7 Tips to Choosing the Curtains for Your Dream Home

You have made a great investment by purchasing an apartment. What next? It is now the time for you to enhance the look and feel of your home by designing the interiors according to your desires. Only then your home will be all yours, and become a ‘Dream Home’ in every aspect.

So, how can you improve the interiors of your home? Consider investing on the curtains. It is the simplest but the most effective way to augment the grace and charm of your home. However, deciding on the types of curtains holds great significance as they can enhance or hamper the interiors of your apartment.

Tips to Making a Wise Selection

Curtain options are countless. Readymade curtains are available in pleasant colors, attractive designs, and high quality fabrics. Also, you can get them stitched from any of the renowned curtain designers. In both these cases, you must consider some points, and these include:

1. Understand What You Need – Analyze your requirements carefully before investing on curtains. You might need a pleasant shade in your bedroom, darkness in your bathroom, or brightness in your kitchen. Curtains must be chosen after examining the preferences of your family members

2. Curtain v/s Room Interior – Consider the pattern and color scheme of your room. It is advisable to select the color and style of the curtain that complements the room interior. Choose a curtain color from the same family of your room color, but make it lighter or darker than the wall color. Think ‘contrast’ when choosing color for your curtains.

3. Check for the Latest Trends – Are you confused to make a right decision? Look around. You may see curtains that appeal your eyes in your friend’s apartment. Grab the idea and invest on it. Searching online is also a fantastic option to understand the new trends. Visit websites who are in the business of designing curtains. See their product offerings and gain design ideas from them. You can also customize curtains after gaining design concepts from these sites.

4. Practical Aspects of Your Choice – Refrain from buying curtains only by looking at their color and style. Always choose the ones that serve your purpose well. For example, hanging a heavy curtain in your child’s room who is suffering from Asthma is not a good decision. This is because, you may need to frequently wash the curtains to keep dust from lingering in order to prevent worsening the condition of your child. In such cases, compromise on the aesthetic features, and invest in roller curtains.

5. Shape and Size of your Window and Doors - Ensure to buy curtains in the right shape and size to cover your windows and doors completely. Measure the windows and doors and then buy curtains to best fit the area.

6. Durability - Some fabrics look attractive; however, it may not be durable. Changing curtains over and over again leads to financial loss. However, if you need to modernize interior décor more often, consider investing in low quality fabrics.

7. Maintenance - Different fabrics require different treatment. For example, velvet and silk curtains require dry cleaning, however linen and synthetic can be washed and cleaned using mild detergent. It is important to understand the maintenance part of the curtains before investing.

These tips can be kept as a checklist before investing in curtains. As discussed earlier, they can enhance or hamper the beauty of your room. Considering the aforementioned points leads you towards a wise selection, and helps you décor your home pleasingly.

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Things to Keep in Mind When Buying Your Dream Home

‘Home’, it is the comfort zone where we build relationships and dream for a better future. Hence, it must be designed and constructed according to your personal traits and preferences.

Basic Things to Consider When Purchasing an Apartment

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments that redefine your lifestyle and standard of living. Hence, it is not a joke purchasing a home; however, it is a critical step accompanied with lots of planning.

When buying an apartment, you must consider the following.

Features – Talk to your family members and understand their concept of a dream home. They might have different requirements. Your kids might need a large playground, whereas, your mother may require a calm living space to enjoy her retired life. Even though, it may be difficult to find an apartment that meet all these diverse needs, you can still search for an apartment with features that work for your entire family.

Location – Purchasing a home is a life time investment and you may spend your entire life there itself. Keeping this in mind, you must choose a living space in a location that is comfortable by all means. Again, you can consider the choice of your family members in this regard as well.  Find a perfect location that meets all your purposes substantially.

Home Style – It is important to find a living space that fits your personality. Look around you and grab aesthetic ideas from apartments that appeal to you the most. Keep doing this for some time. This helps you brief your real estate partner about your preferred home style by citing examples.

Space – Ensure to invest in a property with enough space that can comfortably fit in all your family members. It must not be too small or too large. Choose a living space with enough bedrooms, and storage areas.

Customization – We, human beings dream big. Even after lots of background work, you may still find something incomplete in your dream home. Hence, it is always recommended to choose an apartment that has the potential for customization. This allows you to build a tricked-out media room at a later stage.

Cost – When it comes to monetary investment, one should consider it seriously. Plan your income and spending in a way that allows you enough breathing space. You should consider local taxes, monthly utility costs, and association fees, and monthly mortgage payment before investing on an apartment.

The aforementioned points must be taken care of when deciding to purchase an apartment. Even though, they seem basic, it leads you towards a wise selection and credible investment.

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6 Monsoon Tips for Home Owners

The cool rains are a welcome relief from the scorching sun. This weather is fantastic for lazy days at home or for long drives. This is also the season of mosquitoes, ill health, and mud splattered clothes. To keep your health and home in a good state, follow some of the tips mentioned below.

Simple Monsoon Tips for A Happier Monsoon

Keeping healthy is an easy task. We break it down for you:

1. Keep Your House Clean
Ensure that all dirty shoes are assembled at the front door. Place foot mats strategically in your house to allow your companions to keep their feet clean. 

2. For the Love of Clothes
Clothes attract moisture and tend to smell bad in the monsoons. This can be easily combated by keeping a mesh bag full of rock salt in your wardrobe. Similarly, a cup of vinegar will also do the trick. You can add a few drop of an aroma oil to the salt to let the fragrance weep into your clothes. 

3. Save Up On Electricity
You can save on your electricity costs in the cool monsoons by keeping the air conditioner off and opening your rooms to the cool air. Fresh air is your best friend for keeping your immunity up as well.

4. Watch Your Food
Monsoon season is the season when the simple rule of not eating food from restaurants should be implemented. Even at home, food vegetables and meat should be properly inspected for insects and dirt. Make sure you don’t keep bread or cooked food in the refrigerator for too long as it encourages fungal growth. 

5. Boost Your Immunity
No matter what precautions you take, you could still end up catching someone’s cold or cough. So keep your immunity up by exercising regularly, keeping the house clean, and eating immunity boosting foods like ginger, garlic, fruits, and nuts. 

6. Take Care of Your Pets
Keep your pets clean and regularly visit the vet. An anti-flu shot is also a good idea. Ensure that your pet also consumes healthy home cooked food.

Follow these tips and enjoy the beautiful monsoons. This is the perfect weather to open a book and sit by the window enjoying the cool breeze, raindrops, lush greenery, and some roasted sweet corn.

Happy monsoons to you and your family.

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KUL Couture – A Fashionable Residence in Mumbai

With every new generation, people’s interests and preferences keep changing. The same goes for real estate. Today, people’s idea of an apartment is completely different from previous generations. This drastic change in building concepts has rendered several challenges to today’s real estate builders.

To transform your dream home plan a reality, you would need to associate with a trustworthy real estate builder. By partnering with a reliable one, you can build an apartment that adds value and new colors to your life.

KUL is the Answer!

Partnering with KUL brings you several advantages. They are committed to redefining your living space - maintaining high construction quality, whilst keeping the price budget-friendly. Headquartered in Pune, with operations in Mumbai and Bangalore, KUL has been ornamenting the landscapes of India’s major cities with perfectly designed buildings.

About KUL Couture– An Ongoing Residential Project in Mumbai

KUL has its presence in Mumbai – the city of fashion and glamour. There are several projects in KUL’s credit in Mumbai that were lauded for their artistic design, quality construction, and timely execution.

Occupants in Mumbai are eagerly waiting for the completion of yet another outstanding residential project from KUL - KUL Couture. Located at Century Bazaar Lane, Worli, the project is expected to provide a truly magnificent living experience by combining the comforts of urban life and scenic beauty. As always, KUL has designed the project with world-class amenities to make the life of residents comfortable and smart.

Attractions

KUL Couture is a well-planned project that is meant to satisfy the needs of every age group. You have everything to make your living outstanding such as:

- Club House

- Swimming Pools for Adults and Kids

- Gymnasium

- Steam Room

- Business Lounge with Conference Room and Audio Video Hall

- Party Area

- Meditation and Yoga Center

- Leisure Lounge with Special Rooms for Indoor Games

- Fire Lighting Systems

- Rain Water Harvesting and Sewage Treatment Plants

- Power Back Up Provisions

- Broad Band Internet Access

The entire project span 59,180 square feet with luxury 3BHK and 4BHK flats. The apartments are designed referring western style building construction with open floor space.

Contact

KUL’s expertise and experience are visible in the design and construction of KUL Couture.  A high level of design, development, and construction quality are guaranteed as they are the basic pillars on which KUL has built its business.

To know more about the amenities, site layout, floor plans and other specifications of KUL Couture, contact KUL at:

Phone: 022 40345353 ,                                Mobile- 0 9987259052

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8 Tips to Maintain Your Garden Terrace in Rainy Season

In India, terrace gardening is becoming very popular. The reason behind this is that a growing number of apartments now feature confined outdoor areas. Hence, for those who don’t have space for a lawn or backyard, but who love to live amidst greenery, terrace gardening is the only solution.

However, managing a terrace garden is not easy as you think. Terrace gardening must be maintained with extreme care, especially during the monsoon season. If not, the plants may rot, weeds may grow, and flies may breed irrepressibly.

Tips to Maintain Terrace Garden during the Monsoons

Terrace garden requires profuse attention expressly during the rainy season. Always be alert, as monsoon can be as harmful as blissful for your garden terrace.

Following the tips below will help you maintain garden terracing and keeps you close to nature!

Proper Drainage System - Check the drainage system on a daily basis to ensure that the rain water is flowing properly out from your terrace without clogging anywhere. This is important, as stagnant water is where mosquitos and other flies lay their eggs. Hence, it is important to prevent the breeding of such flies by properly managing the drainage system.

Check Plants Individually - Ensure that the pots of the plants are not overfilled with rain water. This deteriorates the plant’s root, and gradually results in decay. Use perforated pots to prevent blockage of water inside the pot.

Provide Saplings with Enough Shelter - If you are planting saplings in the rainy season, provide them with enough shelter. However, covering the plant with an opaque sheet harms the plant and hampers its growth. To provide shelter from heavy rains, cover plants with a perforated plastic sheet. This allows saplings to receive a controlled amount of water and sunlight for their growth.

Act Immediately to Save the Plant – Take immediate measures when you notice any kind of discoloration in the leaves. This is common during the monsoon season. If the leaves are turning yellow, it is the first sign of decaying. Ensure the use of organic pesticides to save the plant in such cases.

Pluck the Weeds - Weeds grow at a faster rate during rainy season. Growth of these unnecessary plants harms the foliage in your terrace garden. They hamper the health of your plants by draining out all the nourishment from the soil. Always be watchful about such growth. Pull out those weeds immediately.

Apply the Right Amount of Organic Fertilizers- With the arrival of monsoon, you are required to use the right amount of fertilizer. Organic fertilizers are preferred to nourish your plants. However, make sure to pluck out dead leaves and weeds before applying the manure. You can use cow dung manure and foliar fertilizers for this purpose.

Do not Water the Plants – Unless the soil is drying up, it is advisable not to water the plants during rainy season. Plants would get enough water for their growth naturally during the monsoon. Excess watering only promotes decay.

Use Pesticides – This must be done immediately once fresh roots and new leaves sprout in the plant. This is because insects prefer to eat fresh leaves. You can also keep a bowl of kerosene in the terrace garden to kill the insects. Insects would get attracted to the smell of the kerosene easily. 

The aforementioned tips are easy to follow and would not take much time and energy. Following these simple steps helps you maintain a flowering and lush garden terrace during the monsoon

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Residential Projects in Pune - Luxurious Lifestyle with Comfort at KUL

Nowadays, people are opting for living spaces that gives them maximum comfort and a truly magnificent living experience. Hence, they become very particular when choosing real estate partners. People are looking for real estate builders who are capable of transforming their dream projects into a reality, whilst meeting their requirements in terms of budget and amenities.

This blog is aimed to give you insights about a reliable real estate partner who can transform your design to bricks and mortar according to your expectations.

KUL – Not Just Reliable but an Outstanding Real Estate Builder

KUL is the pioneering real estate builder, coloring the landscape of Pune with progressively designed residential and commercial complexes.

When you partner with KUL, you can be relieved from all the stress related to design, development, and construction of residential/commercial buildings. They take complete ownership of your project and ensure that you receive the best service.

Handful of Residential Projects - Testimony to KUL’s Quality and Reliability

At present, KUL is involved in several large residential projects that enhance the topography of Pune. Blending with dazzling greenery of Pune, these projects promise to be green yet bright stars added to Pune's skyline.

1)  KUL Ecoloch – 103 acres integrated township under construction in Mahalunge – Nande, behind Balewadi Stadium.
2)  KUL Nation – 103 acres integrated township developing swiftly in Kharadi Annex, Manjri Khurd.
3)  45 Nirvana Hills – Proposed to be Pune’s tallest residential building tower. The project is located in Karve Road, Erandwane.
4)  KUL Utsav – The much awaited project from KUL encouraging community living. Located in Kondhwa, the project comes with community friendly features.
5)  Sophronia - The project, which is in its construction stage, is meant to provide 2 and 3 BHK luxury apartments. Located in Kalyani Nagar, Pune, the project provides all the urban comforts.
6)  Kumar Shantiniketan – As like every KUL endeavor, this project is also constructed keeping ‘Environmental Sustainability’ as the top priority. Located in Baner-Pashan Link Road, the project is the right destination for 2 and 3 BHK modern luxury flats.

At KUL, they don’t just construct buildings, but aim to redefine the lifestyle of residents. They provide all modern facilities adding comfort to the occupants. This attitude helps them design residential areas with outstanding features and amenities including:

- Party Venues
- Meditation/ Yoga Center
- Walking/ Jogging/ Cycling Tracks
- Swimming Pool
- Well Equipped Gymnasium
- Rooms for Indoor Games
- Community Halls
- Open Celebration Grounds

Contact to Know More about Other Ongoing and Upcoming KUL Projects 

Looking for an apartment developed by KUL? Some of the aforementioned projects are under construction, while others are ready for possession. 

Contact KUL sales office and know more about the project that interests you the most: 

Phone: 020 41012200 or 40006000/1/2/3

Office Address: Kumar Business Center, 10th Floor, Bund Garden Road, Opposite Pune Central, Shangrila Garden, Pune – 411011 

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Kumar Builders Growing at a Fast Rate to Conquer New Heights

At KUL, we are committed to constructing building with amenities adding comfort to the lives of people. All the projects we have undertaken so far are lauded for their designs, international construction standards, and eco-friendliness. 

Our name is recognized in the international market as the best builder making futuristic designs that make people feel wonderful. We could achieve this with our hard work and dedication. Now, we have carved a niche in the market as one of the leading real estate partners with operations in Pune, Mumbai, and Bangalore.

Commercial Projects in Pune

The growing numbers of commercial projects are the sign of our market reputation. At present, we are involved in several small to large projects that are challenging, and exciting at the same time. Every project stands testimony to our construction quality and exceptional customer service.

Some of our ongoing projects include:

1.  KUL Nation -103 acres integrated township in Kharadi and Manjri Khurd, Pune, where individuals and families can come together to create a world of their own.
2.  KBC-KUMAR Business Center in Bund Garden with facilities essential for a global business. The construction is unique and superior in many aspects. The use of advanced construction materials and techniques will make this project an outstanding one. 
3.  KK Market project in Satara Road, Pune. The project is meant to provide office spaces with great amenities. Options to customize the space are available to meet the unique requirements of businesses.
4. The Cerebrum SEZ project, under construction, conforms to green building principles. Located in Hinjewadi, Pune, the project is exclusively meant for IT and Non-IT business organizations.
5.  KUL Kidopia project in its development stage in Sarasbaugh, Pune. The residential projects is meant to suit your lifestyle and satisfy the requirements of people of every age.

Besides these projects, we are on the move to make Symphony Plaza (Baner- Pashan Link Road), KUL Scapes (The tallest residential tower in Kharadi), and KUL Square (Business Space, Kondhwa) a reality.

Future Projects

There are a couple of projects that are at the point of inception. We will be soon transforming the basic planning/designing ideas to bricks and mortar. The two major future projects of KUL include:

1.  KUL Sinew Court, in Karve Road. The project is meant to provide office/shop space for businesses of any kind.
2.  Business Court in Mukund Nagar exclusively for business purposes.

Our busy schedule doesn’t mean that we compromise on the quality. We have the team, technique, and knowledge to complete all the projects on time, with required amnesties beyond customer expectations. 

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3 Tips to Keep Your Upholstery Intact

If you have started looking for apartments for sale in Mumbai or any other city, you might want to consider your design and decoration options. Upholstery accounts for a major part of this decision. Upkeep of your upholstery will ensure that it looks great and lasts long. Choose the upholstery according to your cleaning regularity. Opt for easy to clean fabrics and removable cushions and covers, if you have children in the house.

3 Tips for Proper Upkeep of Your Upholstery

Below are listed some tips to help you keep your upholstery in good condition:

1. Preventive Maintenance
Cleaning your upholstery on a regular basis will ensure that there is no buildup of dirt. Using a vacuum cleaner to clean the nooks and crannies of your sofa is recommended. You can use the attachments specially designed for upholstery. This process will clean up dust and dirt. To keep the fabric from fading, keep the furniture away from direct sunlight and heat.

2. Manage Stains
Clean up as soon as there is a spill. Stains should be removed at the earliest. When cleaning a spill, blot instead of rubbing. When making a purchase, check with your manufacturer about the best ways to clean the fabric. Accordingly, you can use a dry or wet cleaning agent.

3. Deep Clean Regularly
Get your upholstery deep cleaned by a professional every year. Always turn your cushion covers inside out when cleaning. This will keep the color from fading. Before getting it cleaned, check your manufacturer’s instructions and advise the cleaning agency accordingly.

The methods utilized for cleaning of upholstery varies depending on the type of fabric. For example, when cleaning leather upholstery, the methods employed will be different from when cleaning polyester. Always consult your manufacturer when making a purchase. Also, remember to check the color fastness of the fabric before cleaning the upholstery. Constant use of chemicals is not good for the material. You can opt for organic cleaning agents, as they are gentler.

Taking care of your upholstery will increase its life span. This lowers the overall money spent on redecoration. Upholstery that has been cared for looks great too. So for the purpose of aesthetics and economy, follow the above-mentioned tips.

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Why Painting and Re-painting is Important

The paint of your home forms part of the first impression. How it looks is an important part of how the visitor will feel about your home. The color and state of the paint can also have a great influence on you as the home owner. Re-painting your home in creative designs and colors can give it a feel of any luxurious flat in Pune.

Reasons to Re-paint your Home

1. Increases The Value of Your Home

What the eyes see, the mind processes. Irrespective of the great features of a home, it might not appeal to a prospective buyer if the paint job of a home is falling apart.

2. Aesthetically Pleasing

This is important not just for the people viewing your home as guests or acquaintances, but for the people living there too. A fresh coat of paint can help soothe or excite the mind. The color can be chosen in accordance with the function of the room.

3. Ease of Maintenance

Paint has seen a major change in the last few decades. Stains on the walls can now be cleaned using a wet cloth. This makes usability and maintenance so much easier.

4. Cost-effective Makeover

Re-painting your house can help in covering up any stains or marks on the walls. You can take this chance to cover up any holes in the wall. The money spent on a paint job is much lower than that spent on re-decorating the house. Effectively, it is the most economical option when your home needs a makeover. A good quality paint will last for a long time. This feature by itself makes the job of re-painting cost-effective.

5. Exterior of the House

Last but not the least, the exterior of the house should be painted regularly. A good quality paint will protect your home through the year. Paint has the capability of keeping your home safe from environmental and other natural conditions. Paint can keep water from entering the house and keep insects and fungus at bay.

When re-painting your home, ensure that the paint used is of good quality. Low quality paint emits harmful fumes that could be toxic or otherwise unhealthy for the residents and visitors. The paint used for the interiors and exteriors should be chosen according to the surroundings of the home as well as the furniture used to decorate it. Both the paints don’t have to match but should complement one another. Hence, the paint used should reflect the personality of the homeowner.

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Pest Prevention in 7 Easy Steps

Upkeep of your house in terms of pest control is vital for the health of your family. Keeping pests and rodents out of your home will ensure that the valuation of your home also increases in tandem with the rates of homes in your neighborhood. For example, if you own a 3-bedroom home in Mumbai, it should have the same price as a 3 BHK flat for sale in Mumbai in the same neighborhood.

Steps to Take to Get Rid of Insects and Rodents

Some precautionary and reactive measures can be undertaken to rid your home of insects and rodents:

1. All holes and cracks inside and outside the house should be sealed. This will keep any insects or rodents from entering the house.

2. Repair all parts of the house that may have any moist or rotting wood. Many insects like termites feed on moist wood.

3. Trim any branches or shrubs near your home. Ensure that no branches enter your home.

4. Ensure that there is no water logging in the house.

5. Clean your kitchen thoroughly every night. Any food that might have fallen on the floor, tables, etc. should be disposed of immediately.

6. If you have any plants in your house, keep the area clean. Spraying some insecticide around your plants will keep the insects away as well.

7. If you find any signs of infestation, contact your local pest control service provider. Checks should be performed by a professional on a regular basis irrespective of the presence of infestations.

The above measures should keep insects and rodents from entering your house. However, if you are living in a building with several other apartments (multi-unit building), it is imperative that every homeowner performs these control activities at the same time. Otherwise, your efforts will be ineffective in the long run, since insects will simply travel from one home to another. For the same reason, it is important to thoroughly clean your clothes and baggage after returning from a trip. Every homeowner should make pest proofing a priority. You need to conduct an audit of your home to look for any weak points, which may lead to an infestation.

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5 Maintenance Tips that Help in Property Valuation

The valuation of properties in Mumbai and other major cities depends greatly on the aesthetics of the house. Maintaining small facets of the house on a regular basis will help you in ensuring that your house looks ay its best. This in turn will fetch you the best price for the house. Regular maintenance also keeps major refurbishments and repairs at bay.

5 Maintenance Tips to Help Maintain the Value of Your Home

Proper upkeep of a home will make the in-house experience more pleasant. Renting or re-selling of such a home becomes easier as well. The following pointers can be taken into account to maintain the value of your home:

1. Painting - A fresh coat of paint makes all the difference to the aesthetics of a home. Paint also helps in maintaining the walls from leakages and external damage. Good quality paint is used to keep the emissions of harmful elements out of the house. Protective paint is used for the outer surfaces of the walls of a house to keep it safe from environmental and other external factors.

2. Plumbing and Electricity - The two features that need to work incessantly are the plumbing and electricity. Any problems with these basic facilities could result in the reduction of your home’s market value. Even if you are not considering selling or renting out your home, maintenance of these features is vital. If not serviced on a regular basis, the plumbing and electricity of a home could deteriorate or cause major damage in your home. In both these scenarios, the resultant cost of not conducting maintenance on time is very high. Hence, it is important to maintain the plumbing and electrical connections of your home.

3. Tiling and Flooring - Changing tiles is a costly and time consuming affair. Hence, you should maintain the flooring of your home. The different types of tiles used in the entire house like the bathroom, terrace, and other rooms should be checked on a regular basis. If there are any cracks or stains, they should be repaired immediately. Use of thick carpets and foot rugs will keep the floor from being scratched. All furniture should be fit with protective plastic ends to keep them from inadvertently scratching the floor. The cleaning agents used for the floors should be chosen according to the type of tiles used. The cleaning products should not be too harsh.

4. Polishing - The easiest way to maintain the aesthetics of your home is to polish the furniture and fittings. Different types of polish are available in the market. Wooden furniture should be polished and a coat of varnish can be applied as well. Metal fittings in bathrooms and kitchens require special cleaning agents. This polishing should take place on a regular basis.

5. Termites and Insects - Homes with wooden furniture and items are prone to termites. Preventive maintenance should be conducted regularly to keep termites and other insects out of your home. This promotes a hygienic environment within the house and increases the life of your furniture.

These simple steps should be followed to maintain the value of your home. A home should be welcoming, safe, and hygienic. All of these factors allow a homeowner to evaluate the property, thus determining the value of the house.

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Top 10 In-house Amenities Home Buyers are looking for

Buying a house with all the amenities, you require is a dream come true. It might seem daunting at first, but it is possible to find something with all the amenities you MUST have. At the onset of looking for a home, it is important to create a priority list, which contains all the amenities you require no matter how small. By writing them down, you will be able to easily decide between what you absolutely need and the things you could do without.

Exercise: List out Priorities

This exercise will help you in evaluating all the things that matter to you. If you’re looking for a home only for yourself, you must consider all the details that make your life comfortable. List out all your requirements and prioritize. Do this over the span of a few days or weeks. This will give you clarity and confidence in your decision.

If a couple is looking for a home together, compromise may have to be made in terms of priorities. As an exercise, both can list their needs separately. On completion, they can crosscheck their lists. All common amenities mentioned that feature in the Top 10 of both lists should be taken into account.

Top 10 In-house Amenities Home Buyers are looking for Here is a list of must-have amenities in your new house:

1. Walk-in Closet

2. High floor to ceiling homes

3. Features providing privacy

4. Video door phone

5. High quality bathroom fittings (including a tub/ Jacuzzi)

6. Concealed plumbing and electrical lines

7. Gas leak detector

8. Access control systems

9. Safety features in balconies and terraces

10. Provisions for greenery in the house

Generally, all these amenities are demanded by most home buyers. People are becoming more conscious of the fact that a home must contain as a single unit, everything you would need for the safety and comfort of your family. There’s no need to compromise on these factors, there’s 45 Nirvana Hills.

45 Nirvana Hills - Get All You Ever Wanted... And More…

45 Nirvana Hills is a residential project situated on Karve Road in Erandwane, Pune. Developed by KUL, 45 Nirvana Hills is the tallest residential project in Pune. As with all KUL projects, it boasts of the most luxurious amenities that will have you breathing easy in no time. Take the stress off your day with a breath of fresh air that promises to calm not just your body but also your soul – this is what living at 45 Nirvana Hills is all about.

With equal emphasis on quality and safety, we have included features that make your home perfect for hosting elegant dinner parties as well as sugar-crazed play dates. We have designed the homes in a manner that will provide the homeowners a lot of freedom to experiment and design the home to their liking. Although we provide elegant tiling, bathroom fixtures, etc., clients are free to make any major or minor changes to the home as long as they are in the purview of the law.

For added security, all balconies feature anti-skid floors. Designer tiles in all rooms, granite counters in the kitchen, and unadulterated views of the city – 45 Nirvana comes to you. Come home to 45 Nirvana Hills.

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Breaking Down the Budget (2015-16) for the Realty Sector

The recent budget of 2015-16 announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has sparked controversy in the realty sector. Although need for smarter cities and growth of infrastructure is stressed, direct provisions to boost real estate are missing in the budget. Scrapping of the, ‘100 smart cities’ plan, in particular has been a blow to the real estate sector.

Budget 2015-16: What This Means for You - The Buyer

The budget comprises many positives and negatives. Many changes and additions are expected in the coming year. However, the following drawbacks and benefits can be accrued from the budget:

Budget 2015-16: The Downside

• The increase of service tax from 12% to 14% will reduce the purchasing power of the middle class home buyer, greatly affecting the sector.

• Several long-standing demands of the real estate sector have not been dealt with. The budget has yet again failed to initiate the removal of DDT and MAT in SEZs. It has also not paid any heed to the reinstating of the low cost housing Section 80-IB.

Budget 2015-16: The Upside

• An important point announced during the Budget was the ‘Housing for All by 2022’ mission. The goal set is to create 6 crore housing units across the country. This mission is sure to help the real estate sector grow.

• Wealth tax has been restricted to the super rich. A surcharge of 2% will be levied on those with an annual income of Rs. 1 crore and higher. Without tax levied on property ownership each year, people will now start considering long term investments in homes. A surge in purchase of low to mid-level homes is expected.

• In the near future, listing of the Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) will be mandatory while the capital gains taxes will be abolished. Implementation of both will take place in the year 2015-16.

With impetus to the REIT market, one can hope for greater liquidity of cash, which will lead to growth of infrastructure in urban cities.

• Corporate tax has also been lowered by 5%, which should help increase FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) as well as local investment. With the current Budget, overall growth of real estate along with many other sectors is expected. Many indirect provisions have been incorporated, which should help in the advancement of the sector. However, lack of provisions directly related to the real estate sector will impede its growth. As a whole, the real estate sector is in anticipation of some positive strides to be taken as the year progresses. Hopefully, some changes will occur that will motivate buyers and boost real estate sales.

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Xander Group and Kumar Builders join hands to develop Slum Rehabilitation Project in Pune

Xander Group has been helping shape the horizon of India. Kumar Builders has been shaping the horizon of India. So, what happens when the two meet? We call it innovation – there’s a lot of give and take of ideas and the result is something spectacular. With the spectacular in mind, Xander has invested Rs. 280 cr. in a new KUL residential project set to enthrall the Indian audience. With over 22 years of experience in the real estate sector, Kumar Builders has proved its expertise. Their unique approach to building homes and properties has garnered them a loyal following.

About the Project

Xander with its eye for narrowing down on the right company and project has chosen KUL as its realty partner. The new residential project is to be constructed in the prime area of Karve Road. With 1 million sq. ft. of saleable space, this project is being developed with the aim to provide value-added living for those looking for an all-round developed property on Karve Road. This strategically placed property is aimed at providing a brilliant option for those looking for residential projects in Pune.

Slum Rehabilitation Project at KUL

With over 100 million slum dwellers in the country, the Government has taken steps to ensure that slums are eradicated and their residents given hygienic places to live in. Slum rehabilitation projects aim at helping the poor and needy. Kumar Builders has been vigorously involved in helping out the less fortunate, and employing several other means of helping our community. With the heavy investment from Xander Groups, Kumar not only promises to build the said project on Karve Road but also provide meaningful employment and homes for slum dwellers.

KUL has time and again proved its dedication to the society, and this time is no different. KUL will be designing flats for slum dwellers who are part of the slum rehabilitation project in an aim to better their living standards. This move will ensure safer, more hygienic living conditions for the needy. Through all the development projects underway with KUL, they also plan to alleviate the living standards of the slum dwellers by providing them with jobs.

Real estate is growing at an exponential rate in the city as well as the country. With over 6.2 million sq. ft. in various stages of development in Pune and Mumbai, KUL plans to provide the residents with an experience like no other. With partners like Xander Group, KUL is widening the horizons not just of the city but also of its people.

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Understanding the Components of the Maintenance Bill

When buying or renting a home, you should be aware of the components of the maintenance bill. Understanding the charges and services provided in the bill will help you in utilizing the amenities to the fullest. The number of amenities in the society and the size of your flat will have a direct impact on the maintenance charges. For example, the maintenance bill for a 2 BHK flat in Pune will be lower than the maintenance charges of a 3 BHK flat in the same housing complex.

Components of a Maintenance Bill A maintenance bill constitutes the following:

• Property Tax - This tax is levied by the civic administration. The property tax varies according to:

o The valuation of the property
o The carpet area of the house

• Water Charges - This charge is also levied by the local administration depending on the consumption of water by the entire society. These charges may be equally divided, or each apartment could install a meter to calculate the water usage.

• Service Charges - These charges include the fees spent on gardeners, security guards, cleaners, auditors, etc. It also includes the cost of lighting up common areas, charges of CCTV cameras, etc.

• Parking Charges - Parking spaces may be charged as a one-time fee or a recurring fee. This varies from society to society.

• Sinking Fund - A particular amount of money is collected each year from every homeowner. This money is used to paint, refurbish, repair, and maintain the building and the various amenities.



Understanding the bifurcation of the maintenance bill will help you understand your rights and duties as a member of the housing society. It will also keep anyone from taking undue advantage of you. You should also be aware that a society cannot levy additional charges that those specified in the society’s documents. The same should be provided to you on purchase of your home/ completion of the project. If you think you are being overcharged, you can consult the relevant legal documents, or consult the housing committee. If these options don’t help you reach an amicable situation, you can even move the court. Thus, you must read all legal documents and your maintenance bill to correctly ascertain the costs attributed to the different amenities and services.

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Understanding the Facets of the Housing Committee of Housing Societies

With new residential projects in Mumbai mushrooming in every area, it is essential for every member of a housing society to understand the working of a housing committee. The seamless functioning of a housing committee ensures the smooth running of a society and its various aspects.

What is a Housing Committee?

A housing committee consists of seven or more current members of a housing society. They are elected by the members and associate members of that society. The elected members are required to apply to the Registrar of Societies, or a corresponding official body under whom lies the jurisdiction of the society.

Positions & Roles in a Housing Committee

A housing committee, like any other committee, comprises members, a chairperson, and various other individuals and bodies:

• Members - Every person who owns a flat/ apartment in the society is a member of the housing committee. They are all required to vote during the election of the General Body and Managing Committee. Only members of a society are allowed to stand for elections conducted once every year.

• Associate Members - People who are living in the apartment with the help of an agreement and pay maintenance bills can be part of the housing committee. In order to vote during elections, they will require written consent by the apartment owner.

• General Body - The General Body or GB forms an important part of the Housing Committee. It is responsible to make and amend laws, and ensure that all members follow the rules.

• Management Committee - The Management Committee consists of elected members from the General Body. This committee protects the rights and interests of the society and all members. They represent the Housing Society in all legal, Government, and other matters.

It consists of twelve members including:

• President

• Vice President

• Secretary

• Treasurer

A Housing Committee is created to ensure the needs of majority of members are met. This should also be in line with the rules of the Housing Society and the laws passed in that city or area. Hence, a committee is extremely important, as is the understanding of it's functioning.

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Should You Buy or Rent an Apartment?

When looking at residential properties in Pune, Mumbai, or any other city In India, it is important to decide whether you want to buy or rent out the property. Although most people would be more intent on buying a property, it might not always make financial sense. When purchasing a home, there are a lot of hidden costs that should be factored in before making a decision about buying a flat.

Comparing, Buying, and Renting of Apartments on Four Fronts -

A few factors should be considered when making the big financial decision of buying or renting an apartment. For the sake of fairness, consider the following points of comparison for the same property when it is rented or bought. This will help you make a true comparison and a smarter financial decision.

1. Initial Costs: When dealing with property matters, some costs will have to be incurred at the initial stage. These costs will vary depending on whether you’re renting or buying the place.

Buying: This includes the down payment, stamp duty, legal agreements, and other fees. This can be discussed in detail with your lawyer, property law expert, or builder. You can also refer to an earlier post on our blog that can help you calculate your initial costs when buying a residential property.

Renting: This includes all the initial fees you will have to pay including brokerage fee (if using a broker’s services), security deposit, renters’ agreement fees, and 1-2 months’ rent depending on the agreement. Some homeowners might also expect you to paint and furnish the home. Refurbishment and furnishing costs, if any should be factored into the initial cost.

2. Recurring Costs: These costs will be borne by you for the time you rent or have bought the home. Let’s consider that if your electricity and water consumption will be the same in both the homes, they will cancel one another out. Following the same line of thought, other contingency charges can also be rules out of this equation.

Buying: This calculation will change depending on whether you’re buying it live there or for renting purposes. First and foremost, you will have to pay the EMI if any, and the maintenance charges of the cooperative society you belong to. You will also have to factor in home maintenance costs.

Renting: Your recurring costs will include rent and other maintenance costs, if any. Homeowners might also expect you to foot the bill for painting the home at the end of a year, or for any unexpected expenditures like plumbing or electricity problems.

3. Taxes: Different taxes are levied on homeowners and renters. Make sure you discuss the legal aspects of buying and renting a home with a lawyer.

Buying: The money spent on the down payment and EMI will be deducted from your salary, thus reducing your overall tax. Please note that there is a limit on the number of properties one can own to avail this deduction. However, when you rent your apartment, the rent will be taxable.

Renting: Every salaried individual receives a certain sum as HRA (House Rent Allowance). This money will be deducted from your salary on presenting the rent receipts.

4. Duration of Stay: You should also consider the time period of the stay.

Buying & Renting: If you’re planning to move in the near future, it would be better to rent a flat. You can opt for this if your disposable income is very high and you’re looking at a long term investment option.

Both decisions can prove to be sound depending on your particular case. You will need to weigh out the factors before making a decision. It is important to remember that buying a home comes with its usual risks. But the gains could be higher as well. Therefore, careful consideration of the property’s valuation will help you in estimating the growth of the property. You can read about the different parameters that affect the valuation of a property here.

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Four Tips When Leasing Out Your Apartment

Renting out your apartment can be tough, both emotionally and mentally. On the one hand, it is difficult to part with a property you have an emotional connection with. On the other, it is difficult to trust someone living in your apartment. Once you move on beyond these factors, there’s also the problem of finding the right renter, who is willing to pay the price you demand. For example renting out a 3 BHK flat in Mumbai can be easier in the suburbs as compared to the South Mumbai, where prices are comparatively higher.

Four Tips When Leasing Your Apartment -

1. Make Your Home Presentable - When looking to rent out an apartment, it is important to make your home look aesthetically pleasing. This is an important step to woo the customer irrespective of whether you’re selling an unfurnished, semi-furnished, or fully furnished flat. This does not include making the home incredibly stylish or spending a big amount on re-decoration. Basics like re-painting the home, fixing safety doors, and grills, making sure the plumbing and electrical circuits are intact, will do the trick. The home should be move-in ready.

2. Be Transparent - When speaking about the house, neighborhood, amenities, etc. it is important to be as transparent as possible. This will provide the client with the right information to help them buy the home. Being honest will help you form a strong relationship with clients. If a client is unhappy or feels cheated, he will want to break the contract or cause trouble. Either way, it is unprofitable for you. Hence, it is important to be transparent and form healthy relationships at the onset.

3. Post Ads - Marketing your home on websites for listings or with newspapers are some of the ways of getting the word out. You can use free website listing to put up details about your home and attract renters. Make sure that you upload as many pictures of your home as possible, and provide adequate information. This helps the right person find your home. If you provide adequate technical and visual information about your home, a prospective client will be able to make a better decision. In addition, the chance of miscommunication is greatly reduced. This will keep your phone from ringing off the hook with ill-informed home seekers.

4. Hire an Agent - Hiring an agent will reduce the major brunt of the job. When prospective renters want to look at the home, you will have to coordinate the visit and keep yourself free. This hassle is completely reduced by hiring an estate agent. An experienced agent will give you tips on increasing your chances of renting out your apartment and attracting the right people. He will also handle the entire process of home visits, right from coordinating, to inspection, to explaining the various features of the home.

Renting out your apartment is an important step to increasing your income. Supplementing your income with investment is important to be financially independent. It is important to follow the right legal practices as well. Make sure you hire a trustworthy attorney and get the right documents. If needed, get it crosschecked by another lawyer or someone you trust who is adept in the legal field. Make sure your interests are covered before signing any legal documents.

These tips should help you market your apartment in a better fashion, find the right renters, and make a strong investment decision.

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Turn Your Home ‘Green’ in 3 Simple Steps

An environmentally conscious society will help provide a safer and healthier world to our children. The initiative of saving the planet comes from ‘you’. Several new residential projects in Mumbai offer a green solution to buyers. If you don’t reside in one such home, here are three simple ways to be more environmentally friendly.

1. Electricity - Fact: Only 20% of the energy produced by traditional light bulbs is light. The remaining 80% is heat. This statistic is enough to get you running to your switchboard. The heat produced by these light bulbs also increases the usage of fans and air conditioners. You can switch to the newer technologies of LED bulbs, which are energy efficient, long-lasting, and economical. They can help reduce up to 65% of the electricity used. With the integration of LED bulbs, you can also expect a drop in the usage of cooling devices.

2. Paint - The quality of the paint used in a home has a drastic effect on the health of the inhabitants. These paints contain harmful compounds that are release into the air over time. Low-grade paints increase the toxicity of your internal environment. This causes several diseases and onset of allergic reactions. Look for water-based paints, or those that do not contain any volatile organic compounds. Higher quality paint lasts much longer, and does not require as many coats. In the long run, high quality paint will bring you higher returns on your investment.

3. Water - Water conservation is of prime importance. We are all aware that we should turn off all water sources when not in use or in between uses. For example, when shaving or brushing your teeth, you must shut the tap off. The next step to conserving water is to install a low-flow toilet. This toilet uses lesser amount of water in every flush while providing good results. Up to 15 liters of water per flush cycle will be saved in installing this toilet. You can also use a faucet aerator to reduce water consumption. These devices are externally fit onto a tap to provide a mixture of water and air. This provides a strong stream of water while using lesser amount of water, does not splash, and is gentle. An estimated reduction of 50% water consumption is expected with the help of faucet aerators.

You can even consider using organic fibers for your curtains and other materials used in the house. Insulating your windows will assist in keeping the internal environment of your home at an optimum temperature. You can even consider installing solar panels to heat your water. There are many more methods of making your home more environmentally friendly. The steps mentioned above will provide long-term monetary benefits. They will also safeguard the health of your family.

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Do's and Dont's of Residential Property Purchase in Mumbai

When purchasing a residential property in Mumbai, some important points need to be kept in mind. These tips will help you with making the right decision in making a purchase, where so many factors could be responsible for the increase or decrease of property rates.

What to Do When Purchasing Residential Property in Mumbai

• Make a priority list for all the features you need in a home. Buy what you want not what is being sold.

• Get a thorough understanding of the total cost of buying a home. This includes booking amount, stamp paper, etc.

• Look at properties and locations, which offer long-term value.

• Take time to understand the layout and floor plan of the homes. Pick a house that suits the needs of your entire family.

• Make sure you have ample parking. If the builder provides only one or two parking spots, make sure there is ample space to purchase one or two more, depending on your requirements.

• Take a tour of the property before making any commitments.

• Consider making a purchase with an established residential property builder. A well-reputed builder will take care of most issues that a potential buyer could face. You can use the builder’s experience and credibility to your advantage.

What Not To Do When Purchasing Residential Property in Mumbai

• Don’t make a hasty decision. Take your time. Your agent or sales executive will keep a flat on hold for you, if you need some time to decide. On the other hand, don’t take too much time to decide. Good properties sell quickly.

• Don’t look for a home close by when investing in apartments to rent out. Look for growing areas with colleges and companies (factories, IT hub, etc.) around. This way, you will invest in a growing neighborhood. The people looking to settle around these areas will also serve as renters for your home.

• If you will purchase a home with a loan, do not make any purchase decision until you speak with your bank about the loan approval. Over committing is not a good idea. It will stress you out, and you might end up losing money if the builder asks for a booking advance.

• Don’t be rigid. Flexibility in terms of location, floor plan, decoration, etc. is essential when making such an important purchase. To get maximum returns from a home, whether you plan to live there or sell it, the above factors should be considered. Although investing in real estate is mostly a sound investment, a lot depends on the location and the property.

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