Benefits of Opting A Ready-to-move-in Home

The reason behind buying a house today is quite different from what it used to be a few decades ago. Our parents and grandparents considered buying or constructing a house when they aspired for a better lifestyle for their families. Securing the future of their children was their main motto. Now, when we look for properties, upgrading the lifestyle is not always the main objective. We either want to buy a house for accommodation or for the investment purpose so that if need arises and when the market conditions are conducive, we can sell it and earn a lump sum amount from it. Generating an income through rent is also on the agenda. Nevertheless, for buyers with an end-use objective, ready-to-move-in flats are a far better choice than under-construction properties.

Before we tell you the exact benefits of ready-to-move-in houses, here’s1 what real estate industry experts have to say about choosing a property for buying.

1. Timely Completion

The biggest advantage of ready-to-move-in flats is there is no scope of delay in completing the project. You do not have to worry “Will it be completed in time?” as in the under-construction projects. Instead, ready flats await you to take possession of them. Unless it is some unavoidable reasons on the developers’ part, you get to avail the satisfaction of owning a house timely.

2. Home Inspection Facilities

With RERA, it will be easier for you to implement a home inspection service and identify whether there is any issues present or not. Now, if any problems do occur, say a leaky pipe or clogged outlet, you can always ask the developer to take care of it. This way a ready-to-move-in flat saves you from receiving unpleasant surprises once you move in. All problems resolved, a home inspection allows you to start living in your house without the stress of discovering a creaky door, an absolutely out-of-place damp spot behind the cistern and so on.

Following are some of the major advantages of home inspection that come with a RERA-registered ready-to-move-in house:

  • It reveals all the masked hazards that may go unnoticed during the first walk-through. You are saved from the hassles that may arise from problems in the wiring, plumbing, damaged window and door parts, wrong sloping, and damp walls and ceilings, etc.
  • A timely rectification saves your money, time, and effort on recurrent future repairs.
  • If the property has damp issues but still matches your other buying criteria, you consider repairing it at the very beginning. This is because seepage, excess moisture, and dampness bring along with them pest problems and diseases such as allergy, asthma, skin rashes, and depression2.
  • The home inspectors enlighten you about the condition of all the components of your new home. So, you know when to replace them and calculate your cost beforehand.
  • You get an opportunity to learn from the home inspectors how to prolong the life of your biggest investment, that is, your home.

A comprehensive home inspection service covers all the indoor and outdoor spaces, plumbing and concealed electrical wiring systems and components, and an in-depth damp assessment. To have all your queries on home inspection answered, click here.

3. Immediate Possession

One of the prime advantages of a ready-to-move-in unit is immediate possession i.e. the absence of any waiting period. So, If you are in an urgent need of an accommodation of your own, a ready-to-move-in flat is the best option. All you have to do is make the payment, go through all the documentation work and move in.

Dhruv Agarwala, Group CEO, PropTiger Realty Pvt. Ltd3, recently said, “Considering 26% of all units set for delivery in the next 15 months are unsold homes, new homebuyers will have plenty of ready-to-move-in options to pick from.”

Hope you are getting an idea how many of them are out there for you? Pick any, get a final walk-through done, and move in immediately!

4. Uncertainty Omitted

When you go for an under-construction real estate, you are full of uncertainties. How big will the rooms be? Will the quality of building materials be good? Will I get a good view from my flat? Will all the amenities the developer is claiming to provide be there? And so on and so forth, right? But when you go for ready-to-move-in flats, it is all there in front of your naked eyes. You get to see what you are investing in because, after all, real estate involves a handsome financial transaction. With all such uncertainties eliminated, you experience a simpler buying process. Wouldn’t you like that as a homebuyer? You’d love it.

5. No Burden of Rent and EMI

While you choose an under-construction project, you have to bear both the rent of your current accommodation and the EMI of the bank loan you took for the chosen accommodation. But if you rest your eyes on ready-to-move-in properties the financial burden will go easy on you. No sooner do you buy the house than you start living in it. Also, if you do not plan to reside in it, you can always give it on rent and earn a handsome amount. Delayed possession will never be an issue.

6. Advantage of No GST

The GST rate was 8% earlier on affordable homes. But from April 1, it has been reduced to one percent only. Big relief, no doubt. But what if you do not have to pay that even that much? Wouldn’t that be great? As you opt for ready-to-move-in property, no GST is applicable for you. GST is only for the under-construction projects. What is better than saving money?

7. Tax Benefits

If you are an income tax payer, you get the benefit of tax deductions while you apply for loans. Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 enables you to avail about 1.5 lakh INR deductions on home loan principal repayment and up to INR 2 lakh deduction on interest payment. If it’s an under-construction project and the completion is delayed, you may lose tax benefit of 60,000-90,000 INR yearly. Thus, from monetary aspects, ready-to-move-in flats are more advantageous than anything.

A few words of advice for you here-while settling for a ready-to-move-in property, go for new ones instead of old resale flats. Old house already goes through the wear-and-tear of time and weather effects. When you get its possession, the old ones have already crossed at least a few years of its lifetime. But with a new property, the amenities and fixtures are brand new and hence, eliminate the chance of being problematic. Also, the previous owners may not agree to take care of the issues you identify due to financial reasons, etc. Additionally, in a few-years-old property, the development of surroundings also increases the price. You have to be ready for these situations. But of course, a prior home inspection will identify any such issues and if you feel, you may back out from the transaction process also.

A recent survey4 by the Economic Times revealed that about 59% people are keen about buying ready-to-move-in flats. The trend is rising in all metro cities including Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR, etc. Now when you have all the advantages laid out in front of you, give it a thought. Of course, be cautious about the legal paper works. With RERA stricter than ever before, you don’t really have to worry about anything adverse. With more and more similar projects coming up, simply start living your life at your own house from whenever you wish.

Reference links used:
1. https://housing.com/news/quick-guide-choosing-ready-move-construction-house/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1994167/
3. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/real-estate/nearly-45-lakh-affordable-homes-to-be-delivered-by-2020-proptiger-report/article29768675.ece
4. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/real-estate/why-buying-ready-to-move-in-house-is-better-than-under-construction-property/articleshow/54863705.cms

A Final Walk-through Checklist for Home Buyers

After a long tug of war among choices, you might have just finally settled on a particular house (or a new flat). What took you so long? Well, you were judging the location, communication facilities, build, age of the house, and of course, pocket pinch. Now that you are just a few inches away from making the full payment, pause for a while and have a final walk-through.

We present you here 9 points for which you should keep your eyes open while you close a real estate property deal. Consider this as the final hurdle which would do away with a lot of troubles that may arise later. Better late than sorry! Check out what we have in store for you:

1. Ensure everything promised is present

This is especially important if you are buying a furnished house or a resale flat. Both the entities, that is, the seller or the agent and you – the buyer, must have had a purchase agreement. It is supposed to have a list of all the items that would come with the purchase in it. Check and recheck that agreement and match with the checklist whether everything you are paying for is present inside the house.

2. Make sure all the Repairings are done

Prior to selling the house, a thorough home inspection would identify a number of areas in need of repair. The seller might tell you assuring words about taking care of all the home repair works yourself. But if you are not on the watch, you have a high chance of finding them incomplete or completely unattended. And if you find them done, make sure you have the invoices or warranty cards1 with you before the dwellers leave so that you can deal with it in case a problem arises later.

3. Inspect Electrical system

While you perform a final walk-through, this is one crucial thing you need to make sure of. It is always advisable to take the help of professional home inspectors as they check the electrical wiring system. During the elaborate electrical inspection, they not only check the circuit of the flat/ building but also other small accessories like wires, switches, plug points, and doorbell. If any issue is found, they suggest a solution. You must follow these solutions to get a safe home which you can accentuate further with modern electrical fittings and home appliances.

4. Check the Plumbing and fixtures

You would not want a running tap, trickling water or non-functional faucet to bother you every now and then, when you move into your new house, would you? For that, you have to check the plumbing and fixtures of the property thoroughly. Make sure showers and taps are functioning properly, the cistern is perfectly functional, toilet flush is working fine and there is no leakage or crack in the pipeline.

5. Look out for Damp spots

Your home inspection during the final walk-through must include looking out for damp spots on both the inside and outside walls. India’s tropical weather paired with low-quality building materials/ finishing is likely to lower the life of the house. Besides, look behind the cistern in the bathroom, behind each door and big furniture pieces, on the walls/ floor, and of course, the roof/ ceiling for damp. Satisfactory outcome of the inspection will enable you to have a peaceful night’s sleep in the damp-free, airy house.

6. Check for Pests

If there is anything equally irritating and disgusting as damp, it is pests. Cockroaches, lizards, ants infest any house whenever people begin dwelling. Termites, small though it might be, can bring a disastrous nightmare for you. Bigger pests like mice or rats will make your life hell. Look out for pests as they leave behind signs of their existence. Ask your agent or sellers to call for pest control and take immediate action before you finally close the deal. Get rid of any rotten wood or likewise items that would invite these unwanted guests.

7. Check the wet areas – Bathrooms and the Kitchen

If you are buying an old property, chances are that the kitchen and bathrooms have long been not in use and kept closed. Leakage/ seepage, damp, standing water – anything can welcome you when you enter. So, while buying an old property, check these two places with extra attention. Bathrooms, especially, turn out to be a real menace in old buildings with cracked basin and leaking taps. In the kitchen, damp spots on the wall where the refrigerator used to be or below the kitchen sink are common. Pay attention to these things during your walk-through. Make home repair your first priority.

Even new properties may have these problems.

8. Security and Safety measures

This is by far the most crucial point in the final walk-through checklist. You must start with the door at the main entrance and then proceed to check other doors and windows of the property. Are the windows and doors closing properly? Are the tower bolts, locks, and hinges operating smoothly? Are the latches tight enough? Do you notice any damage or decay in the doors and windows? Are there noticeable gaps between the window/ door frames and the walls? – Check every single thing and get them repaired as no compromise should be made with the safety and security of your home. If your previous dwellers installed burglar alarms, check for its functionality as well.

9. Don’t forget the Outside

If you are more concerned about everything that you get to see inside the house, we have a few words for you. Your agreement would also cover the outside area around. Check that if it is left as it has been agreed upon. Who knows, there are cracks on the exterior walls and moisture intrusion is a major problem? Then you are bound to have penetrating damp in your interior walls too. If you hire a professional home inspection service, they will check the gates, boundary wall, driveway, etc and point out any deviation from the agreement immediately.

So, there we have you covered on your final walk-through. Discuss with the seller or the agent if you find anything problematic or you feel future hassles can be avoided once immediate measures are taken. Do not hesitate to demand a home inspection and make them understand its importance. Remember it is your hard-earned money that you are investing in. We certainly hope that everything falls in place and you can happily move into your new abode without worrying about any of the issues.

Still in two minds whether or not to go for a property inspection? Here’s why a homeowner/ buyer should go for a home inspection.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.thebalance.com/after-home-closing-which-documents-should-i-keep-1798245

Painting Your House? Did You Treat Damp First?

Whenever any festive season arrives, we wish to give our home a new look which would provide a happy feeling. Hence, painting your house is surely on the cards. But wait, have you done a survey of the house and made a list of places where dampness has already intruded and left its mark or where you suspect there is seepage? If not, do it. Call for a home inspection service. And if you are already aware of the leakage and/or seepage and damp and still not considering treating them before painting then be prepared to waste a lot of money on those cans of acrylic distemper and emulsions.

It is not until recently that the paint companies have been making you aware of the effects of weather on your house and how choosing the right paint can stop the damage. Do you give as much thought to how your walls are compared to which shade to choose? No. It is time you be a bit more careful and look for any visible sign of dampness or seepage in your walls. Putting paint on a damaged wall will result in making it look beautiful but leaving it at a higher risk of damage.

Contrary to popular belief, paint or putty cannot permanently fix the problem of dampness. To effectively treat dampness, we must first conduct a thorough damp assessment with the help of home inspectors and then decide on the solution. Repairing the leakage definitely is the first step to treating damp.

Preface to house painting: Go to the root of damp and treat it

1. Repair plumbing faults

Water pipe leakage often releases water to the walls adjacent to it. For example, leakage from the water pipes in the kitchen or bathrooms can cause dampness on the walls of the apartment below it. To be sure, you must perform a thorough home inspection and check all the fittings and pipelines. Water leakage can occur in the internal as well as in external piping and even in the water tank itself. If you find any such leakage repair it first, without delay.

2. Check the indoor moisture content

The climatic condition of a place plays an important role in determining the condition of your house. In India, humidity is constant. Keep a check on the indoor moisture content of your house so that it does not overshoot the normal level. Ventilate your rooms and take other necessary measures to keep your walls and ceilings damp-free.

3. Pipe leakage in adjacent flats, damp in your home: Alert thy neighbour!

Be the friendly and courteous neighbour that you are and ask the family sharing floor or walls with your flat to check for leakage in their bathrooms and kitchen. This you do if home inspection finds no apparent problem in your home but you still see clear watery spots on the ceiling or bulging tiles in the walls of your bathroom. Once they fix the problem, damp issues in your home get solved.

4. Check for the conditions of your building’s exterior

If the outer walls of your building are in good shape then the chances of dampness in your inner walls reduce drastically. Plastering and using a weather-shield paint variety on exterior walls gives them an extra layer of protection against moisture and rainwater. However, if the plastering quality is not up to the mark or the paint is old then it invariably leads to moisture absorption and damp.

5. Check the roof for leakage

Water-logging in the roof is a cause of concern. Blockage in the vents can cause accumulation of a large quantity of water on the roof after rain. The water may seep through the roof and cause dampness in your ceiling. Other probable causes of a damp ceiling are crack in the roof, damaged waterproofing, etc.

Clear the blocked outlets on the roof, detect cracks if any through a home inspection and repair them, go for remedial waterproofing of the roof, or erect a rooftop shed to stop water accumulation and resultant dampness as per condition.

6. Close other sources of moisture intrusion

You may not know but there could be other sources of moisture intrusion in your home other than the ones pointed out above. Prevent moisture intrusion through these places and then proceed to paint your house.

Tips to prevent damp while painting

Use good quality paint

The paint you choose for your house can do more than enhance the beauty of the structure. Advanced paint solutions are enriched with silicon technology and so on. They absorb zero moisture and prevent water seepage through walls. Choose a weather-guard paint variety for the exterior walls and an equally good solution for the interior walls as well for the best results. You may consult a professional painter, who can guide you to choose the ideal paint for your house.

There are certain paints which also have proven antimicrobial properties1. Due to the action of such paint solutions, the growth of fungi and other microbes on the damp wall gets reduced. This is of immense importance as dampness is known to cause a number of ailments such as allergic rhinitis, skin rashes, etc. Consider using these paint varieties for a beautiful and healthier home.

Waterproof your walls

To strengthen the walls of your house from within and treat damp and seepage it is important to subject them to proper waterproofing. Make sure that both the ceilings as well as your walls are all waterproof. Your painting service provider will only do that for you. Just know the requirement well beforehand to calculate your budget. Who to consult with for that? – A home inspection service provider, who else!

Apply paint the right way

As mentioned earlier, only paint or putty cannot solve the problem of dampness. To effectively prevent or slow down dampness, you should apply paint only after applying the primer. First, you must apply some anti-dampness chemicals like Dr.Fixit2 or Asian Paints Care Damp proofing3, on the walls. Always follow manufacturer’s specifications properly.

If the problem persists even after all the remedies mentioned, call home inspectors to help you with a further damp assessment of your home. To learn more about the service, click here.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.nerolac.com/decorative-paint-products/interior-paints/impressions-eco-clean
2. https://www.drfixit.co.in/campaign/ab-interiorwall/
3. https://www.asianpaints.com/products/waterproofing-solutions/all-waterproofing-products.html

Setting AC to ‘Dry Mode’ Reduces Excess Indoor Humidity

The ultimate mantra of healthy home maintenance is: “Say Goodbye to Excess Moisture.” The more humid it is inside a house, the worse it gets for you to live in it. However, in India, if you are not living in a place such as Indore, Kota, or New Delhi where the annual average humidity1 levels are the lowest you are likely to find it challenging to keep the excess moisture in your home under control. It is more or less sultry throughout the year with the condition in some places getting even worse during monsoons. An appliance such as dehumidifier can bring you some relief in these scenarios.

Known for eliminating excess moisture from the indoor air, a dehumidifier can be a real Messiah in those unbearable, sweaty days but then, it is not that popular in India yet. Not everyone has a dehumidifier at home. If you are one of them, do not worry. Find out if your air conditioning system has a dry mode of operation. When it is too humid outside and you are sweating sitting under the fan, even on a rainy day, just turn the feature on and see what magical job it does!

What is the Dry mode in an AC?

Dry mode is a special function in the air conditioning system which when used, keeps the room atmosphere dry. The normal function of an AC is to cool the air in an enclosed area so that the temperature of that space is lower than the outside temperature. It does so via a refrigeration cycle in which warm air (containing moisture) is removed and replaced with cooled air. So, it does remove some amount of moisture as part of its normal functioning but during monsoon, when the humidity level is too high, the ‘dry’ mode categorically removes excess moisture from the indoor air making it all the more dry and fresh.

To ensure maximum dehumidification in dry mode, operate your AC at temperatures either lower or higher than the set one.

Do all ACs have dry mode?

No. The dry function is not a common feature of all air conditioners. Only a few brands have introduced it in their products. This mode allows the air conditioner to blow out cool air inside the room in a restrained manner as its main intent is to dry the air laden with moisture and not to lower the temperature of the room.

What is the right time to use dry mode?

In India, during the rainy season, when the average daily humidity in most parts of the country is above 70-80%, just removing the extra moisture from indoor air provides a lot of comforts. It is the ideal time for running the AC in dry mode. Besides, you can use the function in the following conditions:

  • During the most humid hours of the day
  • When the temperature is acceptable but the humidity level is too high
  • When you want to save electricity

How does dry mode in air conditioner work?

In dry mode, the air conditioning system sucks the moisture out of the indoor air, keeping the room temperature at a comfortable level. The hot and humid air is taken into the unit and dried on the evaporator. Then it is again released into the room as dry air. However, the dry mode does not eliminate all moisture from the room. It keeps the room atmosphere relatively comfortable with 60% of humidity.

Do dehumidifiers and dry mode in AC working the same way?

There is a belief that air conditioners on dry mode work just the same way as dehumidifies but make no mistake, the functionality of the two appliances are quite different. Both reduce indoor humidity but in different ways. Dehumidifiers are specialized appliances which are used in cold and damp regions where excess humidity is found to cause major structural damages. It is undoubtedly the best home appliance for moisture control and water damage restoration.

An air conditioner on dry mode, on the other hand, ensures lower levels of moisture in a room while keeping the room temperature at a comfortable level. As stated earlier, it does not eliminate all the moisture from the air. The fan inside the AC unit runs at a lower speed and the compressor is on only for short durations in large cycles just to remove excess humidity or marginal humidity. Thanks to the low fan speed and shorter duration of compressor operation, the AC dry mode also saves electricity2 significantly unlike a full-powered dehumidifier which completely dehumidifies a room but consumes a lot of power in return. Using air conditioners on dry mode, hence, can save you up to30-50% of energy.

Is it really important that you use either a dehumidifier or an AC with dry mode in your home?

Dehumidifier and dry mode in air conditioner3 are two different things. The first one is a machine while the second one is a particular function of a machine. They cannot replace each other completely. But air conditioner with dry mode can certainly be an alternative of dehumidifier within a limited scope. If your home suffers from excess moisture problem, monsoon or no monsoon, and there is no dehumidifier to remove it, you can surely put your air conditioner on dry mode to enjoy an almost similar level of comfort.

It is okay if you do not have a dehumidifier or dry mode option in your air conditioner as long as moisture intrusion is not a problem in your home. Mind you, dampness not only affects the structural integrity of a house and devalues it by destroying its aesthetics but also brings along several chronic health problems. A damp house becomes a thriving spot for dust mites and other allergens which causes diseases like bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, and skin rashes etc. Dampness welcomes water damage, decay, and many other household hazards which become recurring cost points for you and completely ruins ones mental peace.

Know it here why excess moisture is considered as a threat to your home.

Choose your Appliance wisely

India is experiencing significant climate change. You can feel the humidity rising across the country at an alarming rate and so is the average daily temperature. Indian houses are not built to withstand the effects of these changed weather conditions. To live comfortably in your house, you need to think of ways that are both pro-health as well as economical. Since dehumidifiers are yet to become popular in this part of the world and air conditioners are still our go-to appliance for controlling indoor heat and humidity, you must buy the latter with advanced functionality. Be wise appliance-wise because technology is a key driver in making healthy lifestyle choices.

Reference links used:
1. https://www.currentresults.com/Weather/India/humidity-annual.php
2. https://www.bijlibachao.com/air-conditioners/various-modes-for-running-air-conditioners-and-their-impact-on-electricity-bill.html
3. https://aerindustries.com/blog/2019/02/06/dehumidifier-vs-air-conditioner/

Five Seepage-Prone Areas That Can Get Worse During Monsoon

Mrs. Roy left their rented house after her husband’s transfer and moved to this flat two years back. It was a newly built first-hand property with all the modern facilities. But soon after she started living there, Mrs. Roy noticed wet patches appearing in some parts of the apartment. She ignored the patches initially thinking that they were just one-time effect of heavy rainfall that had occurred that year and would disappear once the monsoon was over, but she was not right. Next year, again, there were damp patches on the ceilings and bathroom walls during monsoon and this time, the patches looked more watery. She knew they were the signs of seepage but had no clue as to what was the source!

Rainwater damage in properties is not a rare phenomenon in India given the extended monsoon that we have here. Both the exterior as well as the interior of a house gets affected due to it. Having said that, it is not the rain itself that causes any structural damage; leakage from any gap or crack on the walls or roof or pipeline leads to damp that can become costly and troublesome to clean up. It is always advised that you make your home monsoon-ready so that the effect of the damage is minimal, but if you skip it you better be careful. Following are the five areas prone to seepage and/or leakage. Keep an eye on them and take the necessary action as soon as you notice water droplets/ dampness gathering around them.

1. Exterior Walls of the Building

The exterior walls of your home are always the first to face the raging weather. During the monsoon, they may fail to hold down the fort. Low-grade paint leads to fast wall surface deterioration. When this happens, rainwater seeps through the exterior coat into the concrete and gets collected in the inner pores, which further penetrate the wall causing damp patches on the inner walls and peeling paint. The best solution to avoid this problem is to get the exterior walls of your house painted with weather-resistant paint solutions1. Paint the walls prior to monsoon, that is, between February and April so that the paint gets enough time to dry and settle and your walls are thoroughly protected.

Most of the exterior wall problems worsen due to sheer neglect and ill-maintenance. Follow these rules to stop seepage during the rainy season:

  • Check your building walls for cracks and leakages from time to time. If you find the cracks upto 3 mm, repair it with asian paints SmartCare Crack Seal2. This will not only restore the aesthetics of the building but will also prevent the rainwater from spreading into the inner walls. However, if you find the cracks needs to be checked, call professionals for advice. Few cracks may still go unnoticed; in those cases, a home inspection is the best solution.
  • Take adequate waterproofing precautions, if required.
  • Replace damaged exterior wall tiles if any. We would suggest better to avoid the installation of wall tiles on exterior walls.

Water seepage during monsoon can also happen due to any of the following reasons:

  • Increased permeability of the construction materials
  • Loosened construction joints in the walls
  • Rising dampness due to capillary action
  • Honeycomb structures in the concrete or plaster formed due to faulty construction
  • Widened separation gaps

Get a home inspection done to know the exact cause of seepage and resolve it before damp plays havoc in your house.

2. Old Cast Iron Pipes

Sturdy water pipe installation on the exterior walls of a building is crucial to ensure zero leakage. If the building you are living in is old and there are still many cast iron pipes, get them checked well for cracks and rust which can lead to further deterioration. During monsoon, these cracks become difficult to repair leading to major leakage and dampness in the inner walls.

3. Roof and Terrace

An uncovered roof or terrace gets a lot of water during monsoon. This may turn out to be a cause of concern if –

  • there aren’t sufficient outlets in the roof
  • outlets are clogged with leaves and other waste particles
  • the roof slope is incorrect which leads to water stagnation
  • the roof waterproofing system is not provided or damaged
  • the concrete texture beneath the roof is worn and distressed
  • And most importantly, there is a crack in the ceiling beneath the roof!

In all these cases, seepage is almost a given outcome leading to prominent damp patches in the ceiling. In the worst situation, water may start leaking from the ceiling which then becomes a costly affair to deal with.

Leakage from the roof during monsoon can be avoided if the source(s) is identified beforehand. For example, if the house is old and you think the roof needs a repair or remedial waterproofing, you must get that done without delay. As precautions, you must check for cracks in the roof. If it is made of RCC, then it needs to inspected or checked by professionals and if it is made of screed concrete then it needs to chipped off and then repaired. Cleaning the roof surface and unclogging the outlets and drainage pipes should not be considered as occasional jobs. You must do it regularly to reduce roof damage from monsoon to a significant extent.

4. Windows

Windows needs to be properly maintained to avoid the entry of rain water in your home as they can be big contributor to seepage.

  • Check the condition of sealant for deterioration or any gaps. Usually sealant has shelf life of 10 to 15 years.
  • Check if gasket and weather strip are provided or not. If provided the condition of both can be checked as this can avoid further seepage problem.

To get idea about more window maintenance tips, click here.

5. The Bathroom: Faucets, Sinks, and Bath Slabs

No matter how often you clean your bathroom or take good care of the faucets, sinks, and bath slabs, leakage and damp problems tend to resurface during monsoon. You know the problems are back when you see cracks and undefined stains on the floor and walls. Discolouration or stains on ceiling can be indication of leakage or any other source of moisture.

Some of the plumbing failures like leaky faucets, sinks, and bath slabs are easy to spot while others could be misunderstood for water splashed during a shower. Keep a watch out for these minor leaks as they tend to worsen with time.

If heavy leakages are observed around the bath fixtures, chances are high that the concealed plumbing pipe joints are internally damaged. To be sure, call a plumber or a team of home inspectors. Once the reason is detected, implement the solution. A few things that you can do to save your bathroom from getting further damaged during monsoon are – sealing the tile joints with waterproof grouts, filling the cracks with mortar, and replacing the concealed plumbing pipes (if needed).

Conclusion

Water damage can be a sinister, creeping issue that you may not discover until it has grown into a big and expensive problem. Think worse- water seepage can damage your beloved home and also cause health effects such as damp-induced allergy and asthma. So, be alert. Keep an eye on the areas that are most prone to seepage and leakage during monsoon. Catch a problem early and stop it before it becomes a nightmare. If you still think you want to hire some professional for this work, click here for further information.

Reference links used:

1. https://www.bergerpaints.com/imaginecolours/decor-culture/protect-walls-home-monsoons
2. https://www.asianpaints.com/content/dam/asianpaints/website/products/pis-files-2/smartcare-crack-seal.pdf

Are You Living In A Home Of Horrors? Check For Yourself

You have saved all your life only to step into your dream house and be content with your choice. After all, at the end of a long tiring day, nothing beats the comfort of your own house. But just a few days after you settle in, yours dreams turn into nightmare. You can hear a shrill screech when you open your backyard door. When you are watching your favourite show on TV, suddenly the lights start flickering, the TV screen goes blank. Does it sound like familiar scenes from horror movies? Have you landed yourself in a haunted house?

Hang on there! Horror these are – no doubt. But no need to tag your home infested with supernatural beings. It is just a result of skipping home inspection prior to buying the estate. Deploying a home inspector in time would have saved you the horrors of home. These might be a result of only some misfits of wiring system, use of bad quality fittings, workmanship and so on and so forth. So, before you start residing, you must know the nukes and crannies of the building you will fondly call ‘home.’

1. Flickering lights: Did you check the connection?

The most common aetiology of flickering lights is the fluctuation in voltage supply in the power grids. Sudden change of load causes consecutive voltage fluctuations. Also, the connecting wires often get loosened. Together, these cause the lights of your house to flicker and you experience a certain extent of dizziness along with a spooky feeling.Be wise and consult with a home inspector before moving in. Let a comprehensive electrical inspection come up with a detailed report.

2. Sudden Blackouts: It’s just MCB tripping

On a random day after coming back from office, you decide to vacuum-clean your house, wash your clothes in the washing machine, and do some cooking and so on. Putting your clothes in the washing machine you switch it on and then as you proceed to run your mixer grinder, suddenly the power goes out. Know why? You have been running a number of high-electricity consuming devices at a time on the same circuit. This exceeds the capacity of the particular circuit. The MCB trips whenever circuit overloading happens. A circuit overload is one of the main reasons why circuit breakers trip constantly. This occurs when you want a particular circuit to provide more electricity than its actual capacity. This will lead to the overheating of the circuit which puts all the electrical appliances connected to the circuit at risk. It is also a safety issue.

Apart from circuit overloading, short circuits and ground fault are the other causes of MCB tripping1. Call for an electrical inspection as soon as possible. With their suggestion, fix the problems and say goodbye to frequent blackouts.

3. Creaking doors: Check the hinges and lubrication

You feel a shiver up your spine sitting in your room when suddenly you hear your kitchen door creak open. A squeaky sound followed by a soft thud makes you get up only to reveal your four-legged pet coming out of your kitchen stealthily. Sounds familiar? The creaking sound is nothing but the door panel rubbing and hitting the frame because of the wrongly fitted hinges. If your house is not a new one, the doors have sustained friction for long. This has worn off the lubrication as well.

If you be a little attentive, you will see the sounds are more in monsoon. Wooden doors absorb moisture and expand in the rainy season. These then tend to hang downwards causing more friction with the floor. That brings up the squeaky sound you are worried about.

Make appointment with your carpenter and do the needful. Tighten the hinges, lubricate them and if it is monsoon, just wait for it to be over. Your doors will come to their previous size and you will be able to close them without unpleasant sounds. In most cases, only tightening the hinges will solve the issue. Find an easy guide to door maintenance for your home here.

4. Rattling windows: Misaligned installation

On a summer night, do you wake up with a strange sound coming from the window behind the heavy curtains? You perfectly remember to have them closed before you turned on the AC. To your utter disbelief, you find them open. Is that another horror story from your home? No. It is just a result of the carpenters and the window fitters not being attentive to details. The window installation may be misaligned and due to wind, it gives way causing the rattling sounds. Absence of a gasket and keeper plate can also be the reason.

A proper inspection of the window joints, latches, and hinges will take care of all these issues and let you live your life peacefully in your home. And you can also find a guide for maintenance of window here.

5. Feeling out of breath in your own home? Check the ventilation

You have never had any history of breathlessness until you moved in your new home or moved back into your ancestral house. When it struck you, it made you wonder why. Before you get freaked out, look into the matter keeping calm. Your house might have not been used in years. Years of dampness have made the air heavy which is the reason you feel suffocated. If it is a new house, your lack of experience might have let you skip checking the ventilation system. Bad ventilation setup does not allow the heavy air to exit and it circulates in the room. The dampness favours the growth of microbes and the air inside the room gets polluted. When you breathe them in, your respiration system goes through distress causing breathlessness.

Taking the help of home inspection will relieve you from such distresses. Dampened walls, closed ventilators, air exhaustion system- everything must be checked prior to moving in.

6. Dripping Water: Check for leaks

Imagine: you come back from a long tiring day at work, enter the kitchen and find it nearly flooded. You curse your forgetfulness and think that you might have left the tap open. But soon you realise that you have properly turned them off before leaving. Again you doubt that something is fishy with your home. To be truthful, that is not the case. The kitchen faucets might have loosened leaking water even when you think the taps are turned off. This might happen in bathrooms as well. If you find areas of damp spots on the walls of your home, it is some hidden leak2 that you must be worried about. Water seeps through the leaked pipelines keeping the walls wet and destroys your walls over the years.

Call for home inspection the moment you suspect leakage or, even better, prior to moving in. If needed, the pipes and other bathroom and kitchen fittings should be replaced. Some leakage issues which are visible can be solved by a plumber. But those that are invisible are difficult to identify. For that, you need an experienced pair of eyes. Call your plumber or hire a team of home inspectors.

7. Water leakage in WC: Result of various causes

In today’s world, when every part of the globe is experiencing water scarcity, the water tank in your WC decides to add fuel to the fire of water-misuse and continue to run even after a flush cycle is completed. This can occur due to a number of reasons. The most common of them is leakage in the WC. Sometimes the washer wears off causing leakage. This results in the drip-drip you hear from your washroom. One of the biggest problems that you do not have anything to do about, is high iron content in water. It is deposited in the pipes and reduces the water flow.

A good inspection by a plumber followed by replacing the damaged parts will relieve you of these worries. Not only will you avoid unnecessary loss of water but all the apparatus will be functioning properly also.

You can also follow a guide for maintaining your plumbing system to avoid further problems related to it.

To Summarise

All your horrors about your home are actually real issues you should care about and attend them as fast as you can. Home inspection is the ultimate necessity for doing away with potential problem situations of your home. It is those inspectors who will identify what is causing those ‘horrific’ situations and ‘prescribe’ measures to overcome them well beforehand. Thus, you get to enjoy the pride and comfort of your own home that you have always dreamt of. Happy home to you!

Reference links used:
1. https://finolex.com/why-do-mcb-trips-frequently-how-to-avoid-mcb-tripping/
2. https://youtu.be/ve308_XVIK4

Purchasing a Resale Flat – Here is a Checklist for you

It is never easy to have the best of both worlds. When you are buying a resale property you are primarily listening to your wallet and going for a purchase that is easy on it. Plus, there are other advantages coming bundled up: The infrastructure in the locality is almost always in place, already. The waiting time for construction completion is zero, which means you can take immediate possession and get yourself a tax benefit from the first EMI itself. And, there are no sugar-coated or cloaked features for this market. Whatever you see in front of your eyes is yours once you own it. But hold on! Is that all that you see on the surface? What about the tricky thing called “quality” that lies somewhere underneath? Can home inspection help you get a true picture of it?

Here is a guide to help you unearth the quality issues in a resale property:

1. What is the age of the property?

A resale real estate property is considered as a good investment option when it is between 1 to 5 years of age. A property of a maximum of 10 years can still be considered for buying if it is found to be really well maintained. But then, how can you be sure about its maintenance status? The best way is to demand an inspection report showing clearance of the property against various parameters or at least, the documents showing the building’s repair history. If the seller/ broker fails to show any of the documents, go for an inspection yourself. Yes, the service will cost you a little more in addition to the property’s quoted price but will save you from bigger expenses and hassles in the long run.

2. Try to understand the reason behind selling

It may help you uncover the hidden problems and assess whether the issues can be addressed permanently. Some of the reasons are construction defects, hidden issues such as damp, leakage, etc.

3. Know the surroundings well

By surroundings, we do not mean only the neighbourhood and the amenities available in the vicinity but the landscape of the place. For example, if it is a low-lying area and water-logging is a problem there, then you can expect dampness or logistics of commuting to be the issues in the property. The same issue will be there if the place where the property is located is built on reclaimed swampland. In a township where the groundwater is too saline or ‘hard,’ salt corrosion and ugly stains will be usual problems, respectively. Try to know these details before deciding to buy the property.

4. Potential problem areas to look for in a resale property

While a professional home inspection is always advisable before investing in a property, you, as an aware homebuyer, can do this DIY visual inspection:

A. Interiors

Do you see paint-swellings or water patches on the ceiling?

Paint swellings are the most common visible signs of water damage on the ceiling. If you come across any such sign or see a watery patch, do not rule out the possibility of a plumbing system error. But, if your apartment is on the top floor and you are having this problem then it must be the roofing system that needs your attention. Nonetheless, you cannot think of a remedy unless you are sure about the reason behind the seepage. Only a professional home inspection can identify the root cause of such problems and help you make a decision regarding the best repair method.

Does the wall-paint appear uneven and flaky?

There can be multiple causes behind flaky or peeling paint: high humidity, excessive condensation, poor surface preparation, dirty wall surface, intense sunlight and high temperatures, use of surface-incompatible paint solution, and too many coats on the same surface. A repaint job can help you get rid of the flakiness but will it solve the underlying problems? How about considering a home inspection that guides you to a permanent solution?

Watch out for hollow tiles on the floor

Hollow tiles can be an indicator of tiles getting debonded which can lead to loosening and cracking of tiles. This can lead to water intrusion through cracks and which can create further problems in other associated or attached areas and damp/ seepage issues, thereby increasing maintenance cost and hassles to residents. If you come across tiles that emit a hollow sound by simple tapping,contact your builder or tile expert and get them replaced immediately.

Be careful with water stagnancy – an indication of wrong sloping

Floor slope cannot be checked without proper equipment but stagnant water can tell a lot about sloping. If you find water stagnation in any part of your home get the floor slope checked professionally. The best places to look for stagnant water are the kitchen, bathrooms, and balconies.

Doors and windows must open and close properly

This can be tedious but not a difficult task to perform – check all the doors and windows of the flat. See if the doors are squeaking, making contact with the floor while closing and opening, if the latches are in place, and windowpanes and frames are not leaving gaps when closed. This will ensure the quality of air inside the home and also check intrusion of water from outside.

Check plumbing fittings and faucets for leakage

Water leakage is an all-time nightmare for everyone. It has a multiplier effect. Leakage causes wastage of water forcing us to switch on the pump more frequently. Moreover, the addition of excess moisture to the indoor air leads to dampness which affects both the aesthetics of our home as well as our health in a slow but severe way. So, detect leaks carefully. Basin pipes and faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms are still easy to check but if there is a leakage in the basement area and crawl spaces? Get a professional home inspection done and fix the leakage permanently. Who knows- your home may need remedial waterproofing. It is better to get it done before you move in with your family.

Check for the switches and MCB box

A comprehensive electrical inspection is much needed for any home. Check for the switches if they are ISI marked and in working condition or not. The MCB box should be also checked if all its parts are fitted properly. Visual inspection helps but to be sure that there is no internal problem in your electrical wiring system, opt for an electrical & safety inspection.

If it is a semi-furnished flat look for decay in the woodwork

Damaged timber, patches of spore dust, fine strands on timber, mushroom-like fruiting bodies, and damp smell are the basic symptoms that your furnished flat has wood decay. Remove the particular piece of furniture right away and get the rest of it polished once again to breathe new life into them.

Give ventilation – The topmost priority

A well-ventilated house is at the core of a happy, healthy life. So, make sure your new home has enough windows and open space and nothing is obstructing the daylight from entering the rooms. Adequate ventilation keeps damp issues at bay extending the life of the property for years.

B. Exteriors

The exterior of a house is the part exposed to the scorching sun, rain, dust, humidity, and other pollutants. Its construction, durability, and maintenance play a crucial role in determining the health and condition of the interior. So, while inspecting the property, you must give special importance to the exterior, especially to the following areas:

Exterior wall paint

Opt for weatherproof emulsion paint1 for better protection of your house.

Piping system

If it is a standalone property and an old one, check if the plumbing system is done with PVC pipes or not. If you come across any cast iron or galvanized iron pipe, consider replacing it immediately for they tend to rust over the years and clog up easily.

Roof/ Terrace

Try to find out if waterproofing has been done. If not, you can consider doing it or covering it with a roof covering sheet. The best sheets for roofing are bitumen roof sheets, weather-resistant PVC composite panels, plastic material synthetic resin tile sheets, and cellular plastic sheets, etc.

Common spaces

You cannot make any change in the common spaces; still before making the purchase, look for the lobby, staircase, landing areas, garage space, boundary wall, and the main gate to be sure about the building security.

Nearness to any big tree or overhead cable line

If you spot any of these two things alert the builder and if possible, the civic authority for both can lead to accidents.

5. Why invest in a home inspection while purchasing a resale flat?

Home inspection is not merely a process of confirming the wellness of your property; it helps you understand your home better. When you purchase a resale property2 you invariably consider three things before moving in- repair, renovation, and making changes in the layout (sometimes). In all the three cases, a prior home inspection helps you get an idea on how to go about things keeping cost under control.

Let us try to understand this with examples from the real-life situation:

Repair

You purchase a resale flat where you see the wall paint is coming out at places. There is no visible damp effect anywhere in the apartment. You consider this as normal and after removing the old paint you paint the walls anew. After a year or so, the same thing starts happening and then, you discover the building is damp. If you had done a damp/ seepage inspection before, you would have been able to understand the real source of problem for repairs and invest in waterproofing the wall before repainting it.

Renovation

Renovation gives a completely new look to an old (or resale) property through needful changes. You may consider replacing mosaic or marble flooring with floor tiles, iron-framed glass windows with the windows with aluminium or stainless steel profiles, wooden bathroom doors of with uPVC doors and so on as per your taste but the money spent becomes worthwhile only when the renovation done is guided by a proper home inspection report. For instance, you can put up wallpaper on a wall shared by a bathroom not knowing it is damp but it will invariably start peeling within a few months.

Layout changes

A layout change gone wrong is a common thing in resale properties. It could be like poor space allocation to corridors and walkways, neglecting the need to create adequate storage, treating installation and furniture as an afterthought, changing the plumbing / electrical layouts or mismatching the floor plan and your lifestyle. Think wisely or hire a home inspector to guide you well in this venture. Even interior designers are not qualified enough to do a deep dive in most cases.

Nothing can be more profitable than buying a flat at a price lower than its market value! But it does not end with bagging a good deal. After all, a home is a home, whether it is resale or new. You are putting your hard-earned money into it, and in most likelihood, you will be living there with your family for a good number of years. So, you must not leave any doubt area unaddressed before moving into it. Get a home inspection done to identify the masked hazards and make your stay as hassle-free and happy as possible.

Over and above these, you should also go about protecting your property from the routine issues that may crop up while buying your home. Read through for these in detail…… www.macj-abuyerschoice.com/avoid-13-unlucky-mistakes-as-a-first-time-home-buyer.

Reference links used:

1. https://www.asianpaints.com/products/waterproofing-solutions.html
2. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/real-estate/is-it-sensible-to-buy-resale-flats/articleshow/29980875.cms?from=mdr

9 Essential Tips for Plumbing Maintenance

  • Fix leaky faucets & showerhead
  • Unclog slow drains
  • Check all exposed pipes for water leaks
  • Be careful what you flush or pour down the drain
  • Check the water pressure
  • Fix leaking toilets
  • Clean Cistern tank
  • Cleaning of Plumbing trap
  • Clean Faucet Aerator

What do you do when you have your bathroom/ kitchen faucet leaking or rusted pipes? Wouldn’t you prefer to avoid these plumbing problems? Understanding the problems and performing preventative maintenance can help you avoid plumbing problems and its dangerous repercussions on the health of your home.

Plumbing1 systems can develop issues in all sorts of ways, most of which are quite difficult to detect. By the time a plumbing problem does advance far enough to start causing some obvious symptoms, it is probably already done considerable damage. You obviously don’t want that to happen, so what do you do?

Taking care of your home’s plumbing is essential to keeping the clean water flowing in and flushing your home’s waste out. Most people don’t think about their plumbing until a problem arises. By then, however, they are left with a huge mess and, ultimately a high repair cost and water damage to your home. It is important to have periodical maintenance of your plumbing system.

Plumbing maintenance is something you should do regularly to catch small problems that can turn into large, expensive problems later. Maintenance also helps you conserve water and save you from further problems.

Here, are 9 essential maintenance tips for your maintaining your plumbing system:

1. Fix leaky faucets & showerhead

Leaky faucets can waste a lot of water. And if you don’t fix a dripping faucet or showerhead, the drip can get worse over time. They aren’t just a nuisance – they could be costing you more money on your bills. Those problems can cause water damage. To prevent problems, check your faucets regularly for leaks and make repairs as needed.

2. Unclog slow drains

When the water is slow to drain there may be a problem. If water takes a long time to drain, there could be a build-up of debris in your pipes. Dirt, dust & other debris — all of this nasty stuff can cause blockage in your drain. Before it gets out of hand, unclog any debris. You can read the blog by Wiki how to know how to unclog the drain2. This preventative maintenance tip can be done every few months and will get the drain flowing again.

3. Check all exposed pipes for water leaks

You can visually check exposed pipes for leakage at some intervals of time. Also Watch for visible signs of a leak such as water stains on walls and ceilings, or puddles of water. If there is any cracked or broken pipe, then get it repaired to avoid further problem.

4. Be careful what you flush or pour down the drain

The problem with drains and toilets is that so many things can get flushed down them. The easiest way to prevent problems with your pipes is to be careful what you flush or pour down them. Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Don’t pour anything that can create problem down the drain.

Flour or other related food stuff – these are just some of the things people pour down their sink. The problem is, items like these will block your drains and cause problems with your water supply. Instead, put these items in a waste bin.

5. Check the water pressure

Water pressure is how much force with which it is coming out of your faucets and shower heads. When water pressure is on a higher side, then there are chances of water leakage. If water is splashing too much due to pressure, you can regulate the flow of water with the help of main valve of the area (like bathroom).

6. Fix leaking toilets

If your toilet is leaking, then it is very important to check the cause of the leakage. This can happen due to absence of gasket or improper installation of WC etc. In case of leakage, get it checked or repaired by a skilled plumber.

7. Clean Cistern tank

Cistern tanks need periodic cleaning to prevent unwanted odour and the build up of bacteria.Cisterns can develop leaks which are caused by blockages. So it is important to clean them depending on the type of cistern. If it is a general type cistern, then it can be cleaned easily. To know about it, you can read blog by Wiki How3. But if it is a concealed cistern, then servicing to be done by the authorized vendor.

8. Cleaning of Plumbing trap

Plumbing trap is a part of the drainage system. It is developed or designed in such a way that it retains a small quantity of waste water from the discharge, of fitting to which, it is attached, as a barrier to prevent foul gases or air entering in the building. This includes cleaning of floor trap at outlet, bottle trap at sink, etc. So cleaning them is required for proper maintenance of plumbing.

9. Clean Faucet Aerator

Faucet aerators4 are small, but they actually serve a pretty significant purpose. They break up your faucets’ water streams into a bunch of smaller streams, and by doing so, greatly reduce the amount of water that pours out of spouts — all without sacrificing the water pressure.

Aerators are designed in such a way to act as filters as well as water savers. This means faucet aerators catch a lot of the silt, minerals, and other debris that flow through your tap water. Over time, debris builds up and can cause the flow from your faucet to decrease in strength. It is important to clean faucet aerators and screens to remove any debris from them.

Conclusion

Don’t let poorly maintained home plumbing prevent you from getting the best water available!

Performing preventative maintenance for plumbing system of your home, can help you avoid a major plumbing problem and can save your money. Sometimes you may need a repair after checking issues to keep them maintained. Although some repairs can be do-it-yourself, others may require more expertise. If you feel any point of time, to have an inspection of your plumbing system, you can contact professional home inspection services.

Reference links used:

  1. https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/plumbing/plumbing-basics-ga.htm
  2. https://www.wikihow.life/Clear-a-Clogged-Waste-Pipe
  3. https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Toilet-Tank
  4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faucet_aerator

Home Inspection: A New Lucrative Career in India

Although the concept of home inspection is new in India, the demand for the service has been on a steady rise. A large number of Indians, as well as NRI homebuyers, are opting for home inspection before investing in a property, new or resale. And interestingly, it is not the homebuyers only who are getting benefitted from it; all the stakeholders in the real estate space including sellers, resellers, builders and developers, and interior designers are reaping benefits from home inspection. It is turning out to be a win-win proposition for all. This remarkable end-user response is drawing support from the government as well. Recently introduced RERA also encourages quality check of the real estate property purchased by an individual. So, clearly, home inspection as a service has a bright future, which means, one can consider it as a lucrative field to build a successful career.

The job of a home inspector

To know if you have a career in home inspection, you must first try to understand what all the job of a home inspector covers:

  • Studying the property details:
    1. Whether a property is under construction, newly built and ready to move-in, new but second hand, or old; an apartment in a housing society or a standalone house, etc.
    2. Construction and repair history
    3. Location details: Proximity to a water body, low-lying area, elevated area, the climatic condition of the place, etc.
  • Visiting the site
  • Inspecting each and every component of the property – exterior as well as the interior: walls, ceilings, floors, doors and windows, plumbing system, electrical wiring system, furniture, appliance outlets, driveway, roofs etc. Learning how to use advance scanning devices.
  • Documenting the observations made.
  • Producing a report combining text and images.
  • Advising the best possible solutions to the damages detected.

Who can be a home inspector?

To become a Home Inspector, the requirement and qualification are not too difficult. Even a graduate, the diploma holder, retired professional, educated housewives or non-technical people can become home inspectors. They need to be smart & intelligent enough to run & manage their business. They have to do a home inspection certification course along with related practical training. They can enrol in an online or offline home inspection certificate course1 and learn the nitty-gritty of the job.

This is also a good career option for engineers and interior designers. Home inspector is a new career option for them. For the core job, people from streams like civil, mechanical, electrical are better suited.

What are the skills needed to become a successful home inspector?

More than a degree it is the following skills that are needed to become a successful home inspector:

  • Observing skills – the person must have an eye for detail.
  • Well conversant with the construction processes and materials used.
  • Highly diligent, non-tiring
  • Analytical
  • Moderate risk-taking ability

A basic sense of aesthetics is a must if you want to join this profession because without that you may not be able to read some subtle signs of damage in a home.

Career prospects in home inspection: An outlook

The sky is the limit for students qualified in home inspection. There are huge, untapped skill development and business opportunity waiting there for them to explore. They must go for it before the competition rises and the field becomes saturated just like the way it has happened in many other sectors. Instead of waiting for a conventional job or landing a not-so-satisfactory job after completing graduation / post-graduation, they must educate themselves in a new subject like a home inspection. After completing the home inspection course2, they can kick-start their career by interning with one of the premier home inspection companies like MACJ – A Buyers Choice in India and then choose to go for a full-time job. The median annual salary for inspectors in 2019 is around Rupees 3 to 4 lakhs. The projected growth rate for home inspectors in India is almost similar to the average of all the emerging occupations in India.

However, there is nothing like starting your own venture in home inspection. You can be your own boss from Day 1 and start earning around Rupees 50,000 or much more per month!

Here’s how you do it:

Franchise opportunity in home inspection

The concept of franchising in home inspection is gaining popularity in India. Entrepreneurs who once used to run their own standalone businesses are now considering a shift to the franchise model for growing their business. The reasons are pretty simple. Buying a franchise reduces the risk of going through the entire process business set-up to a large extent. The franchisor provides a franchisee with an already established business model, all the necessary guidance on an ongoing basis, and assistance in terms of systems and instruments (in some cases), inspection/marketing, etc – everything in return for a fee that can be one-time or periodic in nature. Other general advantages of buying a franchise3 are:

  • Independence of doing business supported by an already established brand
  • You don’t need any prior business experience. You are trained by your franchisor.
  • Higher rate of success than any start-up business
  • Pre-established processes & systems in place.
  • Securing finance is easier in a franchise business
  • You can build on the brand’s reputation, brand image, and proven work tactics

Entrepreneurs with prior experience in construction and home remodelling or interior design may find this business model suitable as they already have a working knowledge of the same. With a perfect team of professionals, a couple of licenses, training, and a proper business plan they can start earning handsomely from it from the first year itself.

Viability of the franchise model in this sunshine industry in India

Home inspection is still largely an unorganized sector in India with only a few big names like e-Ghar, MACJ – A Buyer’s Choice, HomeInspektor, measurement, check prop, Nemmadi, etc making an impact. The industry is a sunrise sector with little competition at this stage, leaves good scope for promising entrepreneurs to make headway and succeed. Before the socio-economic scenario changes and the sector reorients itself, these entrepreneurs must take the plunge and leverage the success of these brands by becoming their franchisee or start on their own.

If you see yourself as one of these entrepreneurs here are the three reasons why you must not delay any longer:

  1. The sector is new, which means there is a lot of potential in it
  2. The sector serves the heart of the Indian economy – Real Estate
  3. Over 100% ROI potential on an annualized basis

To learn more about this winning business model, click here.

India’s startup scene4 is looking brighter than ever. The ecosystem, which is the world’s 2nd largest, is estimated to grow at the rate of 10-12% year-over-year. In H1 20195 alone, Indian startups raised US$4.88 billion, an increase of 8.7% YoY. You must cash on this buoyancy. Ride the wave and build a successful career in home inspection.

Reference links used:

1. https://www.nachi.org/recommended-home-inspector-courses.htm
2. https://icaschool.com/
3. https://www.indiafilings.com/learn/franchising-advantages-and-disadvantages/
4. https://www.startupindia.gov.in/content/sih/en/international/go-to-market-guide/indian-startup-ecosystem.html
5. https://yourstory.com/2019/07/india-startup-funding-report-wework-ipo

7 Common Household Hazards to Watch Out For

A home can turn out to be a surprisingly dangerous place if some obvious signs of caveats go unnoticed for days. The damage could be immediate and one-time or slow having far-reaching effects. To know how healthy is your home, you must be vigilant enough and run visual checks from time to time or opt for a home inspection for an expert assessment. A home inspection is capable of identifying every household hazard that can compromise your family’s safety and saves you from possible disasters.

Here are 7 common household hazards that you must watch out to avoid future damages:

1. Excess Moisture < Condensation < Damp

Damp is the silent monster that damages the structural integrity of a building. It creates unsightly patches on ceilings and walls, causes floor tiles and wall tiles to bulge at places and timber fittings to loosen over time. But damaged aesthetics is not the only side-effect of damp. It has a significant adverse effect on Human Health. It has a multiplier effect, the root cause of which lies in excess moisture generation inside the house. How is this excess moisture generated? – There are multiple ways and these are the real hazards for which you must stay alert:

  • High atmospheric humidity and poorly insulated walls
  • Plumbing failures leading to leakage/ seepage
  • Poorly fitted window frames and panes which can let in rainwater
  • Ponding or water stagnation on roofs or bathrooms due to wrong sloping of the floor, clogged drains, etc.
  • Construction defects leading to water penetration

Excess moisture leads to excessive condensation, which in turn results in a damp attack.

What can be done to prevent damp hazard?

  1. Damp proofing is the ultimate long-term prevention against moisture decay. Generally, at the time of construction, a preventive damp-proof course is installed at the base of the walls to prevent rising damp from damaging the wall fabric. If you still notice any signs of damage on the walls (especially, in the ground floor) you must consider a corrective damp-proofing but not before a proper damp assessment.
  2. Repairing plumbing leaks on an urgent basis.
  3. Waterproofing the ceiling.
  4. Ultimately, the objective should be to find the source of the problem for long term solution.

However, as we said, ruined aesthetics is just one of the numerous damages that are caused by damp. Dampness also leads to uncontrolled growth of disease-causing microorganisms and may cause accidents from short circuits in the concealed electrical wiring system of a house.

2. Algal and fungal attack

Generally misunderstood as condensation, the dark spots in your roofs are much more serious problem- algae. These are micro-organisms that grow in colonies in a damp environment. In a humid climate, especially in neighbourhoods with plenty of shade and trees, blue-green algae are seen growing on rooftops. Inside the house, fungal growth can be noticed on old, decaying furniture. Black spots of moulds though rare in Indian homes are also an obvious effect of damp. Moulds pose as a serious health threat for house inmates as they cause allergy, asthma, and skin diseases.

How to prevent fungal growth?

Proper cleaning and drying, preceded by water removal, is the only solution to prevent algae and fungal growth. But this activity should not be taken as a one-off task. You must repeat after every heavy shower or at least, after the monsoon so that the damp effect is reduced to the lowest. Using dehumidifier at home also helps to keep indoor moisture under check.

3. Fire hazard

Fire is the biggest killer among all home accidents and there could be multiple causes of fire. The most common causes are – gas cylinder leakage, a problem in the air conditioning unit, short circuit, water in the concealed electrical wiring system of the house.

How to minimize the risk?

  • Have your electrical system checked by a home inspection team
  • Ask your LPG delivery person to check the cylinder for any leakage
  • Turn off the knob of the cylinder when you’re not cooking
  • Switch to UPVC sheets from asbestos for driveways and roofing. Asbestos is both toxic as well as flammable
  • Consider installing a smoke detector in your house

Follow other standard safety rules to prevent a fire1 in your home.

4. Lead-based paint

Doctors refer to lead poisoning as ‘silent epidemic’. The human body cannot digest and excrete lead. So, long-term exposure to lead and its deposition in the body can cause serious damage to health, especially in infants and pregnant women. Paint is one of the many household products that contain this toxic element as pigments. Lead makes paint durable, moisture resistant, and helps in quick drying. But at the same time, it exposes inmates to serious health threats such as anaemia, learning and cognitive disability in children, and birth defects, etc.

Choose lead-free paint for a healthy & happy home

In India, nowadays, many major paint brands like Asian Paints, Berger Paints, and Kansai Nerolac are making lead-free paint2. If your house is old, consider repainting it, using products manufactured by these companies. You may also consider using their damp-proofing paint solutions3 if there is a damp problem. But before going in for any investment, get the hazard assessment done through a home inspection.

5. Carbon Monoxide

The by-product of combustion, carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas, having no smell or taste. Common household items like gas fires, oil-burning furnaces, portable generators, charcoal grills increase the risk of exposure to this poisonous gas. Frequent CO exposure can cause long-term problems including congestive heart and failed renal system, etc. CO binds to haemoglobin over 200 times more easily than oxygen. So, oxygen doesn’t find space to get into the haemoglobin. As a result, cells become oxygen-starved leading to death- a condition called CO poisoning.

CO leaks can be prevented by keeping appliances in good working condition. Besides, you must also keep your room well ventilated, use kitchen chimney, and stop using charcoal in an indoor barbecue.

6. Mud cracks, alligatoring, and other paint hazards

Limited tolerance of paint or asphalt to thermal expansion and contraction produces alligatoring4, a pattern of cracks resembling alligator skin. When left unattended, these cracks widen up to let in water from outside. Natural ageing of oil-based paints due to temperature fluctuation and other application errors may lead to alligatoring.

What can be done?

Alligatoring on painted walls can be repaired by removing the old paint and repainting them all over again. It is easy to find a remedy for such a hazard but you must get to the root cause behind it. And for that, a home inspection is the best solution.

7. Decay

The disintegration of wood can be a real household hazard as it leads to fungal growth. You can easily identify a decaying wooden product5 in your home but what you may not gather is the cause behind it. The decay may set in due to many reasons. One reason could be the quality of the wood and the polish on it. The other reason has to be high moisture content of the house. To ascertain which one is the real cause, you must get seek an expert’s opinion. Home inspectors use moisture meters and other advanced technology devices to assess the moisture level of your home. They also throw light on small but important things like the ideal gap between walls and the furniture and extent of the decay, etc.

Maintaining a safe and secure environment in your home where you and your family can live without fearing any hazard is a basic priority. Sometimes you can ensure that and sometimes you cannot. Also, a DIY project is not always a feasible option. So, you must consult a professional if it demands so. Hire a home inspector and get your home checked for all sorts of hazard for we all know: A stitch in time saves nine.

Reference links used:

  1. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/fire.html
  2. https://www.asianpaints.com/content/ap/hi/home/green-assure.html
  3. https://www.bergerpaints.com/imaginecolours/decor-culture/damp-proofing-freedom-damp-walls
  4. https://www.dulux.com.au/how-to/general/paint-problem-solver/exterior-paint-problem-solver/alligatoring
  5. https://www.permachink.com/blog/all-about-wood-decay-and-how-to-prevent-it