With some interesting comments from our readers in the last post, thought I’ll do one more post in this series. This being primarily to identify situations where apartments are better than independent houses purely on an investment basis.

Anyone who has read part 3 & part 4 would know in which direction my views lie. But if I have learned anything in life, it is that there is an exception to every rule and a negative to every positive and vice versa and inside out and forward backward. That’s why the world works and remains interesting to us. To cut short on the philosophy front and getting to the point - not all independent houses are necessarily superior. The ‘location’ matters a tremendous amount.

If you go and buy a villa/bungalow in a village/small town thinking it is a better investment, I am sorry!! You can wait till elephants roost on trees and relatively nothing would have changed on the price front for your villa. Real estate price increases is largely centred around urban centres and will continue to be so. Only exception I know of is Kerala where land prices have increased tremendously even in villages. The reason is unique to it - NRI Keralites are treating the entire state as a retirement home.

One of the good things when you buy an apartment is that you are naturally protected against the foolishness of buying something in a remote corner of the country. The apartment builders who are sinking in their money would have ensured that the location is relatively alright and ripe for future urbanisations. And the degree to which a locality gets urbanised is what will eventually determine the future value of homes in that area. When I say urbanised, I don’t mean noisy-polluted streets; rather that it is an area of job creation so that people will immigrate to it than emigrate from it.

 So, to sum up the investment theme on homes:

If you are an average joe who doesn’t want think too much but want a good investment that is sure to appreciate, shut your eyes and buy an apartment in any of the top Indian cities. You will not regret it.

If you think you are smarter than the average guy and feel that you have what it takes to make indpendent decisions involving relatively large sums of money, buy a villa near a locality that you judge to be ripe for urbanisation. Reward is more if urbanisation happens; but if your judgement is wrong, prices can stay flat for upwards of 10 years..

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Check out these articles 

http://news.in.msn.com/business/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1402226,  http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/india/article3810486.ece

It’s finally happening. The real estate market in India is cooling down. This is probably a breather before it snatches up its skirts and start trotting again. But nevertheless, what many people argued would never happen has happened. Prices of homes have declined not just in small isolated pockets but in large localities and across multiple cities.

The fact that this has happened at roughly the same time in different places is very interesting. According to me, it is good proof that real estate market is also a sentiment driven market like the stock market. After all, supply could not have exceeded demand in all the cities at the same time!

There is probably a bit of the FUD (fear, uncertainty and dread?) factor as well. With US real  estate market showing no signs of looking up and most experts predicting the slump to last till the end of 2009, it’s no wonder that Indian home buyer has started having second thoughts. Check this piece for the latest on the US market - http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aS8rWyvV0osg&refer=home. Quite informative. For instance, didya know that the average US home cost is now $200,000. That’s roughly 80 lakhs. For that price we can only get a semi decent place in Mumbai !! Guess, a reality check was long due.

However, our advice to those who are yet to own a home would be - BUY it now. There is no need to wait for the magic price on things as important as this. You may never get the extra 10% discount you were wanting. With tax deductions and all, it makes sense to invest in a home for the first time.

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We had earlier written about “Home Gym/Indoor Fitness Equipment” This is a continuation of the post.

These go by various names. Stationary Bicycle, Stationary Cycle, Stationary Bike, Exercise Bikes, Indoor Bikes, Studio Cycles.

They enjoy the following Advantages over the Treadmill:

• It takes us lesser floor space compared to treadmills.
• Cheaper than treadmills. (Considerably)
• Most people feel that cycling is easier compared to walking or running. Hence chances that they will lose interest after a while are lesser. (Particularly if you are one of those people who are not very driven in life.)

• Since you can be seated, you can actually do some other activity like watching the TV or reading music or reading a book or maybe even listening to music (portable player)

• They do not have any adverse effects on the knees and ankles. (Typically seen with cycling and jogging.)

Types of Stationary Bicycles:

The three different types of exercise bikes are the Upright Bike, the Recumbent Bike and the Spinner. The upright bike is the normal model and looks pretty much like a normal cycle sans wheels. The recumbent model has a plush couch like seat.

 

(Picture: Courtesy here )

(Picture: Courtesy here)

Also, depending on the Resistance mechanisms used, they can be categorized into Magnetic and Friction. Magnetic types tend to produce less noise and hence are slightly more expensive.

Features of Stationary Bikes:

• Most cycles have variable resistance settings which make it tougher to cycle. This is equivalent to a non-motorized Treadmill and can be interpreted as cycling on an incline.

• Some models allow backward pedaling for overall workout.

• Heart rate control can be found in a few models.

• Adjustable Riding Position where a user can alter the height, etc.

• Built in body fat loss, calories burnt and heart rate indicator.

Vendors in India:

• Reebok. (They do have a presence in India, but we could not find an India specific website.)

• BSA Workouts (TI Cycles)

• Hero Cycles (Allegro)

• Afton (Health Club India)

FAQ’s:

1.I am planning to invest either in a Treadmill or a Stationary Bicycle. Which one should I go for?

Answer:      It’s actually hard to make this choice. Both are equally good. If you are short of floor space in your house, then go for the Stationary Cycle. Also, if you have never jogged, walked before, it’s always a good idea to go for the Bicycle. Walking or Jogging on a treadmill requires more drive mentally if you are not regular. However, if you have been a regular at walking or jogging and can no longer go out for various reasons, the Bike is not for you. Go for the treadmill.

2. I want to buy and Exercise Cycle/Treadmill. How do I make a choice?

Answer:      First check your local stores for availability of various brands. Budget is an important factor. Narrow down on the models which fall within your budget. You could also use the internet to find out about models. We offer links to the same above.

However, when buying fitness equipment, comfort is the main deciding factor. If it’s not comfortable, chances are either you won’t use it or worse still, it can affect your health. Since these things typically cost in 4 digits (a few thousand rupees at least), it’s a good idea to give it a trial run. It’s even better if you can maybe workout for a week or so at a local gym on the model you want to buy. (The Gym fee for a month is worth the investment, if it helps you choose the right equipment.) Don’t take this lightly. You might not like the way your equipment works after buying it and that will be an awful waste of money. Warranty is also an important consideration.

3. What should I keep in mind while using the Exercise Cycle?

Answer:      First is, have a regular schedule. Any weight loss program or exercise program for that matter will not work, unless you are consistent. So be regular. Draw up a schedule and follow it no matter what. Also while using the Pedals, always make sure your feet are inside the flap. Otherwise, angle injuries can be nasty. While using treadmills, wear good footwear.

4. I have a nice neighborhood where I can cycle or maybe even jog. However, I feel I won’t go outdoors as I am lazy. Will buying Home Fitness Equipment solve this issue as I will have to workout then?

Answer:     If we were advertising for bicycles and treadmills here, then we would say yes. But then, we are not. So the answer sadly is, a No. It’s always a better idea to go outdoors if you have the right kind of environment. Fitness equipment is only an alternative. If you are lazy, chances are you will lose steam with fitness equipment too. And now you will have it sitting there in your house, taking up extra floor space.

5. Where do you reckon, I should put my fitness equipment in my house?

Answer:      Well, it’s hard to say. It can be put anywhere as long as it doesn’t spoil the aesthetics too much or obstructs access to other things. It’s a good idea to have good ventilation wherever you place it. Good ventilation does not necessarily mean Air-Conditioning. Open places are also ok, but make sure your equipment won’t be stolen.

Have more questions? Leave a comment or join the forums.

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Introduction

Independent Homes are increasingly becoming a thing of dreams in metros. Flats are the norm and even they cost anywhere between 20 lakhs to 1 crore or more for a 1000 sq.ft 2 bedroom flat in densely populated cities like Chennai.

Two Bedroom Flats:

A two bedroom flat essentially has a minuscule kitchen, a decently spacious hall/drawing room, two bedrooms (of which one is supposed to be a master bedroom and the other is much smaller), a common toilet/bath and an attached bathroom. So if you wanted to build a dream house where you dreamed of having a separate library or perhaps a movie theatre or even a home gym for that matter, very little can be done about it. Or, is that really the case?

Three Bed Room Flats:

Buying a three bedroom flat is the instant solution we think of. The third bedroom can be converted into any of the above specified rooms. Or you can use it as a store room. (Sometimes the third bathroom is converted into a store room.) However, even this is not the best of solutions. What if I wanted a library and a movie theatre? Well, yes it is a luxury in homes, but if you can afford it, then there is nothing wrong with it.

Two Bedroom Houses x2:

In my opinion, if you always had a dream house I mind and want a house where you can plan and put things the way you want, you should go for 2 two bedroom flats put together. Don’t mistake Two Bedroom Flats x2 idea with a four bedroom house. (If ever builders build it in the first place.) Because, in this case, not only will you have 4 bedrooms,  but also two halls, two kitchens , four toilets and maybe up to 4 balconies.

So if you are, say a family of four, then you can utilize the space as outlined below:

• Two bedrooms retained as such. Choose the two largest bedrooms with attached bathrooms for bedrooms.

• One of the smaller bedrooms changed into a Library with space enough for book racks to hold all your books and maybe a table or two. One, say for writing and maybe one for your computer too. You can also have a chest of drawers to keep your important documents.

• The other small bedroom can be changed into a Guest bedroom if you expect guests once in a while. (You can always use it as and when you please.)

• One of the halls can be converted into that theatre I was talking about. So, naturally you put all your sound equipment, TV…etc here. If it’s bigger than you want it to be, maybe you can accommodate the home gym in too.

• Use the other hall as a Drawing room where you can entertain guests. This will also have the attached dining room.

• One of the kitchens is used as a kitchen itself. (Close to the dining hall)

• The other kitchen can be either converted into a Store Room or a Pooja room for the religious.

Some Figures I thought up:

01- Doors face to face

This is not very desirable as you will have to cross the corridor every time you want to move form one room to another. If the Homes are L shaped as shown in Fig, then it’s probably alright.

02- Adjacent houses

This is a nice idea as long as they share a common wall which can be broken (or not built in the first place) to make way for the common door.

03- Down and Above

Well, this might seem like fiction, but I have seen houses like this. (I mean within apartments. Otherwise, it’s pretty commonplace) What you do is you buy houses on one floor and one above or below it. Then have a staircase running from one house to another.

*-You will have to excuse the amateurish figures. I am not an architect. I hope the figures are good enough to get the ideas across.

Some Photographs of staircases are shown below

 (source: here )

 (source: here)

 (source: here )

A Sprial Staircase saves a lot of space, but is more difficult to take. A normal staircase on the other hand takes a lot more floor space (on both floors), but at least it’s safer. With a bit of planning, you could store things under the staircase.

A Few More Tips:

• With a bit more planning, you can make the kitchen bigger or customize things the way you want.
• I you can purchase 2 Two Bedroom Houses for less than 40 lakhs and can afford the same, in a decent residential area, it’s a steal.
• Also, in case you are going to rent the house, too many structural changes won’t do. (At least if you are expecting to put two tenants in.)
• If you are planning to have 2 flats, then it’s probably a good idea to talk to the builders well in advance. You don’t want to be modifying stuff after it has been built.
• There is no harm in having two doors and door numbers. (If it’s legally allowed) But whether it is necessary, only you can decide.

I did see a house of this sort in Coimbatore some 6 years back and I was amazed at how wonderful it was. It cost some 20 lakhs back then.

If any of our readers do have 2 x two bedroom  houses as mentioned above, please do let us know of your experience.

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We came up with this sample drawing to illustrate the common sections found in a typical home. What we have shown here is just an imaginative 2BHK apartment which is square in shape! In reality square shape is not easy to come by especially in apartments. But the purpose is not to be an architectural whiz but to just break a home into the essential components so that we could understand them and team Aavaas can cover each section in detail in the coming days.

We are are sure that no single room labelled in the picture above needs introduction. However we would have a small write up on each of them below. Just a casual read. The first 3 rooms are being covered in this article. The rest would follow over the next few days.

Reception

The number one room which one would encounter when entering this imaginary home, the reception would be a place where people could leave their footwear, the owners could have shoe rack  and other things like umbrellas, rain coat storage, newspaper holders. You could also put up some paintings or works of art in the reception area. A bookshelf is also a good candidate for being placed in the reception area.

Hall

The “h” in the “BHK” convention, the hall would be also called living room by some people. Typically people have sofa sets, televisions, centre tables/coffee tables in their living room. Telephones, home theatres, electrical fittings, carpetswould go in it too. Bean bags, lazing couches are perfect to grab a book and relax for a Sunday afternoon reading if one has the taste for it. If the home is enabled with Wi-Fi, then having a laptop in the hall is not a bad idea to surf the Internet while being on the couch. You could also have a water dispenser installed if you have some extra space.

Dining Room

The room shown in the picture as the “dining” area is quite large. It adjoins the kitchen. So serving food should not be a problem for the lady of the house. The small quarter circle which is seen on the wall between dining room and kitchen is a wash basin. The extra space could be used as a study. Some could consider having a swing inside the house if necessary.

For all these three rooms the common elements are:

• Floor
• Wall
• Ceiling
• Door
• Window (if applicable)
• Electric fittings
• Communication fittings (if applicable)
• Extra accessories

So while planning a home you should keep the above points in mind. This article will continue. Enjoy your Sunday afternoon.

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