It is not uncommon to hear of people getting disappointing deals with home purchases. What should be a dream home can end up a place with some unsatisfactory aspects. This situation is entirely avoidable if you ensure that the apartment you are considering offers the amenities you really want. Luxurious expectations aside, there are some amenities you should not compromise on if you are looking forward to be content in an apartment.
Here is a list of must-have amenities you should insist on:
Power backup
This is non-negotiable, especially if you live in a city known for frequent power outages. Some localities are prone to power cuts, you should ensure that the home you are buying comes with power backup.
Lifts
With space becoming scarce in cities, high-rise apartments are common. Providing lifts in apartment blocks is a necessity. If it is a large apartment complex, ensure there is more than one lift and that they have power backup as well.
Water supply
Water scarcity is becoming more prevalent in metropolitan cities. You can avoid future hassles by checking if there is 24/7 water supply in the apartment block. You could also take the extra care to check the quality of water received.
Security services
Basic security provisions are a must in every apartment block. Regardless of whether it is round-the-clock security personnel or automated security devices, an unsecured apartment block is a bad choice of investment.
Parking space
This one is pretty high on apartment buyers’ lists of requirements. Buying a home that does not come with parking space results in years of hassles with respect to finding parking space. Remember, covered spaces are ideal.
Recreational facilities
As requirements of urban dwellers increase, apartments must necessarily offer recreational facilities within premises. This could include play area for kids, gymnasiums, swimming pools or tennis courts. Adequate maintenance of these facilities is also an important factor to look for.
Access to common spaces
As an apartment owner, you are entitled to have access to common spaces like terrace, function halls and so on. Before agreeing to the purchase, seek to understand the terms of access to ensure you receive what is rightfully yours.
Waste disposal
It’s wise to check on waste disposal methods followed in your apartment complex. If your city has regulations with respect to segregation and disposal of waste, check if the apartment has a system to ensure the same is carried out.
Vastu compliant designs
To many buyers, a Vastu compliant apartment design is very important. Apart from religious reasons, Vastu or Feng Shui are based on science and practicality. For instance, an East-facing apartment will allow adequate light and ventilation. Consider enquiring about the same before you buy a home.
Ventilation
Finding adequate space is becoming increasingly challenging in metropolitan cities. Very often, one can find buildings that are only a 4 or 5 feet apart. Living in such apartments can get frustrating very quickly – lack of air, lack of light, lack of privacy – it’s enough to drive anyone insane. Insist on flats that have the required lung space.
These basic amenities can go a long way in ensuring a satisfying home owning experience.
Very important list of amenities! I was lucky enough to find an apartment which offered all of this along with other amenities like a gym, swimming pool, convenience store, play area, multi-purpose hall etc. It’s in the Radiance Mercury project in OMR, Chennai. Spent a fair bit of time searching for a vastu compliant home with amenities in my budget and I am glad that I finally found one that I am happy with.