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Tuesday, 15 November 2016

SPACE MANAGMENT

Managing Retail Space par Excellence

The Indian Retail Industry no longer consists of irregular family run efforts but has evolved into an Organised Well Managed Business off-late. It is of critical importance that this beginning should be properly channeled in a coordinated way, so that it grows. This sector has much potential for growth as only 4% of India’s Retail Industry consists of the organised sector unlike Malaysia, where it is 55%, Thailand, where it is 40% and 20% in China. Consumers, however, have now shown tastes and preferences for an enjoyable shopping experience along with this growth. Now, there is more than 40 million sq.ft. of retail space operating over 130 malls in this country. Within the next 3 years, the development would be more than 100 millions sq.ft. in the fast growing organised retail and within next 5 years, it may reach an average of 200 million. The success of the development now depends on the factors of differentiation and convenience as there is such a large scale of mall supply.

The condition of development of malls in this day is well summed up in the words of the famous General George S. Patton-‘If everyone is thinking alike, then someone isn’t thinking’. Rather than the planning, the speed of construction and marketing are what are typical of the sudden spate in the growth of malls of 4,000,000 sq.ft. from those of 150,000 sq.ft. make up this retail space. There would be a peculiar set of challenges in the operation of each development incumbent upon size, location, ownership patterns and positioning. There would be sharp competition among these malls and the ability of a mall to adjust to the needs of the consumer and provide the needed experience and merchandise to its customers would decide its survival.

The management of the business is what decides the success of malls. Just as Airline Passengers choose which Airline to fly According to the Services provided, Developing a Mall is also akin to establish a business unit. There are many aspects to the management of retail space beginning with the planning, design, infrastructure, trade mix, and tenant mix, operations, planning peak emergencies and marketing. The success and sustenance of the mall depends on each of these.

First of all, the development has to be rightly positioned and it is necessary to pinpoint the Personality of the Development and specify the Target Audience with their requirements. Retailers should be given an outstanding shopping experience. The customers should be given enough reason to make them walk through the mall and Each Zone in it should be Exciting and Enjoyable for them. This would keep the cycle of retailer attraction and customer satisfaction continuing. A mall of an average size would produce Indian Rupee (INR) 6 billion annually and give employment to 800-1000 people. The activity behind the scenes should be well-planned so that it does not interfere with the experience of the customer. Chaos can be avoided by planning services and back end infrastructure in advance. Time spent by the consumer in parking should also be reduced to the minimum by careful planning on the part of the retailer.

A mall should be well-planned so that it can take care of the hardware of the mall development and should carefully choose the trade and tenant mix because it helps in the day to day aspects of the shopping experience. A very patient approach is needed while keeping retailers in the mall. The time factor must always be kept in mind by the Developer and the best retail formats should be brought in. Economic Activity in the Catchment Area must be foreseen and leases planned with different Retailers in a way that will be flexible for repositioning the mall in days to come.

The whole purpose of the mall operating efficiently is to meet the needs of the Shoppers and make way for the success of the Retailers who are the Business Partners. The peak and non-peak business hours or days have to be planned and the malls need Special Staff for meeting the needs of the Shoppers during peak hours, sale time and the festive season for convenience. The benefit of the Retailers lies in the maximum amount of time spent in the mall by the Customer. There should be an effective plan for any emergencies in this business centre to ensure the safety of the Customers. There should be regular safety drills and the mall and Retailers Staffs have to be trained to Assist Shoppers at such times.

All mall operations should be efficient, effective and transparent. Provisions for the Common Area Maintenance (CAM) must be made by the Retailers who run their shops in different malls or they should pay the service charge as it applies to them. The CAM charge should not be made different each month and a budget for the service charge should be made for major repairs well in advance by the Operator of the mall and a yearly budget should also be prepared for the operations. This will bring in discipline to the functioning and give improved control.

The time, when the Shopper decides to enter the shop, and not when he enters, it will be largely influenced by the Retailer’s Treatment of Space. Factors in a high street shop such as the signage, neat footpath, parking ease and entrance into the shop are the initial steps the Customer takes in relation to the Retailer. While selecting and designing the store, it is necessary to consider these points. The Retailers must make sure that there is good signage and clear corridors in the shop what is important is the interaction with the Customer, the easy possibility of looking through the goods and the appearance, display and feel of the store. The layout of the store is the first introduction of the brand to the Customer. The brand’s image can be made or broken through this and therefore needs to be carefully planned. Buying on impulsive is likely to be more frequent in a warm and organised atmosphere.

This kind of organised retail in shopping malls is still a novel idea in India. Few Professionals are available with experience in the field to manage it. There is lack of exposure to the finer aspects of retailing and managing retail realty. It is hard to employ retail Professionals with experience for both Retailers and Developers. To help us to learn, we need to import the knowledge, processes and procedures and for a long term solution, invest in training and making professional courses in order to obtain a suitable pool of talent.

There are innumerable opportunities for Retailers and Consumers given the size of the Indian Retail Market and the increased consumption expenditures and retail sales. The choice of a mall to shop in might become the problematic decision for the Consumer. As there are raising incomes and induction of Western lifestyles, quality and experience matter the most. High Quality and Standards of Services will create a Lasting Impression on the Consumers.

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Monday, 14 November 2016

Elegant crockery display add charm to your house

Elegant crockery display add charm to your house

Displaying your crockery in the right way will add to the charm of your home. Getting a crockery unit will not only enable you to show off your collection but also to protect it from dust. Having one made to suit your particular requirements is also affordable if you utilize the right material. You need not have to stretch your budget to procure a good-looking as well as useful unit for your crockery. A visit to second-hand shops may be able to get you a cheaper crockery unit which is in good condition if you so desire. You can also have glass shutters and mirror-backed shelves.

Using quality wood for making the crockery unit will be expensive. Therefore, use of Laminated plywood provides a good finish to your crockery unit and it is not expensive. Particle board is another material which is reasonabley priced with outstanding features. It lasts long so long as it is utilized indoors and in places which are free of dampness. A unit made of this material can be painted to get elegance. Imported particle board units with better finish also are available in the market. Famous companies often use particle board of graded density to make high-quality units which combine good look with usefulness.

If you go in for a built-in unit you can have it in the kitchen for the best advantage. The right kind of lighting is the next requisite for an affordable crockery unit. You need more caution and better lighting while handling fragile crockery, so it is better to include a few lights in it. You can have battery-operated ones and install them yourself. It will become more pleasant looking with built-in lighting as well.

A sideboard can be used in place of a crockery cupboard. Dining room is the best place for placing a sideboard. This will serve for storage as well as space for serving food. Keeping serving dishes on the top along with some knick-knacks and a lamp would be a practical idea. The same choices in material can be used in this too as you used for the crockery unit. To add a touch of elegance, add glass fronted shutters. Drawers too will make it more functional for keeping cutlery, table mats and other items. If you have a concrete built-in unit you can clothe it with polished stone for a smooth finish.

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Sunday, 13 November 2016

DESIGNING THE BATHROOM

Bathrooms are as important as halls and bedrooms. Though we cannot live without them, most people never used to pay any attention to it, and in making it comfortable. But nowadays many closely scrutinize the designing of bathrooms. With some effort the bathroom can be converted into a pleasing, comfortable, luxury zone.

Bathrooms are no longer just an utility. It is the place where we begin our day, and it should be capable of cheering us up, so that the day becomes a pleasant experience. In bathrooms a man shows his real colours, that is he sheds all retences, allows all possible indulgences, and comes out with a worry-free mind. Today master bathrooms have a toilet, bidet, two sinks, a shower, whirlpool or spa and many other things. Smaller bathrooms may just have a shower area or a comer shower stall instead of a tub and shower. Children's bathrooms may have a thing or two less but it should be colourful.

Some people enjoy taking a long shower or staying in the tub relaxing with aroma candles and music. Luxury items that can be incorporated into master baths are exercise equipment, mini refrigerators, saunas and even flat panel televisions mounted on walls or ceilings.

Master bathrooms are now turning into home spas. Decorative fixtures and furniture are becoming a part of the luxuries that are incorporated into bathroom designs nowadays. Stainless steel sinks, medicine chest, bath tub, shower walls, faucets, etc are sought after in modern day bathrooms, and is available in a wide variety of shapes and materials. Fixtures in white, biscuit or bone colours are popular and chrome faucets with soft brass accents have become trendy. But stainless steel still remains the choice for the majority, as it is rust proof and merges well with all colours.

Artistic and aesthetic sinks, vanity areas, vessel sinks and sinks made of hand blown glass represent high fashion. Comer shelf, comer shower, and hanging towel bars have become essentials in contemporary bathrooms. Washbasins made of ceramics or stainless steel are now available in regular rounds, squares or rectangular shapes or in unique artistic shapes.

Steel baths are strong and durable, while acrylic baths are light Steel baths are strong and durable, while acrylic baths are light weight. Bathroom accessories make the bath elegant, and adds an element of fun.

Bathroom lights are available in many colours and shapes. Dim soft lights can be used for mood lighting,

while bright lights would be useful for applying make-ups. Traditional fixtures are more ornamental and will suite classic, antique, period, colonial, rustic and country bathroom decors. Modem fixtures are slim, sleek, angular and will look better with high tech, modem minimalist bathroom styles. Most traditional bathroom accessories have floral designs, while modem products have geometric or swirl designs.

Sunken bathrooms, roman style or bath tubs with elongated pedestal base, look classic and formal, while a rectangular tub with square tiles or curvy whirlpools is in tune with contemporary bathroom designs. Modern high tech bathrooms have streamlined pedestal sinks with plumbing on display, vessel sink or sinks above countertops, while traditional bathrooms have marble sinks, vanity sink combinations or sinks with pedestals.

Plain glass and frosted shower doors look Victorian. Oak seats and tanks including antique and tall ones mounted high on the wall make bathrooms look traditional, while modern bathrooms have low profile commodes mounted on the wall.

If persons with physical disabilities are using the bathrooms they would have to be remodeled. If the bathrooms are located in a high traffic area they should use decorations that are durable and is not easily damaged.

Bath Accessories

Stylish, elegant fixtures and bath accessories convert the bathroom into a personal retreat and will also add a creative and fun element to them, and increase comfort levels. The basic requirement is keeping the bathrooms always neat, clean and germ-free, The core accessories that define the look of the bathroom are a mirror, towel holders, shower curtains, holders to keep tissues, shampoo, tooth brushes and paste, soap dishes and lotion dispensers. The bathroom should not look cluttered or crowded. Too many accessories must be avoided. They should give a unique, creative look to the bath space.

Fresh towels should be neatly kept on a rack so that they are accessible right after the shower. Bathroom accessories also include aroma extracts and essential oils. A spa at home, or a bubble bath in the tub with dried or fresh flower petals will be a great experience. Colour co- ordination with accessories, and towels coloured red, orange or pink and bathrooms with pleasant yellows will be an enchanting experience.

Magazine racks is a must for people who love to read while using the bathroom. A shower massager can ease the tension before going to bed. If it is not possible to get a fog free shower mirror, fitting an exhaust fan in the bathroom will be useful. Other bathroom accessories are pillar taps, bath panels, floor coverings, bathroom cabinets, shelving, window fittings like blinds and curtains, towel nails, bins and mirrors.

Floors and Wall Tiles

To ensure safety, only anti-skid floor tiles must be used in bathrooms. A large range of bathroom wall and floor tiles are now available. Neutral stone tiles can also be used. If the bathroom is small, mirror panels can be used to create an image of spaciousness. Using grout of various colours give an enticing look to the colour of the ceramic tile. If incorporating tubes and Jacuzzi is not affordable, creating a small water body in one of the comers and adding rose petals and floating water candles will be a wonderful spectacle. The wet and dry areas should always be separate. To keep the bathrooms clean it is better to use shower cubicles.

Colour Scheme

The role of colour in the bathroom is immense. The colour should be decided according to the tastes of the individual, his emotional state and the feel required in the bathroom. High contrast colour schemes like black and white or white and royal blue, make the bath formal. Low contrast colour combinations like beige and mint green inject a casual look. The towels and decorative pieces should be a shade lighter or darker than the walls.

The counter tops provide additional workspace in the bathroom. Wood must not be used in bathrooms, as it can be damaged by moisture. It is better to use synthetic material resistant to water and dampness on bathroom counter tops.

If you want to remodel your bathroom you can start by installing small luxuries like whirlpool tubs, dual shower heads, rain showers etc. A music system can be added later.

It is absolutely essential to keep the bathroom clean, with ample lighting and good ventilation. By making a few changes the bathroom in your home can be turned into a veritable resort of aesthetics, comfort and functionality.

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Friday, 11 November 2016

Decorating houses on limited budgets

Decorating houses on limited budgets

People generally think that decorating homes with works of art is a costly exercise. Though it might be true in some cases, it is not so always. It is definitely possible to decorate walls in an eye-catching way with creative ideas and nominal amounts. Budget wall art can give the walls a fashionable look.

There are many ways to glamorize walls with striking artwork and limited budgets. The strategy largely lies in the presentation which can make even an ordinary calendar picture look xclusive. One should not feel boxed in by preconceived ideas. Some ingenious ways of dressing up walls are discussed below.

Printed Paintings

Prints are the universal budget art. There will always be a calendar print of a famous painting that can be put on the wall. A series of prints ofa particular artist can be grouped on a wall. If the print has a traditional theme, then having a fabric matting will give it style and elegance. A collection of souvenir travel postcards can be framed together, and that will inject vibrancy.

Stylish menu cards of restaurants can be displayed in simple frames. That will make guests air their ideas about that, and start an interesting conversation either in the dining room or kitchen. Similarly, maps can be framed and displayed in a study or home office.

Puzzles, Embroidery

Hobbies like puzzles, embroidery, coin or stamp collections can make decorative wall art. While puzzles and embroidered pieces can be framed elegantly with wooden frames,stamps and coins may require a different I kind of presentation.

Stamps can either be framed individually, or hung together in a geometric pattern, or a sheet of stamps could be framed in toto. In both cases, the stamps should be thematically arranged. Coins can also be framed in a similar manner. Things like key chains can be displayed in a customized shadow box with hooks fixed to the rear.

Collections of botanicals like pressed flowers and leaves can be framed after mounting them on handmade paper. Games that have been relegated to the cupboard can be brought out, framed and displayed in the children’s room or in corridors or stairways to give a retro look.

Hobbies like oil or water paintings make stunning artwork. Help and guidance from professional artists should be taken for better presentation. Caricatures are reasonably simple and make interesting display.

Family Photographs

It is best to put photographs offamily vacations as a collage in places like the living room, family room and bed rooms. They should be framed in such a way that they could be updated with recent photographs. Photographs of nature and still life can be framed thematically along a wall in the lobby or verandah. Digital photo art makes it possible to have a photograph in different colour tones, providing an interesting composition. Or you can alter a photograph digitally to give it a different effect.

Tea Pots, Figurines

Collectibles like tea pots or figurines can be displayed as wall hangings with the help of shadow boxes or broad rectangular wooden frames on which the object can be placed without glass or backing. Take out your favourite porcelain bowl plate or brass figurine from cupboards and display them on the walls.

Personal Memorabilia

Certain objects always remain personal favourites like a child’s first dress or shoes. They can be displayed in the bedroom. Favourite posters, trophies, and awards too can be suitably framed and displayed. Old gramophone records that are no longer played can be displayed along with their covers to recreate a bygone era. The matting can be cut to encase the round vinyl record and the square cover to make an interesting presentation. These are ideal birthday resentations for family members.

Wall hangings

Wall hangings of all types can be bought at reasonable prices from markets. Hangings made of terracotta, wrought iron, porcelain, bamboo, and wicker are stylish and affordable. Attractive quilts, regional applique works or carpets can cover the large expanse of a bare wall. Collages could be made with the help of tiles or canvases to create charming wall hangings. Ceramic tiles can be framed to create a pattern or else canvases can be painted and both could be displayed together.

Wall Art

Whatever may be the wall art, when it is presented properly its value multiplies manifold. Even a simple photograph can become the centre of attraction, when displayed suitably. An appropriate location should be allotted for the artwork based on theme, colour and size.

For instance, a picture of colourful fruits will look good in the dining room. Small to medium sized artwork can be displayed as a group. A set of small compositions can be framed together to make one large wall hanging. While framing artwork, innovative ways should be thought over and followed.

Embroidered wall hangings can be framed between two glass sheets bolted together. Present day wood frames are made in straight lines. The carved details in frames are suitable for traditional themes. In the case of frames, clip frames are suitable for 2D pictures. Box frames and shadow boxes can house 3D art.

A box frame can be used for displaying flat objects like photographs to give depth to the artwork. You must choose a suitable matting that will accentuate the colour of the artwork. A simple frame with seashells, sequins, mirror pieces, colourful pasta, or any other eye-catching accessories can be used for decoration. Frames like an old shuttered window can make a strikingly refreshing decor.

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Thursday, 10 November 2016

Protect your house from water

Protect your house from water

Water is one of the greatest enemies of buildings, and if adequate precautions are not taken it can seriously degrade your precious asset.

Most problems arising out of rain can be tackled with a little forethought and by following precautionary measures.

The world of nature always welcomes rains. The rain rejuvenates flora and fauna. Rain washes clean the environs and external building surfaces. But it's a different story inside. The rains could add to your woes here, causing numerous problems. But these are all solvable, and it is easy to tackle them with proper precautions and corrective measures.

Usual Problems

Rains raise atmospheric humidity. Inadequate sunlight and ventilation affects enclosed areas in buildings. Eventually dampness creeps in, and it is injurious to the people who might already be suffering from respiratory problems.

Dampness leads to the proliferation of algae, discolouring painted walls and resulting in peeling and flaking. Continuous darkness can affect artifacts like oil paintings. Another common problem is the seepage of rain water. Water percolates through minute surface cracks on the roof and creates soggy patches on ceilings and walls. It could even enter hairline cracks in the flooring causing tiles to become uneven.

Water proofing

While constructing a house, water proofing of terraces and toilets is extremely important. Windows and doors facing the exterior must have an overhang or chajja to prevent rainwater from entering the interiors. Water proofing compounds mixed into the plaster give an added layer of protection against water.

The exposed brick, though aesthetically attractive, can become an absorptive surface, in the absence of plastering. Varnishing or painting the brick surface will give partial protection.

Water seepage also occurs through the ground. It is advisable to raise the plinth above ground level, and have flagging concrete or plinth protection along the base of the walls on the exterior.

Interior problems

In bathrooms the dampness caused by steam creates a film on all the surfaces there. A black mould forms on shower curtains and walls, causing the warping of storage cabinets and the plywood backings of mirrors.

In kitchens due to the regular washing of cooking vessels, the splash area above the sink as well as the surrounding floors gets constantly splattered with droplets of soapy water, and this can make the floor a potentially dangerous slippery area.

The wardrobes and carpeting are difficult to maintain areas inside bedrooms. If a damp wall has a wooden wardrobe attached to it, water enters the woodwork and causes it to warp. The subsequent expansion and shrinkage makes the closing of shutters difficult since the alignment is lost. The wet carpets in closed rooms without air movement emit an odour which is very difficult to eradicate.

During rainy days it's the utility areas which are used the most. Semi dry or dripping wet clothes which hang from clothesline or stands, wet umbrellas, rain coats and wet shoes are usually placed here to avoid messing up the rest of the house.

Tips

Some sensible and easy to follow precautions if taken in time can solve most of the above problems.

-Water proofing treatment should be done without fail during construction.

-All rooms should have adequate cross ventilation. This facilitates air movement, and prevents odours.

-Sunlight should be allowed to enter areas that are prone to dampness.

-Areas with dripping water should be periodically mopped to avoid stains on the floor.

-Walls that have constant contact with water should have cladding with glazed tiles or enamel paint. These surfaces then can be wiped dry. Shower curtains have to be wiped dry after a shower since mouldy patches left on the plastic are difficult to clean.

-In rooms where natural ventilation is not possible, air purifiers/ humidifiers, air conditioners, fans and exhaust fans can help maintain optimum humidity.

-The woodwork used for cabinets in wet areas should be raised above floor level if there is water. They should be coated with a melamine layer or should be fabricated from water proof plywood with laminated surfaces.

-The interiors of wardrobes which are dark and damp, are often prone to silverfish and mould. These cause patches on internal walls, wood work and clothes. The use of naphthalene and silica gel desiccant packets helps to alleviate these problems.

-Absorbent floor mats can be used to absorb water from rainy footwear, and avoid muddy patches on clean tiles and carpets.

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Wednesday, 9 November 2016

Maharashtra housing agency to join hands with private developers

Maharashtra housing agency to join hands with private developers

With little available land for ready development, the Maharashtra Housing & Area Development Authority (Mhada) is scouting for partnerships with private developers. Mhada has invited expression of interest (EoI) from realtors, if they would be interested in sharing their land for development of houses for economically weaker sections (EWS) and the lower income group (LIG).

According to MHADA, the government agency has only 25 acres readily available for development. Other land parcels are either encroached or the government of the government has not completed the transfer procedure. The dearth is forcing it to look at the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

Builders who would join the state development authority will be rewarded in two ways. They will get money for construction and would also be able to develop more houses on the land parcel. This is possible since Mhada gets a floor space index (FSI, the ratio of permissible build-up area to the size of the land lot) of 2.5. Private developers, on the other hand, are allowed an FSI of only 1 (with some exceptions, in parts of Mumbai). They need to buy transfer of development rights (TDR), if they want to develop more than the permissible limit. A developer generates a TDR by giving his land for public use such as widening of a road or slum rehabilitation. He may sell such rights in the market to another developer. Even after using TDR, developers may only construct up to an FSI of only 2 in Mumbai.

Mhada’s model will work like this. Assume a developer has a 10,000 sq mt (or 2.47 acres) plot. Legally, he may build only up to 10,000 sq mt of living space. If Mhada comes into the picture, he gets to develop housing space of 25,000 sq mt. Of this, Mhada will take between 6,250 sq mt and 10,000 sq mt, depending on the scheme. The realtor will get the rest. Mhada will also pay the developer the cost of construction. In this case, the builder gets 5,000-8,750 sq mt extra. Mhada is also looking at making use of the subsidy the government provides if 40 per cent of the project is used for housing EWS and LIG. The subsidy is between Rs 60,000 and Rs 1 lakh for each flat so built, depending on the house size.

Developers are worried that the rates at which Mhada will sell the flat can impact prices of their flats. The prices can dampen around 10-15 per cent. But the extra FSI should compensate it,” said one of the leading property developers.

But he also cautioned that this project can be affected if builders are allowed extra FSI. The earlier, Vilasrao Deshmukh government had raised FSI in the city’s suburbs to 1.33 from 1. Before it could be implemented a public interest suit was filed against this. If the court rules in favour of the government, builders will get FSI up to 2.66 in the suburbs if they would use TDR.

Mohan Deshmukh, president of the Maharashtra Chambers of Housing Industry (MCHI), a builders’ association, feels this partnership is only feasible if the land is outside Mumbai city’s municipal limits. Within the city limits, developers can make more money if they construct and sell the house on their own, he said.

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