location draws a lot of interest. Whether it is the best travel destination or the hot jobs spot, the location is always on the top of the search engine. It has become a successful start-up hub already or is planning to do so in the coming years, driving a lot of job seekers into the area. The number of enrolled students is increasing every year and the area draws interest of international students.

9. You have found a reliable real estate agent. It’s particularly crucial to have a reliable representative. Your real estate agent is trustworthy, knowledgeable, and knows the local market well enough to be able to help you make the right choice.

10. You have researched local differences in the property market. Whether you plan to invest in a residential property and turn it into a rental or an office space, you are fully aware of all cultural differences that might occur when you deal with a property seller.

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The Need for Using Energy Efficient Doors in a Housing Society

Housing society residents from across the country are moving from ornamental and beautiful doors to energy efficient doors that provide the required insulation, helping them save money.Depending on the housing society, such energy efficient doors are installed in all flats. If your housing society does not feature such doors, you can have them individually installed.

energy efficient doors

How Do These Doors Help?

These energy efficient doors are made of materials like wood, glass and steel fiber that help in conserving energy within the house. The cold and heat exchange levels are kept at a bare minimum so that the insides of the house don’t turn too stuffy or too cold.

These doors provide suitable insulation for the house and this can negate your need for buying heaters or air conditioners, helping you save a lot of money. These energy efficient doors also prevent pollution, insects and bacteria from entering the house, and you’ll be less prone to diseases.

During winters, the humidity in the air is normally very low. These doors will help in avoiding static shocks in such situation and they can keep the house cool all through the summer too.

What are the Types of Insulation?

The most common material used for insulation is polyurethane foam. Glass is not suitable enough for insulation so modern glasses need to be used. There are certain materials such as fiber glass skin that have weather stripping properties. The openings in the door that allow the exchange between the outside and inside space are sealed.

Installation Process in a Housing Society

In most cases the original doors are removed from the housing society flat and two frames are kept in place.

The door is then sealed with the help of foam that prevents air from going in and coming out. Foam is used as it has a major property of thermal insulation.

Types of Energy Efficient Doors

There are various types of energy efficient doors that are designed for specific areas.

  • There is the storm door which is an outer insulated door placed on the external surface of the regular door, and this prevents the house from heavy rains and bad weather.
  • Garage doors are made of insulated aluminum and these prevent corrosion of the vehicles and other appliances.
  • Patio doors are difficult to insulate but outer and inner sides of the door can be somehow insulated.

Choosing an Energy Efficient Door

There are a few things that have to be kept in mind while choosing an energy efficient door, as the door should be resistant to weather, it should not be corrosive in nature and the emissive nature of the material should be low. Most importantly the door should be easy to install. Double layers provide better insulation than a single layer.

Energy efficient doors range from Rs 9000 upwards; but they are low maintenance, so you don’t have to worry about extra costs. Depending on the type of installation, the price can vary. You can invest your money in such doors rather than in other options like heaters and coolers and these are ideal for housing society flats.


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!