Tips on How to Find Pet Friendly Rental Homes in India

Written by: Sumita Roy

Pet owning in any country has always been a matter of debate. There are many people who want to or already own pets, but cannot find properties on lease which allow them to have their pets live with them. 

It is mainly the danger of property damage that instigates this kind of distrust and disinclination, on the part of the home owner. 

If you are one of those tenants who want a pet friendly and secure neighborhood for yourself and your pet, you will have to strike a compromise.  And you should be prepared to look for more properties to rent than in general.

How should you go about renting a property?

These are the steps that suggest you how you should go about renting a home with an intention to keeping pets in them. 

Go ahead and ask

There are many tenants who do not disclose the fact of owning/ would own a pet. 

The problem with such a setup is the landlord gets upset when he finds out. He may even evict the tenant- if he is utterly discontent. 

A less problematic way is to mention the fact in the very first stage of searching for a property. 

You will be able to comprehend the extent of your landlord’s aversion towards pets. If he is strongly averted towards them, then do not go ahead with the deal. But if he is lenient enough and you find a little bit compromise will settle the deal then go ahead with it.

Offer more than asked

The best and easiest way is offering more rent than asked. 

When a person gets a bit more than he asked for, and does not mind a pet living in his property, he will surely be gladder to accept his tenants. 

A greater return on investment is always appreciated and shown in more than one way- which will be beneficial you and your furry flat mate.

And it is a small price to pay considering the benefits you will receive. it is a win-win situation for both you and your landlord. 

Pet references

A pet reference is a way to ensure your landlord about the least possibility of your pet creating a mess- running around without your information, messing up other tenant's things etc. 

You should provide him with important and necessary facts like the medical checkup your pet undergoes regularly, his age, temperament, training, vaccinations etc. 

This will issue more confidence on you and your partner. You can also make your present landlord speak with your previous one, who can assure your landlord of you and your pet’s performance.

Keep an updated record

With an updated medical record of your pet you can convince the landlord that it will create least problems. 

For that you need to retain all the certificates of vaccination, vet receipts and paperwork related to the treatment of your mate. 

Sharing this with the property manager/ landlord will give them a peace of mind about your pets health. 

It will also provide an additional advantage on your side. It will portray you as a caring pet owner and a responsible tenant.

Pet’s accommodation

Living with your pet does not constrict itself to you and your landlord’s convenience. It also extends to the convenience of your pet as well. 

Think about it, if you are living in a studio apartment and you have a Saint Bernard to accommodate, then will this limited space suffice? Of course not. 

Even a house with no adjoining parks or lawns would not be good for them.  Therefore, though you would like to live within the city, a better place for them would be near the country- with less traffic, less pollution, less noise and more space to run around.

Offering trial period

For property manager and landlord who are very skeptic about a pet’s presence- you can offer them a trial period. 

Ask them to try you and your pet out as tenants for a specific time period- like a year. If they think it is too much for them, then they will not have to renew the rental agreement at the end of the mentioned period. 

But give it a shot only when you are sure about the property. 

If it is good enough for both your lifestyle and accommodating for your furry friend then only talk about such a compromise, otherwise don’t.

Get written agreements

Whatever kind of compromise you reach, you should have everything written down in an agreement duly signed by yourself, your landlord and a witness. 

If you are paying extra, or will be under trial period for a while etc. everything should be there in writing. 

Another thing you can do is create a pet agreement and sign it. In it you will put down your responsibilities, and all terms and conditions of your stay with them. It should also mention the damage repairs, in case your pet create them. 

Clean living

Pets are trained to keep their nature’s call on check and go to the washroom when necessary. 

Training your pets is important to live a peaceful, civic and clean life in society. They are your companions and you know them perfectly. but they should also be friendly or at least non-violent with outsiders. 

If they are, then you need to leash them whenever you have company. 

An effective management can only ensure a good companionship and hassle-free living. 

Cleaning your carpets and keeping your house stench and germs free is something you will have to do. It is essential to a healthy lifestyle for personal living and communal harmony.

Choosing your pets

Suppose you already are a tenant in a particular property, and now you want to keep a pet. Just look around and analyze the area and the pet you can fit in the space. Choosing carefully is very important. Your area will give you an idea of the pet you can afford to keep, because sometimes it is not just money that decides. It is your family’s health, convenience and the pet’s way of living. Perhaps a pair of Lovebirds or Small Conures would be better than a German Shepherd.

Choosing is all the more essential for people living in the city and cannot afford to stay in the outskirts. City living usually inculcates limited spacious living which means your choice of pets gets categorized to smaller ones. For those I have chosen a selected kind of pets that you can easily keep in your downsized accommodation.

Dogs

The most favorite and popular of all pets is dog. Due to their friendliness, honesty and most of all- loyalty, they are the most preferred pets. 

Smaller sized pet would mean comfortable living for both you and your pets. 

Breeds like Maltese, Boston terrier, Pugs, Pomeranian, Chihuahua, Miniature Schnauzer, Shih Tzu, Miniature poodles, Papillion and Pekingese are some of the options you have, if you are living in a studio or 1 BHK apartment. 

It is not that you cannot have a Great Dane- if you wish to. But it will be problematic for both you and your pet to adjust in a small space.

Cats

All kinds of kittens and cats work wonders in small space. Just make sure they have climbing spaces, toys, scratching posts, and hiding and sleeping posts. 

Purchasing two or three cats at a time can be also a very good idea. They can use each others company and live peacefully, even when you are not at home. 

Cats love to keep themselves clean. This is an additional advantage of having them as pets. through you need to clean them often, but not as frequently as with the others. 

Guinea pigs and rabbits

Guinea pigs and rabbits are a good choice for small spaces. 

They are also highly social but need to have regular access to the outdoors- especially grassed areas, lawns etc. 

Guinea pigs are best kept in pairs. But be careful so as not to mix genders. You might end up having unwanted babies within the household. Same sexed companionship would be better for you and them. 

Fishes

They are the most perfect partners for small spaces. They do not need training. 

They are beautiful as they are. A school consisting of 5 to 10 in a small bowl will present an exquisite picture for your house. 

But they are delicate in nature therefore, you need to have proper filtration, aeration, water quality and temperature control to make their living easy.

Living in with a pet is always cozy. When you are living alone, they form a constant companion. But maintaining them and finding a perfect property to live in is essential for both of you. I think by following the above mentioned ways you can get hold of a good property on lease and have a good live with it with minimal chance of trouble from the landlord/ property manager. 

Most Commonly Used Sales Pitches by Developers to Lure New Home Buyers

Written By: Sumita Roy

Most of us know that home sellers/ builders offer a number of plans and schemes to attract home buyers, especially now when the prices of properties have peaked. And it is not that all their promises are pretentious and misleading. There are many people who can confirm that they have indeed benefited from these schemes. 

But how do you know that you can get a good deal from one beforehand, or should you take it as a matter of luck? Well, luck indeed has to do a lot with it. But that does not mean that you do not get to say or do anything about it.

With rise in trend that young people are trying to purchase property early in their life, getting to know the pros and cons of any scheme has become a must in today’s world. In fact their knowledge and understanding of the people can be estimated by the market statistics in Diwali. In spite of numerous scheme launches, discounts and freebies, home buyers were not very keen on purchasing properties due to their already escalated price this festive season.

However, for those who are not aware of the pitches developers quote to engage more and more buyers, here is a list of most commonly used ones.

Price of this property will go even higher than this

One of the first things that a home seller is going to tell you is that property prices are not likely to come down, ever. To be more precise, STOP thinking about the price, go ahead and buy the property. 

However, it is always better to seek advice before making a final decision. Ask the elders and people who have bought property earlier. 

You can also go through the research based articles where property trends are highlighted. Real estate sector, like any other asset classes, have its crests and troughs. The only difference between the two is that these are not as volatile as the stock markets or gold investment, but this is indeed susceptible to slow down and downward trend. In fact in the last two years some of the markets, especially in certain metro cities, have remained stagnant and even have evidenced price dip.

Do not fall in the trap of high rental projections

Most experienced investors have learnt it the hard way, but they have learnt a good lesson, though at a loss of a good amount of money. 

But if you are a new investor, and are willing to purchase a property to rent it out, then you are most likely to come across brokers who will pitch this to you- an assurance of high rental.

With a down trend looming large on the Indian real estate arena, purchasing high rental fetching property requires a lot of insight.

The best way is to consult many brokers and also take assistance from an investor in the same area. It is not likely that people will readily help you out with everything, however, you need to keep trying to extract as much knowledge as possible from them. You can also wait till the market bottoms up.

Correction of price, not in this area

In the recent news we have come across reports that speak of correction of prices. 

But if you mention the same to a broker or any property seller he may ward off the issue saying that this particular area has not evidenced any such correction.

The main reason for such a reply is that though the property in the same area is undergoing correction, but that does not mean that the seller has brought down the price. He can very well quote a higher price to extract as much from the deal as possible. Do not give an answer directly. 

If you know the percentage of correction, calculate the same on your leisure time, quote the price and strike a bargain. You can at least be sure that you have not over paid for the property or have been cheated.

This is the best priced project in the city

Many a time you come across advertisements on newspapers’ first page saying that a project is offering 2 BHK apartments at 25 percent lesser amount than the going price. Don’t you feel like going for the same? 

It would be intelligent to go through the sizes offered, if quoted on the papers. If you get hold of an e-brochure with sizes mentioned in it, you will find that the area of this 2 BHK is far lesser than the general 2 BHK units.

In a report by Jones Lang LaSalle, a property consultant, it mentioned that the average size of apartments is decreasing in metro cities. For example in Mumbai, in the last five years average area of units has shrunk by 31 percent.

Therefore, before going for a property, estimate the area your family needs to live comfortably.

Penalty for delay in delivery

The most problematic of all problems is the delay in construction. It is most unpleasant because it is occurring in almost every under-construction/ pre launch project, and as close to 98 percent of the home buyers are facing the issue.

This is a commonly used strategy to delude buyers in investing in property. By looking at penalty clauses, a buyer feels himself to have a superior hand over the builder in terms of project construction. And indeed, some builders do compensate for delay in delivery, but it is not something you can fully trust.

First, the amount offered as compensation will not be as much as the EMI you are paying. This is for the simple reason that the EMI you are paying is on the total cost of the property and the compensation offered is just on the base price. It will not include ECD, IDC, parking, club membership etc. charges.  And this is for builders who do take pains in offering compensation.

Many builders slip in clauses which prevents them from any claims of property compensation. It is imperative that you go through the agreement and its clauses thoroughly. You should not take their commitment on face value. A compensation of the same should be written down, duly signed by the buyer and the seller.

Property rates revision is soon to occur

Another common trick used by builders to gull buyers into fast purchase of property. It is true that certain areas have undergone revision of rates (like Delhi). However, that does not mean every city will undergo the same process. 

But people with partial knowledge tend to believe when the developers pitch warnings that this is the last time you will get to purchase on the older property rate. From next time the property rates will get revised and you will have to buy at a higher rate.

One thing you need to believe that in today’s market developers are more desperate than the buyers. Overheated markets, rising interest rates and diminishing stock prices have made them vulnerable. Therefore do not hurry on any decision which requires time. And if whatever they say, cross check it in the newspapers or in the internet. 

We offer you your dream homes

‘What you see is what you get’ concept is a charming truce to entice buyer. Builders engage good interior decorators to make a unit ready for display for the clients. They visit the sample flat like it for its internal arrangement which they will not get at the time of delivery.

These sample flats are arranged in such a good way that you start liking the idea of purchasing a unit in the same project more and more, forgetting the truth that you will not get it at the time of delivery. Also sometimes the flats presented on display are more spacious than the one you will have if you purchase one.

Therefore, if the builder asks you to visit a sample flat- first, don’t be overwhelmed with the interior designing; and second, take a measuring tape with you to exactly comprehend the things that your property can fit in, if you purchase it. Also thoroughly check out the walls, doors, fixtures and shelves- are they of good quality and will be able to suit your requirements or not.

Freebies ‘absolutely free’ with property

Purchase a property and get a car with it absolutely ‘Free, Free, Free’. This is the new mantra by chanted by developers in order to bring buyers to the market. 

However, a word of warning: The builder is not offering anything for free. The price of the gift will unalterably be added on with the price of the property.

If you practice a little understanding and intelligence, you will get hold of the current rate of the property in the region. You can also ask in the neighboring colonies about the extra charges- maintenance, EDC, IDC, etc. You are sure to find them lesser than the property rate that is being charged from you. This extra goes into the freebie account.

The logic goes as follows: whether it is freebies, any kind of discounts, or attractive offers, the builder will compensate the deducted amount in one way or the other. They introduce these offers in order to attract buyers in this cash starved market. Sometimes, you will also find that some of these projects are not even approved by authorities.

We have tie ups with banks who will offer loan without any hassle

Tying up with banks is a commonly occurring phenomenon. Yes, builders do have tie ups with bank, but that does not mean you will be offered the best kind of loans through the same. 

It simply means that this particular bank is more likely to approve loan for this project than the others. And neither is it a way to endorse home buying. However, builders use it to get to the common people, who are, otherwise, fretting about their home loans getting approved.

A best rate is something every customer has to negotiate on his own, depending on his capability. Relying on a site person, who may not be even directly connected to the bank, is not the best way to get it done. Also you might be said that the interest rates are about to come down soon- therefore it is the right time to invest property. However, the main decision depends on you.

You can either believe these goons (who may, or may not be right) or can take the pain and go through the financial news of the country. After all, it is your hard-earned money and your dream that will be bought through it. A wise purchase is always suggested, although it may take some time. 

Things to Do While Moving In a New House

Written By: Sumita Roy

Moving to a new house is like a starting life afresh, beginning from where you started at first. Organizing the new space seems like a backbreaking job. Therefore, here I have come up with a few ways in which you can start off with the job. Following these you can make your home more welcoming and pleasing for everyone, including yourself.

First, when you are about to move, make it a point that you leave your kids at their cousins’ place so that they do not make your job harder or face any difficult situation. Second, before moving make sure you have neatly listed your belongings so that nothing remains amiss. With these two in mind let us take a look at the things you need to do in your new home.

Bug proof the interiors

If you can have access to the keys of the house a few days earlier you’re moving in, make it a point to spray disinfectant within every room. The bug bomb will exterminate all kinds of bug problems and make it a safer place for your children and pets. 

Even if you do not come across any pest like intrusion on your visits, they are most likely hidden from your naked eyes. And taking a precaution always pays off. Therefore, spraying them a day or two before your arrival will make your home completely livable on the day you arrive.

Deep cleaning

This can be entirely done by you or you can take the help of a hired help. One of the advantages when you are just moving in is that you have access to all the nooks and corners of your house.

You can reach every, otherwise hidden, corners within the house and cleanse it. Deep scrubbing and cleaning of floor tiles, windows, sanitary wares, baseboards etc. with no beds to move, or curtains to pull down is far more easier than when you have everything set in place. You can go about with unhindered and thorough cleaning process equipped with a vacuum cleaner and a wash towel.

The refrigerator, dish washer, washing machine, rice cooker and other appliances can also be thoroughly cleaned and dried. If possible hire a cleaning help who will help you with this job. He can help you unload and shift things in their proper places as well.

Local market study

No person can go without food for long. Therefore, you need to sort out the minimal fooding required on your first day. Check the local market, sort out the type of food you will be needing and purchase it. 

Also do not forget energy bars/ drinks, you’ll require them. Cold beverages and snacks will be the only thing that will keep you going until your kitchen is fixed. Cupcakes can also serve as good supplement for food. Also buy some toilet papers, newspapers, paper towels along.

Inspect your belongings

Make sure your belongings are duly listed when you are packing your stuff. You need to cross check the list when you are unloading your stuff. After unloading you can plan as to what is going to be set where- a room by room planning.

This planning will be a long term thing as a result you need to sort out all other rooms very carefully. A floor plan of your apartment will help you with this planning.

Also check your belongings thoroughly, especially those cartons where you have placed the most delicate things like cutlery set, glass menageries, art collection, photo frames etc.

You can also check the article on: Tips on Packing and Moving

Find essentials and organize

While unpacking, do not open all the packages at once. Do one room at a time. For example, set the kitchen as soon as all the cleaning is done. Next go for the bedrooms. Eating and sleeping are the two things you simply can’t do without. Therefore, setting up these two spaces is most essential. 

Doing one room at a time also gives you the scope to do things in an organized fashion instead of tossing things in a cluttered way. Unpack just a few clothes that you will need in the scope of next few days. 

Also keep your coffeemaker/ teapot and a few cups and tumblers close at hand. If you have a pet give him packed food, pedigree etc. for these initial days, because preparing extra will not be an easy thing to do.

Installation of window treatments

One of the primary job you should consider before nightfall is installing window treatments. You would not like to display you personal activities to every passerby so it is a good idea to install curtains and blinds before sunset.

In this way you can go about with your work without much hindrance or worry about public display. Also to make a better installation later you can always attach bed sheets to the windows primarily- that is when you enter. You can take your own precious time to sort things out when you have time to do so.

Fix beds

Bedding is as important as fooding or drinking. Set up as many beds you need but do not completely unpack them. Moving an unpacked thing is far more difficult than when it is packed.

If you have friends helping over then make room for them to sit and relax as well. But it is a good thing if they are not staying over, you will not have to unpack a lot. 

If you have children at your place, make sure that you place one bed in the kids room and declutter that room to make their first night in the new home  good and relaxing experience.

Meet the neighbors

This is something you can do once you are done with settling in your new home. You can ask your kids to take their play outside or take a stroll along the pavements with you. 

You can stop by and chat with people staying nearby. Complimenting them on their maintenance, commenting on the pets, sharing a cup of coffee will make you feel more at home. 

This will make you form a bond with the people living near you and familiarize with the neighborhood.

Enjoy the family meal

Make your first meal in the new home special. After a long day’s work, sharing even the simplest of homemade meals can be priceless. 

If you are not finished with the kitchen at the end of the day then take a drive to the nearest market to order a few dishes and eat in your home. 

However, this cannot be continued for more than two meals because: first, eating out might not always be healthy option; and second, for leftovers you will need the fridge. So the faster you set the kitchen, the better.

Time for bed

Do not overdo the work. Your body needs rest. The first day of moving can be very stressful and tiring, so it is better that you do not tire yourself any more than necessary.

Make sure that for setting up, you do one room at a time and complete the day’s work latest by 8 o’clock. 

Staying up can make you more exhausted and drained out rather than the opposite. And only unpack the essentials like toiletries, a few dresses to start with. 

Get into extensive decoration later. Setting the library or the centerpiece can wait, but for everything you need to have a fresh mind, which you can only have with a good health.

This is how you can gradually start living in your new home. Of course, the first few days of setting up the entire space is not going to be easy. But have the ability to think simply. A clear thinking will save you a lot of time and trouble, and make your more at ease with your new surroundings.  

Sobha Halcyon, Bangalore- A Penchant of Exquisite Lifestyle

Written By: Sumita Roy

Sobha Limited initiated its real estate operations in India in the year 1994. This group has a successful history of constructing monarchial villas and mansions in the Middle East prior to launching its national operations. In the last 20 years they have changed the face of many prominent real estate markets by endowing them with, what’s called in the present day as, ‘the masterpieces of modern architecture’.

This group is one of the executors who practice what they preach and deliver what they promise. Today this Rs. 2.3 billion company has added woodworking, metal works and glazing works to its already successful portfolio.

At the end of two decades of successful and vibrant history, it has become a shining example of ambidexterity in the field of creativity. It has attained the prowess in building research centers, club houses, convention centers, corporate offices, software development blocks, hostel facilities, multiplex theatres, food courts, guest houses, and restaurants under the commercial sector; and villas, presidential apartments, row houses, luxury apartments, and plots with top notch amenities in the residential arena.

Presently Sobha Limited’s portfolio stands testimony to completion of 94 complete and 252 contractual projects. These occupy an area of 6.06 million square feet. Its organized working, intelligent planning, out of the box thinking and adherence to utmost safety has rendered peerless precision in their developments.

Sobha Limited, with such ubiquitous experience in the realty arena, has thought of launching another extraordinary creation in Bangalore. Aptly assuming the residential demand in the Whitefield region, it is about to introduce Sobha Halcyon.

This ground breaking development is set in the most posh locality of Bangalore and will offer incredible homes within picturesquely designed landscape and architecturally magnificent towers. The apartments housed in Sobha Halcyon are all 3 BHK types which range in area from 1500 square feet to 1800 square feet.

Each units is endowed with spectacular features like vitrified tile flooring, modular kitchen, fire resistant electrical wiring and branded switches, classy washrooms with premium fittings and spacious and airy balconies with MS railings and anti-skid flooring.

The towers are all 2B+G+21 levels structure which will be completely exploiting the advantages of high living and quietude. The prodigious development will be sprawling over 3 acres landscape and will be offering a total of 175 chic and comfortable homes.

Placed within Whitefield, Bangalore, Sobha Halcyon will be enjoying a great connectivity grid. Neighboring the Sobha Amethyst and Sobha Adamus, it will be well linked to major roads like National Highway 207, National Highway 4 and State Highway 35. It will also be within few meters from city streets like Kannamangala Main Road, Channasandra Main Road, and Seegehalli Kannamangala Road. 

Homestead India About to Launch ‘The City of Homestead’ in Greater Gurgaon

Written By: Sumita Roy

Homestead India is a real estate developer which is revered as an A-class builder group in India. It is the Indian arm of the international real estate brand that goes by the same name (Homestead Infrastructure Development). Their pioneering residential and commercial projects have time and again pleased its clientele and awed the onlookers at their sheer taste, innovativeness and prowess to create masters of masterpieces.

Their next venture is a 140 acre (approx.) township which they will be developing in Greater Gurgaon. This is the first of its kind of development which will be introducing the revolutionary concept of convertible homes. Compact apartments in mid rise and high rise (G+7, G+14 and G+22) towers will be offered with the option of incorporating convertible furniture as well.

The apartments embedded in the towers are 1 BHK, 2 BHK, and 3 BHK types. The 1 BHKs spread over 400 square feet; the 2 BHKs are available in two sizes: 650 square feet and 850 square feet; and the 3 BHKs engage a steady area measurement of 1150 square feet.

The City of Homestead is also home to a number of exclusive features and amenities such as spacious lift lobbies, grand entrance areas, wide stairs, solar lighting in outdoor space, ornamental landscape areas, dedicated sports facility like coaching for cricket, squash and lawn tennis; along with ultra modern club hosting banquet facilities, badminton courts, basketball court, skating rinks, table tennis and snooker rooms, and swimming pool.

It is also facilitated with 2 tier security system provided by 500 ex- army/ military personnel with 24 hours surveillance and round the clock patrolling. With such safety measures The City of Homestead is sure to turn out to be the “Safest City” in the years to come. 

Apart from great security measures, it enjoys services like twenty four hours power back up, CCTV surveillance, all day water supply, sewage treatment plant, and rain water harvesting.

This will be the first of its kind of residential township which will be a zero carbon foot print project and will be designed as a sister city of Florida based- The City of Homestead.

Located in Sector 103, Greater Gurgaon, it is accessible through Daulatabad Main Road, Dhanwapur Road, Chauma Road, Dharampur Main Road, Najafgarh Dauralla Road and Shaheed Rao Laxmi Chand Marg. It is 2 kilometers from the upcoming KMP Expressway. 

It is also within a few minutes driving distance from Shastri Nagar Industrial Area, Strikers Club, Clarion Commercial Project, Adani Oyster Grande, Basai Dhankot Railway Station, Minni’s Global Firm etc. 

10 Ways to Stay Cool in the Heat without Air Conditioner

Written by: Sumita Roy

Beating the heat naturally is something most of us have forgotten. Well not entirely naturally, because it would be a totally ludicrous idea to go on without even a fan- that so in the Indian heat. My point is to obliterate the use of air conditioners.

It is true that most of us can in the present context afford an A.C. but here I am not talking about affordability, here I am more focused on the aspect of conserving energy and preserve nature by adhering to natural means, as much as possible.  

Therefore I have listed a few tricks in which you can effectively beat the heat without spending much on your electricity bill.

Keeping the blinds closed

This is a simple way to keep your indoors from the unnecessary heat access. Almost 30 percent of the heat in your home comes from your window. In order to reduce this steady access, you will have to draw your curtains and pull the blinds. 

Indoor temperatures vary dramatically through this simple step. Use of blinds prevents your home from becoming a mini glasshouse- more so if the windows are south or/and west facing.

Closing rooms

This is also an effective way to prevent heat inflow. During the afternoons, if you keep your west/ south facing rooms closed, then this will prevent heat access to all the internal parts of your home. 

I mean you can shift yourself and your family to the cooler rooms, and close the doors of the room which are comparatively hotter. Closing the blinds of the windows is not enough, you will have to shut the room completely. This will prevent heat inflow to the other parts of your home.

Swap your sheets

Changing bed sheets is a way to freshen up the rooms. But in a hot weather, just changing the sheets is not enough, you will have to make sure that the material used is suited to the weather conditions. An unstarched cotton, preferably light colored, sheet will be best suited to this purpose. 

Materials like flannel sheets and fleece blankets are fantastic insulation providers, but cotton for hot weather is a better choice- it stays cooler and breathes easier. Though docs recommend not using pillows, but if you need to, then buying buckwheat pillow is more preferable. These have a naturally occurring air space between them; these are good in releasing your body heat unlike the others which capture the heat between your body and their surface.

Set your ceiling fans to rotate counter clockwise

Many of us do not know about which is the ideal way a ceiling fan’s blade should move. It varies from season to season, and should be changed accordingly. During the summers the ideal rotation of the blades should be counter-clockwise. Setting them in this direction at a higher speed will help the air flow to create a chill breeze effect. This will make your interiors cooler.

Personal touch

Think about how our ancestors survived the heat.  If they could have done it, then why can’t you? Sipping iced tea, lemon drinks, cold drinks, chilled soda, fruit juices or just cold water- this is the range of beverages you can consume regularly to cool your body. This also helps you to keep your body hydrated and make up for the water your body loses through continuous sweating.

Applying wet towel or cloth in strong pulsed areas like wrists, neck, or even on your face can help you regulate your body temperature. And be smart while choosing the color, style and texture of your clothing. Like your sheets an unstarched and old cotton dress/ sundress would be better.

Turn on your exhaust fans

Most of our bathrooms and kitchen have exhaust fans. These are important appliances that ca be used to increase cross ventilation. Therefore leaving them on for at least a few hours will help to increase cross ventilation within your interiors. 

Every time you cook or take a shower, leave them on. This not only sends the heat out of your house, but helps in the inflow of fresh breeze. Having said that, you will not want the cooler breeze leaving your home, therefore make sure that the windows and doors are closed and the cracks present in walls, caulked.

Let the night cool your home

It is a common practice for every air conditioner free home to keep their windows open in the nights. During the nights, ordinarily temperature tends to drop.  To make most of this temperature drop, you can strategically place your table fans to create a breeze tunnel thereby forcing a perfect cross breeze. Just be sure to close your windows and its blinds early in the next day, before it gets too hot in the morning.

Also read: Summer decor tips for your home

Say no to incandescent lights

If you are thinking about switching your incandescent bulbs to CFL or LED lights, then now is your time. Incandescent lights waste 90 percent of their energy in the production of heat, which is already there, and completely uninvited. Therefore throwing them/ replacing them with CFL or LED lights will be better in saving heat emission and energy conservation. You electricity bill will also show the impact of this change.

Grilling outdoors

During summers grilling outside your home will help you keep your interiors cool. If you are changing your bulbs to keep the internal temperature low, then you can also consider cooking outside. There are several advantages attached to this kind of arrangement. 

First it will prevent the rise in temperature which is a side effect of cooking indoors; also, while being outside; you can switch off the interior lights and open all the windows, further lowering the temperature of your house.

Make a few improvements

If you are committed to the ideology of not using air conditioners, then there are a few long term changes, if incorporated within your household, will help you to insulate your interiors better. Installation of insulated window film is a smart choice; their work is similar to that of blinds. 

Awnings and potted plants, or planted trees in your windows help you further to keep the temperature within desired range. More specifically, if the vines are present in front of the west/south facing windows, then better insulation will take place.

By using these few non-A.C. techniques you can bring in a great change in terms of keeping the temperature of your house in control. Though these won’t make your interiors as cool as an air conditioner, but surviving the heat in a natural way is better for more than one reason. 

First, it prevents your electricity bill from shooting up; second, it preserves energy and nature; third, it increases ones stamina to resist and live through heat; fourth, in case of a power cut you will not be swooning due to the heat; fifth, your body will be immune to numerous extremities of nature. 

How to Bug-Proof Your Home?

Written by: Sumita Roy

Most of us are either frightened of bugs or simply fascinated by them. But one thing that does not change, whether you like them or not, is that they do not belong within your house. Their intrusion can cause you a range of problems- from simple irritation to as much as spreading of harmful germs and diseases. Whether it is an itchy bite of the mosquito, constant buzzing of bees or painful stings of scorpions, none of these are welcome in your safe haven.

The knowledge that even as common insect as a cockroach can cause allergies or asthma attacks, especially to children of the household. This knowledge further adds on to our distaste for which we intend to get rid of bugs. But the problem with this job is that they find more than thousand ways to creep into your household, without you noticing them. 

Sometimes cleaning them out feels like a lost battle when you bug free your home after doing a deep clean and again within a matter of few days they again reappear.

However, by understanding the source of their attraction and eliminating them from your household can help you to keep them off. Like humans, insects need food and comfy shelter to survive. Infestation is the best way to ward off their existence, but there are other options as well that can help you to restrict their entry, entirely, making your home bug free.

1. Door sealing

You would be surprised to know that your visitors and family members are not the only ones who use doors to enter your household. Bugs and vermin also use the same to gain entry. 

If you look carefully you would be surprised to discover numerous easy entrances and paths formed trough unsealed gaps in your doors. To ward off their entry through the door you need to seal these gaps.

And to keep insects from crawling under the door shutter, you can install sturdy steel/ aluminum threshold under the door. For better protection install a door sweep along with it. You can opt for vinyl or neoprene brush sweeps. These provide best protection against bugs' entry.

Caulking the door frames is another important way to close or seal their entry way. Also remember, none of these techniques will help you if the doors remain open. Install a door closer with adjusted closing time for automatic closing of doors.

2. Add screens

Many people prefer natural ventilation through doors and windows during hot and humid weather conditions. But you should know that it is not just you who like the idea of keeping your doors and windows open. The vermin like it too! They can invade your household through this direct entry way.

In order to gain access to natural breeze without letting the insects sneak in, you need to put up screens in doors and windows. Choose finer mesh possible to keep out of most common household pests. It is all the more attractive option because installing screens is a very simple and easy task.

Also keep in mind insects can find a way through holes in existing screens as well. Therefore, if you are doing the installation on your own, try not to create any holes in it. Use screwdrivers to push broken wires. If these tend to come out loose along one or more sides, then use staples (for wooden frames) and splining tools(in case of aluminum frames) to reattach these.

3. Yard maintenance

Mosquitoes thrive in pooled water. If you have a yard that has stagnant water, then it can start providing apt atmosphere to mosquitoes to breed.

By eliminating water pooling in your yard, you will discourage breeding of bugs trying to enter your household. Another problem arising from having a yard is- it can block your drainage system. With twigs, leaves and grass falling off on the channels, these can get clogged and provide apt atmosphere for pest proliferation.

Aerating the lawn is a good idea. By aerating, I mean, allow water to naturally get absorbed into the soil. Proper sloping is another feature that can help you with good drainage.

Having swimming pool is a luxury feature that many people want to have, but a few have the scope to own one. But this can prove to be a bane if you cannot maintain it properly and end up having a dirty pool with only insects and pest swimming on it. However, maintaining it is not a very difficult job, but may be a bit tedious, if your pool is large. 

When not in use, keep your pool chlorinated and filtered regularly. And change the water in your fountains twice every week. This will keep mosquitoes from hatching eggs.

While taking care of your yard, check whether piles of leaves are blocking the drainage system or not. If they do, clean them off with a nudge of a broomstick. 

4. Crack repairing

Bugs come in variety of sizes and shapes, as a result keeping any kind of hole or crack in your house makes it an easy way for vermin to introduce themselves. As a result, sealing the cracks present in the exterior of the home is an essential way to resist insect intrusion. 

You can start with this job by conducting a thorough inspection of your house. Cracks in foundation, rotted wood and crumbling bricks make you home very vulnerable to insect attack. You will have to seal these points by using cement/ mortar. For a rotted wood you cannot do anything other than changing the wood. 

Caulking your house is a very good way to seal minor holes, or very small cracks. Caulking is usually done on window frames, where ever holes are created. Caulks are very cost effective as well. Caulking also helps to keep your home weather proofed.

5. Sealing around pipe penetrations

Insects, especially the flying ones, can easily gain entry through the holes drilled on your walls done with the purpose to install cable lines, phone wiring and internet services. 

Sealing these open entrances is a way in which you can ward off insect entry. In the picture given along side you get an idea on sealing of these holes.

However, this is for smaller cracks and holes. For larger drain pipes located either in ground level or the roof line you need to use expandable polyurethane foam. Certain installers prefer copper mesh or steel wool as the base layer, behind this foam. These deter insects that crawl their way through the holes.

6. Do not provide them supper

Bugs always find a way to enter a household even if you try to protect your interiors from them. Therefore, eliminate things that truly attract them- their food and cozy accommodation.

Remove clutters, unprotected food and water sources. A cluttered home promotes insect breeding. Disorganized cupboards and piles of papers are their favorite spot. Also storing food in air tight containers and storing unsealed food products can help you to ward of insect attack.

Disposing the wastes in your dustbin, everyday, is another idea that will help you to keep your home safe. While the garbage is still home, keep them stored properly in a corner. Shut the lid of the compost bin post usage so that insects cannot enter it.

7. Keep the foundations clear

The foundation is the closest point of contact of your house. Bugs try to find easy entry ways through flooring. This is mostly applicable for those saying in ground floor apartments or independent house.

By keeping the foundations clean you can protect your household. Termites, fleas, spiders breed nicely in wet areas. By keeping moisture away from the foundations you will prevent insect intrusion breeding.As said earlier, if you find any discrepancies like holes, caulk them fast.

Many people apply chemical insecticides to keep pests and vermin away. But these can cause problems, especially if you have children running around the household. For a more natural solution, you can use boric acid or diatomaceous Earth at the base.

8. Encourage natural predators

Relying on natural predators is one of the best options to keep your house bug-proof. Warblers and swallows are potent mosquito killers. Bats eat a large variety of vermin like scorpions, mosquitoes, spiders, and wasps. 

To encourage this type of natural cleaning you can plant trees in which they can create nests and supply water resource as well. The food they will provide themselves by keeping your house free of insects.

Therefore, through effective planning you can get rid of bugs for quite a period of time. Inspection of your household is the initial step towards bug-proofing your home. If you do not know the weak points in your home, how will you mend them? After this first step, a steady cleaning and repairing of holes will provide you a comparatively less threatened interior.