Selling your home for the first time is a daunting task that can take an emotional and physical toll on you. There’s also the added anxiety of guarding against bad deals and swindlers. Here’s what you should ask as a novice home seller. 

1) How much is my house worth?

You can arrive at a satisfactory answer after surveying the local markets (and even national real estate conditions) and doing a comparative market analysis (considering house appreciation rates)  of property rates with respect to square feet, rooms, number of bathrooms, balconies, age of the building, property developer brand name, among other factors. You can get a primary estimate by using online calculators but you’d need a professional real estate agent/bank analysis to arrive at the correct assessment. 

Read: Signs That You Shouldn’t Sell Your Home Right Now

2) What should I do to prepare my house for sale?

You might consider starting with the basic cosmetic/structural repairs and fixes to make the house look clean and inviting (e.g. sealing cracks, painting). The goal is to make the house ready to move into. 

3) How much should I disclose about major repairs?

If extensive repairs are needed, you should not hide it from potential buyers, but rather offer to fix it or reduce the amount from the asking price. Honesty works better in the long run. 

4) How much does it cost to sell my house?

Several expenses may build-up, including payments for real estate agent commission (if you hire one), repairs and restorations, transfer of shares/sales deed, NOCs from government departments, Encumbrance Certificate, and other legal paperwork, lawyer’s fees should be factored in during the process. 

5) How should I generate interest in my property?

Spread word of mouth and get listed on reputed online property portals. Average listing times take anywhere from 1 to 180 months.  Interest may vary depending on the market conditions and the assessed/market value of the home. Keep the home clean, well-lit for buyer visits, and take good pictures to get online inquiries. 

6) Should I hire a real estate agent?

As a first-time seller, it’s highly recommended that you appoint reliable estate agents to navigate through the legal framework, market trends, and buyer insights. 

7) What improvements can I make to sell my house faster?

Several. From kitchen refurbishing, installing ACs, smart energy/water meters, fixing/replacing broken fixtures, fresh wall painting, upgrading cabinets, installing hardwood floors to luxurious curtains/ upholstery, you can decide which measures would accentuate the aesthetic and functional appeal of your home.

Read: Signs that you should sell your home soon

8) Is it the right time to sell my house?

This depends on home appreciation. Seek professional advice online, among friends, acquaintances to research the market conditions, however, there’s no problem in listing your property for sale regardless of the market condition. Check the local properties like yours that have recently sold. If the owners have been selling for more than the assessed/asking price, then you’re in the seller’s market. 

9) Is it better to show my house vacant or occupied?

Both have their own advantages. An occupied home may invoke a feeling of warmth and encourage buyers to immediately understand how it’d feel to live there. 

10) How do I handle offers?

Don’t jump the gun and grab any offer out of pressure or negotiation tactics from the buyers. While negotiating you must have a number in mind, less than which you will not go while negotiating. With multiple offers, shortlist those with whom there’s the possibility of negotiations and those that come close to your expectations and move forward from there. 

11) What if my house doesn’t sell or I don’t get the right price?

It may take time, patience is key. However, reassess the market prices, get feedback from potential buyers, change or add more real estate agents in the mix, repair any unsightly elements and if necessary, be flexible to negotiate a lower price than expected in dire cases. It’s better to wait it out though. 

12) What are the signs that a buyer may make an offer? 

Use your intuition and discernment as there’s no rule of thumb. But some indicators are palpable excitement when they first set foot in the home, a barrage of educated questions about the house, amenities, and other details, wanting to schedule a second viewing, talking about a renovation, redesign/decor, and a willingness to negotiate with the best results. 

13) How do I pick the right real estate agent?

Seek referrals and feedback from home buyers/sellers, look for a trustworthy person backed by experience. Enlist at least three real estate professionals whose values and beliefs match with yours. 

What are the things that you should ask your estate agent?

 

14) What features should I emphasize?

Highlight the distinct amenities like clubhouse, pool, composting facilities, etc. in your society. Focusing on modern technology features of gated communities like solar panels, smart meters, and safety equipment is a good way to build interest. Communities with an app like MyGate have an additional appeal of a holistic digital platform for maintenance payments, passcode-based entries, security, and communication management with several value-added features like discounted at-home deliveries, tie-ups with trusted brands, online amenities booking, and many more. 

15) Conclusion

First-time sellers should maintain a balanced approach when promoting their home, a mix of practicality, patience, and perseverance.

Disclaimer: Thank you for visiting our site. The information provided by MyGate (“we,” “us” or “our”) on https://www.mygates.techletsolutions.com (the “Site”) is for general informational purposes only. We strive to provide our readers with accurate information that helps them learn more about the topics. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. We do not accept responsibility for the accuracy of information sourced from an external entity or take personal/ legal responsibility for your use of this information.

It’s time to light the diyas outside the door, tidy the dust from every corner, pack the boxes of sweets for friends and family and dress in your finest clothes. Diwali is just around the corner and MyGate has a great offer to ring in the occasion.

MyGate brings you an early Diwali surprise with our Shine & Sparkle Offer so you can get your home ready for the festival of lights.

Explore the Sparkle & Shine offer here

What is the Sparkle & Shine Offer?

With things slowly settling into the new normal, we’re all getting ready to bring in the festive season with cheer. But, while Diwali is a time of fun, food and festivities, it is also a time when we clean and tidy our homes. After the year we’ve all had, our homes hold a special place in our hearts, keeping us safe and giving us respite from the uncertainty outside.

This is why MyGate Home Services is offering you a great deal on home cleaning this Diwali. With our Sparkle & Shine Offer, you get the lowest price on full home deep cleaning so you can sit back, relax and have your home given the expert cleaning treatment it deserves.

What it includes

Treat your home to a spa day & have every nook and corner vacuumed, scrubbed and mopped as part of this limited period deal. The Sparkle & Shine Offer includes:

• Full home cleaning
• Kitchen deep cleaning
• Bathroom deep cleaning
• Floor scrubbing
• Carpet & sofa dry vacuum
• Mattress dry vacuum
• Bedroom cleaning
• Refrigerator cleaning (exterior only)
• Refrigerator and oven interior cleaning are not included

It is a limited period festive offer, with lowest prices and a chance to save up to ₹1000.  Book today and avail cash back from major banks.

How does the Sparkle & Shine Offer work? 

• Experience the best of our festive offer by booking in advance to get a slot for your desired day
• Services will be scheduled between 9 am and 6 pm
• You will receive a confirmation call for your time slot and address
• In case of queries before availing of our services, contact [email protected] or call +91 80-4716645

Take advantage of this unmatched festive offer and experience a shining, sparkling Diwali with us!

Disclaimer: Thank you for visiting our site. The information provided by MyGate (“we,” “us” or “our”) on https://www.mygates.techletsolutions.com (the “Site”) is for general informational purposes only. We strive to provide our readers with accurate information that helps them learn more about the topics. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. We do not accept responsibility for the accuracy of information sourced from an external entity or take personal/ legal responsibility for your use of this information.

Home Services

Come summer, a society’s swimming pool is an entertaining and vibrant hangout for children as well as adults. But if managed poorly, your community swimming pool can become a hotbed for infections, injuries and irritating behaviour. Follow this post to know about swimming pool rules and regulations for housing societies and keep your swimming pool a happy and safe place.

Specifications to know for the MC/RWA

1. Safety and rescue equipment

A throw rope equal to the width of the pool attached to a ring buoy (life-saving floating devices) along with below-listed items:

1. A fully equipped first aid kit displayed and mounted within the pool premises
2. Resuscitation equipment (orange life jackets, rescue tubes, respirators, etc.)
3. Emergency contact list
4. Chart for life-saving instructions
5. Depth markers indicating the depth of the pool in metres at shallow and deep ends, transition points and ‘no diving’ signs

2. Water quality

People, animals, debris and pathogens in the pool are the main source of contamination and at the same time, people themselves are at the risk of microbial and chemical hazards due to ingestion or surface contact.

Must require water standards

1. pH level – between 7.2 and 8 (if higher than 8, swimmers will get skin rashes, if lower than 7, it can sting the eyes)
2. Calcium hardness – 200- 250 ppm for concrete pools and 175-225 ppm for vinyl pools
3. Alkalinity – 120 – 150ppm
4. Water clarity – a 4-inch b&w object in the deepest end should be visible from the deck
5. Total coliforms – less than 10 in 100 millilitres
6. Fecal coliform – 0

Disinfection of water

A disinfectant should be quickly able to deactivate pathogens and microorganisms. Three common disinfectant types are chlorine-based (residual level 1.0-4.0 ppm), bromine-based (residual level 2.0-8.0 ppm) and ozone (concentration less than 0.1 ppm) with the addition of UV radiation techniques and the use of algicides.

Above mentioned pH and chlorine levels should be checked twice daily (or hourly for constantly used pools). Test kits should be kept available at all times.

For technical analysis and specifications, refer to Tamil Nadu State bye-laws, BIS Guidelines

and WHO Guidelines for a detailed understanding of recreational pool usage.

Pool care, operation and maintenance guidelines

• A society should hire a professionally qualified pool manager, lifeguard, swimming instructor and operations staff who are trained in handling chemicals and pool maintenance.

• Bather load limits should be strictly enforced.

• Pool operations timing and slot booking should be regulated as per pre-determined committee rules. A logbook (digital/physical) should be maintained so that any damages or mishaps can be accounted for.

• Develop definitive policies for accidental discharge of faeces, bodily fluids or vomit and safe evacuation and disinfecting procedures thereof.

• Follow manufacturer’s manual for operating and maintaining all equipment (filtration, recirculation pumps, valves, flowmeters, chlorinators feed pump tubing, injectors, perimeter overflow, skimmers, inlet-outlet fittings, hair and lint strainers, etc.)

• There should be preventive checks and repairs of equipment; any cracks or damages inside and outside the pool should be promptly fixed.

• Pool surfaces must be scrubbed daily to prevent slime, lint, dirt from settling in.

• Decks must be rinsed daily, water must be drained and replaced weekly (or monthly if less used), indoor and outdoor decks should be disinfected weekly.

• Shock treatments should be carried weekly basis of bather load and in case of rainfall, foul odours, extreme weather fluctuations, and algae growth.

• Run the water circulation pump for 8 hours minimum to avoid cloudy bacterial water.

• Brush the pool walls and use a pool vacuum to clean the pool floor weekly.

• Full-scale cleaning and maintenance should be done twice a year, especially after the monsoon.

General pool rules, etiquette and safety to follow

According to the swimming pool rules and regulations for apartments, it is crucial that you:

1. Do not engage in a conversation with the lifeguard as it may divert his attention.
2. Shower before and after swimming in the pool, do not use creams or lotions before entering the pool. Wear swimming attire, not regular clothes.
3. Instruct children to walk, not run around the swimming pool.
4. Adults should not engage in roughhousing in or around the pool.
5. No children under age 14 should be left unaccompanied while they’re in or outside the pool.
6. Put on a swimming cap if you have long hair.
7. Do not hang to the safety rope or play with it.
8. Spitting, spouting water from nose and mouth should be against the rules.
9. People with open cuts, wounds, bandages, injuries, cold, cough, fever, skin disease, venereal diseases and upset stomach must not be allowed to swim.
10. Pool interior, premises and patio should not be littered with food wrappers, cigarettes or other trash.
11. Safety equipment and pool appurtenances should not be played or tampered with.
12. Inexperienced swimmers should not be allowed to use the diving board (without the instructor).
13. Toddlers must be made to wear swim-proof diapers.
14. Animals and pets should not be permitted inside the pool.
15. Glass bottles should not be allowed inside the pool. Do not enter the pool if you’re inebriated.
16. Leave a towel on the lounge chair if you’re occupying it so that others know it’s taken.
17. Play music at a reasonable volume so residents are not disturbed.

A residential society should circulate the pool rules and etiquette manual for the residents beforehand so that violations are prevented from occurring.

India’s Electric Vehicle (EV) market is growing rapidly, with around 2 million vehicles expected on the road by 2026. To meet their charging requirements, it is estimated that the country will need 400,000 stations and, as 80% of charging takes place at home, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) will soon be expected to provide the necessary infrastructure. 

This document contains all the information an RWA needs to know on EV charging infrastructure, from why it’s needed and its costs to implementation and safety precautions to be taken. We have also included information that would be useful in selecting a configuration for your society and answered queries likely to be brought up by the wider resident body.

RWAs & EV charging infrastructure

Only a small number of RWAs today offer charging infrastructure, but this is changing rapidly as sales increase and the government, too, makes charging infrastructure more attractive. Several states have already released EV policies to increase uptake of EV infrastructure. Incentives range from financial incentives (Maharashtra and Delhi) on installing charging stations to providing property tax rebates to societies. A few state distribution companies (e.g. DISCOMs) are providing dedicated connections for EVs with subsidised tariffs.

1. Current legislation

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA) amended its Model Building Bye Laws (MBBL) 2016, to recommend that 20% of all parking spots be equipped with EV charging. It also states that the building premises will have to have an additional power load, equivalent to the power required for all charging points to be operated simultaneously, with a safety factor of 1.25. The amendments are applicable to all buildings except independent residences.

Going forward, EV charging would be a mandatory requirement for new buildings as well as existing ones. Impending Government of India regulations mandate installation of charging points in housing societies, provision of  power backup and allocation of a certain amount of dedicated power for charging EVs.

The Ministry of Power’s recent guidelines mandate all states to notify EV charging infra mandates for RWAs, office spaces and commercial establishments with parking provision. Over the next 6-12 months, there will be compliance requirements that every RWA will have to adhere to.

2. Growing interest among RWAs

A recent survey conducted by MyGate among 500+ RWAs confirms that more of them are interested in installing EV charging infrastructure within their societies in response to growing EV adoption among their residents.

Box 1.1: Results of survey conducted by MyGate among RWAs

3.2% of the societies have already installed EV charging infrastructure

24% of the societies plan to install EV charging infrastructure in the next 6 months

21% of them aim to install it in the next 6-12 months

30% of the societies surveyed plan to install EV charging infrastructure in the next 3 years

33% RWAs in Mumbai & 31% in Pune aim to install EV charging infra in the next 6 months

40% RWAs in Bangalore and 37% in Pune aim to install EV charging infrastructure in the next 1-3 years

Currently installed infrastructure was highest in Bangalore (8%) followed by Pune (3%) and Delhi (2%)

3. Challenges

The Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) recommends using electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) to charge any EV safely. But most RWAs today are not providing exclusive infrastructure for EV charging. 

Since EV ownership is still nascent, the need for EV charging is still considered an individual one. Most EV owners are currently charging their EVs through common power sockets in the society parking. Others take a direct electric line from their existing residential connection to their parking lots where they use 15A/240V sockets for charging. A few 2-wheeler EV users (with removable batteries),  charge the batteries in their homes. Such ad-hoc solutions are a logistical challenge for residents and are not designed for safe EV charging.  They could lead to a lot of unsafe wiring, posing risks of fire accidents and electricity load issues during peak usage. As EV adoption increases, it could become a potential hazard. Neither of these approaches is scalable or sustainable. 

A few RWAs have set up community charging sockets where several vehicles can be charged simultaneously at one location, but they face challenges in metering and billing of users.

Box 1.2: How to safely allow residents to draw power directly from their homes to their parking lots

RWAs need to carefully evaluate the safety concerns arising from ad-hoc electrical connections. Consider the following safety guidelines:

– Define cabling standards for residents to follow during private installations
– Route the cabling through your electrical contractor or have the implementation monitored by your electrical supervisor to avoid any potential threats
– Install a low cost charge point with adequate safety layers to protect against load surges and voltage fluctuations. Charge points with auto-power cutoff options on full charge and additional safety features are safer than a regular 16A socket

4. Available solutions

Every RWA should plan its charging roadmap right from the initial adoption stage. Once a society has 5-10 EVs, it can install common charge points in the community/ visitor parking lots. Installing community chargers will encourage more residents to make the switch to EVs.

Electric vehicle charging is available at three levels based on the rate at which a vehicle is able to recharge. Higher levels indicate faster charging rates but are also typically costlier and may require upgrades to a site’s electrical infrastructure. The following sections provide a brief overview of the various levels of EV charging.

Table 1.1: Comparison between different charging methods

Table 1.2: Installation, setup and maintenance costs for charging stations

Box 1.3: Common pitfalls to avoid

1. DC rapid charging
This is the fastest EV charging option and an expensive one, costing between INR 5,00,000 – 10,00,000/charging station and it requires significant upgrades to a site’s electrical system. Current DC charging stations in India are designed only for 4-wheeler charging and they aren’t compatible with 2 wheelers. Further, not all EVs are equipped with the hardware required for DC charging. For certain battery types, DC charging reduces overall battery life and should be used only for emergencies or out station travel.

Each DC charger can fully charge upto 16 vehicles (4W) in a day and a society can choose to install 1/2 DC chargers on its premises for emergency fast charging. For the initial adoption phase it is recommended to opt for AC level 1 & level 2 charging stations. However, RWAs with >500 flats can consider upgrading to DC Rapid infra when the EV adoption is >30-50% & there is a requirement from residents for rapid charging.

2. OEM-specific charging stations
Few vehicle manufacturers (2W/4W) are also deploying their own charging stations for community charging which are compatible only with their vehicles. While individual residents are free to choose OEM-specific chargers for their personal charging needs in their private parking lots. However, RWAs can avoid installing them for community charging. Choose chargers that are OEM agnostic and suitable for all vehicle makes and types.

Implementing charging infrastructure

RWAs looking to install EV charging stations in their apartments can follow the steps outlined below:

1. Estimating demand

Conduct a resident survey to estimate the current demand for EV charging and anticipated future demand. Keep in mind that EV adoption is expected to grow rapidly as more models become available and there is a wider acceptance of EVs. Based on the current and anticipated number of EVs, estimate the peak electricity requirement.

Individual charging points or community  charging stations?

RWAs can adopt a phased strategy for installing EV charging infra. When the adoption levels of EVs are less than 5%, RWAs can make common charging points stations available for residents. However, this isn’t sustainable as EV adoption increases. A long-term and more convenient solution would be to provide charge points in the private parking lots of residents preferably from the available spare load or through a dedicated EV connection from the power distribution companies (DISCOMs). In bangalore it is BESCOM). RWAs can also make provisions from individual meters for low adoption phases. However, while considering this option remember that this might cause safety issues if the cabling process is not standardised. Please consult your electrical contractor and evaluate future safety and scalability issues before going ahead with connections from individual meters.

Table 2.1: Three-phase charging roadmap for RWAs

Table 2.2: Comparison between private and community charging

Box 2.1: Licenses and permissions

For private and community charging using the existing connection or spare load, no permission is required from DISCOMs. However, in case an RWA chooses to take a dedicated connection for EV charging and avail special tariffs or subsidies, it will require an approval from the DISCOM for the new connection.

2. Deciding ownership model

Have an electrician/EV charging provider evaluate your property to determine if EV chargers will need to have electricity supplied from a common load meter or if it is possible to have EV chargers individually metered. The metering arrangement will largely drive the decision on your grid design. A feasibility check of existing load capacity will also need to be conducted of charger types, cable size and load capacity of the society. Evaluate your peak load requirements considering various levels of EV adoption & plan backwards.

Box 2.2: Steps to perform a feasibility check

1. Calculate the additional peak load required depending on the number of EVs in your society. For eg. if you have 30 4W EVs and 20 2W EVs, your peak load requirement would be 130 kW  (For 4W – 30*3.3 kW = 99 kW + For 2W- 20*1.5 kW  = 30 kW)

2. Most RWAs have a common spare load which can be used for community charging stations. This does not require special permission from DISCOMS

3. Divide the spare load available to the rating of the charger. This will give you the exact numbers of chargers that can be placed. If 100 kW of load is available, you can install 5 Level-2 chargers of 7 kW and 20 Level-1 charge points of 3.3 kW

4. Based on load, determine the size and type (aluminium/copper) of the cables

5. Divide the whole basement into multiple zones depending on the area. Determine the source of power. Lay down proper cables and establish junction boxes

6. From the junction boxes, place proper cables to the charging points for individual charging points

7. RWAs can set up Level 1 and 2 charging points with the society’s spare load and upgrade their infra once EV adoption increases

3. Electricity requirements

Determine how electricity will be supplied to EV chargers. RWAs can use power either from the existing common load or from individual meters. Keep in mind future grid monitoring and load balancing capabilities that will be needed as EV adoption among residents rises.

If there is existing spare load for setting up community charging stations, RWAs will have to provide a reliable power source and the service provider can take care of cabling and charge point installation work.

In case the existing load isn’t sufficient, RWAs will have to apply for a new connection for EV charging and hire an electrical contractor to provide a power source close to the charge point locations for the CPO to install charge points/stations. There are service providers available in the market who can take up turnkey projects for end to end implementation too (which includes liaising  with your DISCOMs and setting up the entire infra).

Box 2.3: Common questions about electricity supply

Can EV chargers be solar powered?
EVs can be charged from any power source which provides a minimum output of 3.3 kW (power from a normal 16A socket). Level 1 and Level 2 chargers can be conveniently plugged to a solar connection. However, for DC rapid charging solar power might not provide sufficient load (in an RWA setup).

What can be done with the spare capacity available in the sanctioned electricity load for the society?
RWAs can conveniently install community charging stations from their available spare load after accounting for sufficient factor of safety for peak loads.

How can RWAs maximise their load to EV charging station ratio?
A few service providers have smart grid and load management capabilities which maximise the number of vehicles that can be charged simultaneously by adding a layer of smart load controllers on your grids.

GoI mandates smart metering for new connections. What will be the future impact of this on EV charging?
Indian power DISCOMs will soon charge variable tariffs for electricity usage depending on load peaks. While considering different options for EV charging, ensure your service provider’s software is intelligent enough to optimise vehicle charging depending on the tariff rate and ensure that the bulk of the charging is done during non-peak hours.

4. Scope of work

Table 2.3: SOW & responsibility matrix

* Cabling and DISCOM charges are subject to metal price variation

5. Cost sharing

Once the general design of your EV charging setup is ready, research available government subsidies and property tax rebates and determine who will cover the costs of each component. A few questions to consider:

• Will the RWA cover the cost of electrical upgrades and conduit, while individual residents purchase and pay for installation of their own EV charger?
• Will the RWA recover these costs through increased maintenance fees or will the residents share the initial setup costs ? 
• Will the RWA work on a CAPEX/OPEX (capital expenditure/ operating expenditure) model with a Charging Point Operator (CPO)?

For the initial phase of adoption for installing level 1 and level 2 chargers, the investment on infrastructure is low. Hence societies can utilize their available corpus from the maintenance budgets. As EV adoption increases (>25% residents), RWAs can undertake the future-proofing work and split the cost among the residents. Refer to table 3.1 for a sample calculation.

Table 2.4: Evaluating capex and opex models

Recommendation – The cost benefits of EV charging for residents (in comparison with fuel prices) can be attained only when daily costs of vehicle charging are low and affordable. Opex models, though initially attractive, will make the recurring payments a burden later. Given that the initial capex required for AC Level 1 and Level 2 charging is not very high, RWAs can choose Capex models over Opex.

6. Locations for charging stations

EV charging requires space to set up charging stations or charging docks. In housing societies, this space is allocated in the parking areas. RWAs need to keep a few things in mind while installing community charging stations:

• Power source: Availability of a dedicated parking space, preferably close to an existing power source. This also reduces installation & cabling costs
• Accessibility: The parking area reserved for EV charging should be accessible to both visitors and residents
• Passageway: Sufficient passage space must be available for safe entry/exit of vehicles
• Covered parking: While most of the charging stations are IP certified & all-weather proof, it is recommended (wherever possible) to have the charging area covered to increase the longevity of the infrastructure.

Box 2.4: Some questions to ask while choosing a service provider

EV service providers offer charging services to EV users by connecting them with different charging networks operated by CPOs.

RWAs can partner with a service provider or automobile OEM for charging station provision. Ask the following questions before selecting a service provider:

1. Does the service provider have a viable business model?
Charging infra is long term infrastructure investment by RWAs. So, ensuring the service provider has a viable, sustainable and financially stable business model is important to avoid fly-by-night operators

2. Does the provider offer customer and technical support?
Charging stations require regular maintenance of hardware and software. While choosing an operator, ensure they have an on-ground service presence in your city and provide 24/7 remote support. Clearly document service downtimes and breakdown SLAs for provider to adhere to

3. What is the scale of your provider’s charging network?
Most EVs are charged at home, workplaces and other public places. Choosing an operator with plans to expand to an omnipresent network will benefit your residents and standardise their charging experience wherever they are

4. Does the provider adhere to safety regulations?
Refer to the Indian Standards in the annexure and ensure the service provider  adheres to required safety protocols

5. Does the provider offer vehicle & hardware agnostic services?
There are several charging station OEMs ranging from global multinationals to Indian OEMs. RWAs can choose between any of the available OEMs. Also ensure you have the  scope to upgrade your hardware in the future. EV charging technology is an evolving space and over the decade, better, quicker and smarter options may be available in the market. Thus, portability is an important point to keep in mind. Try to avoid vehicle OEM chargers which work for limited vehicle types and models

6. Is there scope for future integration with society enterprise resource planning solutions (ERPs)?
Evaluate your operator’s tech stack and future integration scope with your ERP for seamless payment collection and reconciliation

7. Will the provider help you upgrade your infra in case of future expansion?
Charging station infrastructure will need constant upgradation and expansion based on EV adoption within RWA

8. Does the provider assist with obtaining a new electrical connection, if needed?
Service providers with the ability to execute turnkey charging infra projects can help while dealing with multiple vendors and stakeholders for deploying charging infrastructure

Box 2.5: Important safety guidelines

Indian standards for charging points mandate various safety parameters to be used by charging station providers. Here is a list of features to watch out for.

Electricity/ electrical components
– Earth presence detection
– Over current & short circuit protection
– Over/under voltage
– Surge protection
– Temperature protection
– Ingress and all weather protection
– Earthing to prevent overload and electric shock

For Level 2 & Rapid charging stations, look for:
– Residual current
– Emergency alarm with a stop button
– Protection against electric shock

Ensuring future-readiness

Access to charging infrastructure in residential societies is essential to enabling higher rates of EV adoption. 

Short term solutions
Given the current low EV adoption across societies, options to provide community charging stations from the common load could be a viable low cost solution. For retrofitting existing apartment complexes, drawing a connection from individual resident metres on an ad-hoc basis is a short term solution that might pose issues while scaling it up for all parking lots. It is important to consult an experienced electrical contractor before finalizing your EV charging roadmap.

Long term solutions
For long-term safety, a better approach is to have a dedicated power line taken from your DISCOMs for the EV grid and a connection provided from the common electricity line. While this is an expensive proposition requiring some capex requirements in the short term, in the long term, it is a most viable solution. Payments can be made along with the monthly utility payments.

Smart charging
There are various grid models that can be deployed to predict how much extra electricity will be needed to cope with the rise of the EV. For example, if people charge their cars simultaneously – say when they come home from work – it will put a heavy strain on the grid, potentially leading to blackouts.

But an increase in ‘smart charging’ could help address this. Smart charging grids with a combination of charger controllers and load balancers will allow vehicles to draw power only when it is readily available, avoiding peak periods, yet ensuring vehicles are fully charged when required.  

Costs involved in futureproofing

The following costs might be incurred to futureproof your apartment parking in case of existing load shortage.

Table 2.5: Sample costs for future-proofing a housing society

*These are approximate calculations & actual prices might vary from city to city based on local DISCOM costs

Content by Bolt Network and MyGate
All content in this article is the copyright of Vivish Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

About MyGate

MyGate is India’s #1 community app. It benefits thousands of housing societies, developers, society facility managers, and millions of homeowners in every Indian city with an ERP tool and a system for e-commerce players to better manage their deliveries. Founded by ISB/IIM/IIT alumni, MyGate has been named one of India’s Most Innovative Start-ups (by INC 42) and India’s Coolest Start-ups (by Business Today).

About Bolt Network

Bolt Network was founded with the dream of making electric vehicles more accessible by easing and accelerating the transition of emerging markets to cleaner mobility. Bolt Network has installed over 1,200 charging points across 60 Indian cities, services over 5,000 active monthly users and has an installed capacity of over 3,600 KW. The company aims to build a smart, safe and connected world for electric vehicle users with BOLT – the world’s largest peer-to-peer charging network.

To enquire about EV charging infrastructure in your society, please fill the form

Cooperative Housing Society

The dreaded rodent menace can be bad news for your car as they land up chewing on wires and cables. This means you will have to spend a lot of money repairing the car. Not only are they a menace, but they are also unhygienic and carry a host of diseases. Rodents are definitely not welcome into the cushy comforts of your car, let alone anywhere else.

Here’s what housing societies and apartment complexes can do to keep this problem away:

1. Keep the area clean

Generally, rodents stay away from light and hide in cracks, holes, and undergrowth. Check the designated car parking area to ensure there are no breeding spots or hiding places for rodents. If your parking is in the basement, keep an eye out for unused boxes and trash cans. Ensure the trash cans are cleaned out every day and no food is littered around your parked car. Avoid parking near trash cans as a general rule. If the area around the car is kept clean, rodents will have a tough time seeking shelter. The area should be litter-free, clean, hygienic, and devoid of clutter. Rodents shouldn’t find a conducive environment to live around your vehicle.

2. Keep the food away

Food is something that can attract rodents. They also need to eat for their survival. Food left around your car or even in it can attract rodents. Parking close to a garbage can should be avoided at all costs. If you are parking in an indoor parking area, make sure there is no food strewn around your vehicle. If you have children, check to see if they are eating in your car. Declaring your car as a no-food zone could help keep the rodents away.

3. Use strong smelling oil (peppermint, neem)

Rodents don’t take kindly to strong-smelling oils such as peppermint or neem. So you could use these oils to keep them at bay. Apply a few drops of oil to a piece of cloth or cotton balls and place them strategically in your car to repel all rodents, but especially mice. The process should be repeated many times to keep them away successfully.

4. Keep the lights on

Well-lit places don’t interest rodents, as they find comfort in dark and dingy places. Rodents also dislike light, especially when they are resting. So either parks in a well-lit area or consider switching on the lights where the car is parked. Ensure the area has ample lighting.

If the area is well-lit, some people even leave the hood of the car open to let light in. This will discourage the rodents from finding places to hide or build nests inside the car. Leave your car doors open for short periods of time so that they are being exposed to direct sunlight.

5. Seal any entry

Ensure there are no gaps in the car for rodents to make themselves comfortable in your car. At times, they might chew through something and enter the car. In case that happens, find the entry point and sell it with mesh or putty. They are small enough to squeeze through tiny holes so ensure you check the car properly and seal any holes you might find. Additionally, rope in your mechanic and they will be able to help you better.

6. Rodent repellent gadgets

Electric gadgets can be used as a rodent deterrent as well. Finding an ultrasonic rodent repellent will be easy. They are simple to use. They emit a sound that can only be heard by rodents. The frequency of this is quite high and ultrasonic. Gadgets like these come with motion sensors and can prevent the nesting of rodents. This is a strong, one-time solution.

7. Other animals

If you have a pet dog or cat, they could keep the rodents away. Cats can sniff out rodents and hold them off from making a home in your car. Dogs too can keep away rodents as they will be skeptical to approach an area where a dog lives. Cats and dogs are biological deterrents to rodents.

8. Rat traps

These may seem inhumane, but traps can keep the rodents away. Sticky traps found in the market have a good amount of glue on them that will keep the rodent from moving. Leave a bait and wait for the rodent to walk into it, literally.

9. Rat poison

The oldest trick in the book can also be dangerous. Hiding poison in food for rats is common to target rodents. The rodent might find the poisonous food, ingest it, and might die inside the vehicles, open space within parking areas or corners, etc, and leave a foul smell. It’s best to exercise this option with care.

These are some methods that have worked well for most societies and complexes that have rodent problems. It could work for yours too!

For more reads on how to better-living conditions in apartment complexes and societies, click here.

The Covid-19 pandemic has taught us that technology can play a key role in helping each other and accessing assistance in times when face-to-face interactions are best avoided. An aggregator of crucial information such as emergency contacts, contacts for medical assistance, details of service providers, and vendors for essential goods all within close reach is ideal for any neighborhood. As proximity plays a key role in access to resources during times of quarantining, lockdowns, numerous state- and self-imposed restrictions, a hyperlocal information repository is pivotal in helping communities get on with day-to-day life. 

But first, what is hyperlocal?

Hyperlocal refers to information that is related to a defined community. The main focus of this is to address the specific needs of the people belonging to that specific geographic location.  Though the term has been around for decades, originating in the 1990s referencing local television news content, hyperlocal is now often associated with the use of mobile phone apps and GPS technology to provide users with area-specific content. 

Why is a hyperlocal information repository important?

Today, MyGate community management apps provide users with a space to contribute to and reference important contacts with its ‘Infocentre’ feature. In a single directory, members of the same housing society or gated community have access to a wealth of information related to services in and around their neighbourhood.       

Maintaining and contributing to a repository of hyperlocal information is an ideal way to build community connections and lend a helping hand to neighbours as well as local vendors, service persons and businesses. All useful information and recommendations of goods and services available locally can be found via one dedicated platform, making access convenient and quick.

The main benefits of a hyperlocal information repository

In case of emergency

Local doctors, dentists, pediatricians, specialists and emergency services can all be listed in one place, making finding appropriate medical help quick and hassle-free. For residents who have moved to a new neighbourhood, an information repository with good medical contacts is a huge boon to set their minds at ease and be prepared in case of an accident or illness.      

Supporting locals vendors

India has a huge unorganised market of vendors and service persons. These sellers are often on the move around the neighbourhood, going where their clients need them, and depend largely on word of mouth for business. With a local directory, finding tried-and-tested services through recommendations is a breeze for residents, while helping vendors sustain their businesses in these trying times. 

Supporting home businesses 

If you are looking for online or outdoor classes or a good tiffin service, you can also browse through your neighbourhood directory to find something conveniently located and support your local talent. Home business owners too can post their goods or services for sale, giving them exposure to thousands of potential clients. 

Get household services to your home 

From cleaning services such as rug shampooing and deep cleaning for the home to beauty needs such as facials and pedicures, residents are able to find rated businesses and service staff who are close-by to book home appointments. You can have your TV repaired or your table fixed without having to step out of your home and go to a store.     

Perhaps the best part of a hyperlocal information repository that is available online is that each entry can be rated, rewarding local businesses for quality and good service. At the same time, it provides residents with a wealth of information and ratings to make informed decisions. 

Disclaimer: Thank you for visiting our site. The information provided by MyGate (“we,” “us” or “our”) on https://www.mygates.techletsolutions.com (the “Site”) is for general informational purposes only. We strive to provide our readers with accurate information that helps learn more about the topics. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. We do not accept responsibility for the accuracy of information sourced from an external entity or take personal/ legal responsibility for your use of this information.