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Saturday, 23 November 2013

6 Tips To Make Your Home Less Attractive To Burglars

With a busy schedule between balancing life and work, most of us pay less attention to home security. But experts say it's a big mistake. Because burglars and thieves are always on the prowl and they love strict schedules. They wait and watch as people go in and out our their houses. And when the moment is right, they break in. Given the fact that burglars are generally smart, the quicker they get in and out with your stuff, the less likely it is that they will be caught. Most burglaries are crimes of opportunity and there is no guarantee that you won't be a victim. So it's always good to take caution to minimize the damage or avoid the situation altogether. Here are some tips to make your home less attractive to burglars. 


Think like a thief: Find the nooks and corners of your house, lawn and backyard that get dark at night. Make sure you provide proper lighting to leave no option for lurking thieves.

Trim shrubs: If you have lot of shrubs in your garden or surroundings, try to trim them down so that no one can hide in them and watch you go in and out.

Get a home security system: If you have a home security system that monitors your house day and night, any smart burglar will think twice before trying to break in. Burglar Alarms are very effective and worth every penny.

Light Up: Light up your interiors and exteriors. Don't leave room for dark corners where burglars can hide in. Shine light on your landscaped gardens and pathways. Motion detecting flood lights can be expensive but they keep burglars out from prowling around.

Lock your doors and windows: Deny access to burglars at any cost by locking your doors and windows at night and check the same before leaving home.

Don't establish a routine: If you keep a pattern in when you come and go out of your house, chances are that burglars are keeping track of your routine. Avoid this by breaking schedule. Somedays come home early, other days come late or go shopping. If you go away on weekends, make sure you tell the neigbhours not to let your newspapers, packages and letters accumulate. Keep the burglars guessing. 

At NestInfratech, your happiness is our primary concern. That's why we have round the clock security for all our apartment/villa projects. When you choose your address with us, we are indebted to provide you the best we can. Your security is our priority. 
Monday, 4 November 2013

The Biggest Architectural Failures of All Time.

Architecture is one field which never ceases to amaze us, be it the the Palm Islands, the Petronas Tower, the Tajmahal, The capital Gate or the Pyramids of Egypt. Although there are countless buildings that acts as tropies upon the showcase of humanity, there are certain structures that doesn't quite make the cut. Here's a list of five structure that remains a stain upon the near perfect architectural legacy of humanity.

5. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge (1940)



  When a suspension bridge is nicknamed 'galloping gertie' you just know that it is one bridge that you should'nt be on. The first version of the tacoma narrows bridge was constructed in 1940 connecting Tacoma and The Kitsap Penninsula. Apparently the bridge wasnt build considering the wind factor in the area and effort to rectify the 'fluttering failure' proved to be ineffective and it finally met its tragic end on november the same year. This epic failure resuled in boosted reseach in the fields of aerodynamic elasicity of long span bridges which has been adopted since.

4. The St Francis Dam



  Built between 1924 and 1926 it was a promising storage reservoir located in the san francisquito canyon. This was a catastopic failure that ended many lives and careers. The dam collapsed on March 28 1928 around 12 midnight killing almost 600 people. The St Francis Dam had to be in our top 5 considering its short life span of two years.


3. The Hyatt Regency Walkway



 This was one of the deadliest structural collapses till the world trade centre attack on 2011. The walkway collapsed because of an overload of onlookers for a dancing contest going on the lower floor. Since the 4th floor walkway was directly on top of the 2nd floor walkway the collapse of the former inevitably destroyed the latter which fell down onto the people gathered below killing 114 people and injuring more than 200.


2. Leaning Tower of Suurhusen



The leaning tower of suurhasen was a late medival steeple located in suurhusen Germany. This structure held the record for the most tilted building until it was taken away from it by the capital gate building in the U.A.E. This steeple was apparently built on marshy grounds which rotted away its oakwood foundations causing the building to tilt at an angle of over 5 degrees.

1. Leaning Tower of Pisa


   
Even the leaning tower of suurhusen has a greater angle of tilt, the leaning tower of pisa is the most famous architectural blunder in the modern age. Attracting attention for all the wrong reasons, this here stucture has vistitors from all around the globe. The leaning tower of pisa is stable at the moment and is expected to stand for another 200 to 300 years thanks to some clever engineering tweeks in the form of counter weights and some strong cables holding the structure in its less than comfortable position.
Wednesday, 23 October 2013

Top 5 reasons to choose 'Orchid Park'

The Orchid Park, the latest venture of the nest group, has suceeded in placing a solid footing in the heart of kottayam, considered to be the birthplace of malayalam literature, the nerve point of media centes and the land of letters, latex and lagoons. While it houses a variety of weapons up its arsenal we have taken the liberty of puting forward five of the best features this earthly paradise has to offer.


1. Accessibilty


 This may seem like an obvious choice to many, but we had to put it in our top five considering the ease of access this apartment is going to provide its residents. Located at the heart of kottayam, it is just 2 km away from the railway station and has everything a person would require within the radius of a few kilometers. Accessibility is key while choosing any area for residential needs and the orchid park is generous in this regard.

2. Barbeque & Party area


  We understand the fundamental need of a person of having a social life. What better way to jazz it up than throw a barbeque party?
This little feature excited us the moment we laid eyes upon it, even to a point where we started fantasizing about the nights we could enjoy sipping  cold cola while gorging buckets of spicy chicken wings. A fun way to unwind with your family, friends or both.

3. Sauna & Jaccuzi


   Okay, it was around this time when we started to have a feeling that these guys were trying to spoil up. I could be on the search for a person who would not like a warm session in a sauna for months and still find no one. It is one of those rare places that you would succeed in finding zen in this busy and noisy world we live in today. I guess the project visualizers sensed this and, as a gift, sent us this glorious creation.

4. Rainwater Harvesting


   Just another example to reinforce the fact that the human race may actually live to see another millenium. The rainwater harvesting system is a green initiative taken up by the developers which in theory would ensure fresh water supply all through the year, especially in an area like kottayam which in fact gets a lot of rainfall through the year. This feature may yet prove a factor that would amaze atleast a small section of people still not enlightened to the fact that rainwater could actually be saved.

5. Landscaped Gardens


   In this period when we don't have an option but to enjoy a flower made of concrete or a tree made of asbestos, the idea of having a landscaped garden sounds somewhat heaven sent. To think that you would actually see a little bit of green in this concrete jungle we have today may excite some of you nature lovers out there. What better way to end a day than sitting with your loved ones enjoying the sunset? And what better way to end this analysis than by putting this peaceful image into your minds? 

The time has come for us to end this discussion and for to begin taking action. The orchid park is looking for prospective buyers, and for those of you who are interested in owning this piece of heaven contact the nest group by means listed below.

E.mail :mail@nestinfratech.com 
Tel: +91 484 4477555

You could also login to our website: www.nestinfratech.com  

Wednesday, 2 October 2013

How To Choose Furniture For Different Rooms In The House?

Furniture is an essential component that not only gives comfort, but also serves as decoration for a house. They provide and sense of satisfaction and enhance the beauty of your homes. While selecting furniture for your place of residence you are getting an opportunity to test your artistic skills. The way you will place furniture inside your home reflects your taste and acts as a symbolic of your likes and dislikes. There are different areas in your house like dining room, bedroom and bathrooms etc. that have different furniture requirements.

Bedroom Furniture

contemporary furniture design-94

Your bedroom is relaxation in your house. It is advised to decorate your bedroom with the best possible furniture options you have. The main components of bedroom furniture or bed, wardrobe, side table, stands, bedroom chairs etc. While selecting each of the above mentioned components it is important that proper attention should be given to the color scheme and design.

Contemporary Furniture

Dining Table Popular Products Contemporary Furniture 2012

Contemporary design and gone through tremendous changes over the ages. There are many unique designs and forms that are responsible for this change. The best place where you can set up contemporary furniture is your living room. You can add chairs of unique designs that look great and bring a lot of comfort. Another place that suits contemporary furniture is the dining room.

Dining Furniture

modern dining room furniture

Dining room is where most of the family unions take place. So it is important that it should have brilliant furniture that can provide maximum support in such occasions. Always prefer contemporary designs because they will add a modern touch.

Bathroom Furniture

Bathroom Furniture Ideas

Bathroom furniture is important it may sound odd to most people, but yes this is a fact. It is all about your aesthetic sense and creativity and this is something that you do for personal pleasure. This is to add a luxurious setting to the bathrooms. While decorating bathrooms proper consideration should be given to the latest bathroom trends and the color scheme is supposed to be neutral but not boring.

Garden Furniture

Garden Furniture Ideas 

This form of furniture is more commonly talk about as outdoor furniture or lawn furniture. It mostly consists of benches and chairs that are installed to provide seating arrangement. Also tables are included in the categories of garden furniture. There are many forms and designs when it comes to garden furniture elements and you need to select the one that shows compatibility with your lawn.

Kitchen Furniture

Kitchen Furniture Ideas

For the lady of the house kitchen is her palace. It is where she spends most of her day so it needs to be beautiful. So take some time in decorating your kitchen with furniture that balances functionality and aesthetics. Before selecting furniture for your kitchen consider the theme, color combination, size and space available in your kitchen.

Living Room Furniture

Living Room Furniture Ideas

When you are selecting furniture of your living room then the most important thing is to pay consideration to the available size. According to the available space you need to add sofas and armchairs, ottomans, coffee tables etc.

Wednesday, 25 September 2013

Top 10 Mistakes Of First Time Buyers

Buying a home may seem a frightening task, but a little preparation will ease the way. Check out these common difficulties of first time homebuyers before starting your search.


The declining home values that are annoying homeowners are just one of the factors creating an opportunity for anticipated homebuyers.If you agree, be aware that buying a home comes with plenty of potential missteps. Here are 10 all too common mistakes first timers make.

1. NOT KNOWING HOW MUCH YOU CAN AFFORD

Many beginner homebuyers spend a lot of time researching homes, comparing kitchen layouts and backyard square footage, but very little time researching their financing options. One of the first things buyers should do is talk to a qualified lender and get preapproved for a mortgage. Without first figuring out how much you can afford, you risk falling in love with one you can't. 

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2. ASSUMING ACTION FORECLOSERS ARE GREAT DEALS

Just because the previous owner owed 1 Cr on a house before the bank took it over doesn’t mean it’s worth that much now. Values have slipped significantly, so you may not be getting the bargain you think with a foreclosure. Also, most homes owned by lenders or banks have been sitting vacant for months and may have been destroyed. That could require extensive renovation or repair. Weigh the costs of fixing up the property against the savings you’ll likely reap by buying a lower priced foreclosed home.

3. LETTING YOUR TRUE FEELINGS SHOW

No matter how much you have fallen in love with a house, don’t let the seller’s agent in on it. Otherwise, he will gain the upper hand in negotiations.

4. FAILING TO FIND A GOOD BUYER'S AGENT

Landing a mortgage is tough these days. So buyers should rely heavily on knowledgeable agents to help them get their finances in order. After all, buyer’s agents have a financial responsibility to the buyer exclusively and should be looking out for his best interests. Consider using an agent recommended by a relative or friend. Interview the candidates about their experience, ask if they have worked with first time buyers before and what kind of service you will get from them.



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5. UNDERESTIMATING THE COSTS OF OWNING A HOME

Whether it’s a rusty pipe or a leaky roof, things go wrong and need to be fixed. Many homebuyers don't anticipate the additional costs for repair and maintenance, or for an increase in utility costs. Consider the age of your new home and how well it’s been treated by the previous owners in your budget. Be prepared to set aside a small percentage (1% at most) of the home’s purchase price annually for repairs and maintainance.


6. FAILING TO BUDGET FOR PROPERTY TAXES

Property taxes and the likelihood that they will climb over the course of your time in the house should be factored into any homebuying budget. To get an idea of how much you will be paying, call the local assessor’s office or talk to people in the neighborhood.

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7. ASSUMING YOUR OFFER WILL GET ACCEPTED

As home prices get even more affordable, competition is bound to heat up. You can’t assume you will walk in there, make the offer and get it. Try not to get discouraged if you lose out on the first or second house you make an offer on.





8. SKIPPING THE INSPECTION

Before signing anything, hire a professional inspector, The seller isn’t likely to tell you there’s mold in the basement or the walls are poorly insulated. We advice buyers to find and hire their own inspector independently of the real-estate agent to ensure there’s no conflict of interest. You can find inspection companies in the phone book, or by doing a simple Web search with your ZIP code.

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9. DOING TOO MUCH TOO FAST

Some buyers want to make the house their own right away. They over extend themselves on credit to do so, and assume the improvement will pay for itself by increasing the home's value. But that’s not always the case especially in today's market. Instead, buyers need to exhibit patience and make changes over time.




10. FAILING TO INCLUDE A CONTINGENCY CLAUSE IN THE CONTRACT

A mortgage financing possibility clause protects you if, say, you lose your job and the loan falls through or the appraisal price comes in over the purchase price. Should one of these events occur, the buyer gets back the money he used to secure the property. Without the clause, he can lose that money and still be obligated to buy the house.
Thursday, 5 September 2013

Indian Architecture through the ages

Everything which is human made has evolved with time. Indian architecture has evolved through various ages in different regions of the country. Indian architecture was generally affected by the emergence and decay of great empires and dynasties. India faced a massive change in styles of architecture through these times, but remained to have the most famous and beautiful piece of architecture till date.

Indus Valley Civilization (2700 BC-1700BC)
The Indus Valley Civilization was a Bronze Age civilization (2700–1700 BC) that was located in the northwestern region of the Indian subcontinent, consisting of what is now mainly modern-day Pakistan and northwest India. 



Broze Age Civilization
The civilization is noted for its cities built of brick, roadside drainage system, and multistoried houses. The baths and toilets system the cities had is acknowledged as one of the most advanced in the ancient world. The mature phase of this civilization is known as the Harappan Civilization, as the first of its cities to be unearthed was located at Harappa. 


 

Post Maha Janapadas period (1500 BC - 200 AD)
The Buddhist stupa, a dome shaped monument, was used in India as a commemorative monument associated with storing sacred relics.  The stupa architecture was adopted in Southeast and East Asia, where it became prominent as a Buddhist monument used for enshrining sacred relics. Fortified cities with stupas and temples were constructed during the Maurya empire (321 BC– 185 BC).  

Wooden architecture was popular and rock cut architecture became solidified. Walled and moated cities with large gates and multi-storied buildings which consistently used arched windows and doors are important features of the architecture during this period. The Indian emperor Ashoka (273 BC - 232 BC) established a chain of hospitals throughout the Mauryan empire by 230 BC.  A long tradition of art and culture was already established well before the beginning of 20th century in India. Indian painting can be broadly divided into two categories - MURALS and MINIATURE.

Early Common Era - High Middle Ages (200 AD -1200 AD)
Universities housing thousands of teachers and students flourished at Nalanda and Valabhi between the 4th-8th centuries. Maru-Gurjara Architecture show the deep understanding of structures and refined skills of Rajasthani craftmen of bygone era.



The South Indian temple consists essentially of a square chambered sanctuary topped by a superstructure, tower, or spire and an attached pillared porch or hall (maṇḍapa, or maṇṭapam), enclosed by a peristyle of cells within a rectangular court. North Indian temples showed increased elevation of the wall and elaborate spire by the 10th century. Richly decorated temples including the complex at Khajuraho were constructed in Central India.


Late Middle Ages (1100 AD - 1526 AD)
Vijayanagara Architecture of the period (1336 - 1565 AD) was a notable building style evolved by the Vijayanagar empire that ruled most of South India from their capital at Vijayanagara on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in present-day Karnataka. This resulted in the creation of a distinctive imperial style of architecture which featured prominently not only in temples but also in administrative structures across the deccan.





 










Islamic influence and Mughal Era (1526 AD-1857 AD)
Mughal tombs of sandstone and marble show Persian influence.The Red Fort at Agra (1565–74) and the walled city of Fatehpur Sikri (1569–74) are among the architectural achievements of this time - as is the Taj Mahal, built as a tomb for Queen Mumtaz Mahal by Shah Jahan (1628–58). Employing the double dome, the recessed archway, white marble and parks while stressing on symmetry and detail was visible during the reign of Shah Jahan.



Colonial Era (1500 AD—1947 AD)
Under colonial rule, architecture became an emblem of power, designed to endorse the patron. Numerous outsiders invaded India and created architectural styles reflective of their ancestral and adopted homes. The European colonizers created architecture that symbolized their mission of conquest, dedicated to the state or religion. The British, French, Dutch and the Portuguese were the main powers that colonized India.





 








Republic of India (1947 AD - Present )
In recent times there has been a movement of population from rural areas to urban centres of industry, leading to price rise in property in various cities of India. Urban housing in India balances space constrictions and is aimed to serve the working class. Growing awareness of ecology has influenced architecture in India during modern times. Though old, this Eastern tradition has also incorporated modern values as India became a modern nation state. As the country became more integrated with the world's economy, traditional Vastu Shastra remains influential in India's architecture during the contemporary era. Climate responsive architecture has long been a feature of India's architecture but has been losing its significance as of late.

During all these times, though India had been designed and demolished many a times but still it stands proudly and attracts millions of tourists from abroad because of its beautiful piece of architecture.
Indian architecture reflects its socio-cultural sensibilities which vary from region to region.

Nest Infratech is the real estate and infrastructure development wing of the multi-billion dollar multinational company, the Nest. The company gives shape to some of the most ambitious and luxurious living spaces across the country. Nest Infratech believes in building future by keeping the past architecture records as an inspiration to do great things in an creative way.
Thursday, 29 August 2013

Some Popular Types Of Wood Used For Furniture

We have been talking about real estate, homes, villas, designs, architecture, and many other things which directly or indirectly deal with homes. But have you ever given a thought about the furniture you use is actually something that contributes to the beauty of the home in abundance. Almost all of us have furniture in our homes but how many of us give a second thought on what type of wood should we use for which furniture. Today we will be discussing on various types of woods that we actually see but don't go deep into thier details.

The woods are of two types, One is softwood and the other one is hardwood. The former is widely used as woodware for building (homes/cabins) and furniture whereas the latter is used for trimmings and furniture but less frequently than softwood.

Softwood

Softwood is a generic term used in woodworking and the lumber industries for wood from conifers. The term softwood designates wood from gymnosperm trees (plants having seeds with no covering). Examples of the softwood-producing trees are Cedar, Fir, Pine, RedWood, Etc

1. Cedar

The most common type of cedar is the western red variety. Western red cedar, as its name implies, has a reddish color to it. This type of wood is relatively soft has a straight grain, and has a slightly aromatic smell.


Wood