arunachalagrace@fastmail.fm
August 1, 2009
8 Kms from Arunachala
arunachalagrace@fastmail.fm
July 26, 2009
Buying a home?
"When the real estate sector was on a dream run from 2002-03 till around January 2008, home buyers in most cases overlooked many issues that are coming to the fore now. Avoiding some common mistakes can make the process of selecting and buying a house a little simpler.
Before you buy. Most mistakes happen at this stage.
Home search. A typical home search starts with scanning advertisements. But, this means you will have to check everything on your own - the developer's credentials, his ability to deliver on time and the approved building plan. Not easy to do. Developers aren't usually forthcoming with this information. Even if they are, analysing it is tough, especially if you are a first-time buyer.
If you find a house on your own and at a price that suits you, getting a loan from a bank or a housing finance company isn't easy. The institution will do its own due diligence before approving the loan, which means you will have to wait for some more time. And, if the lender finds a problem with the project, it may not sanction the loan.
A simpler way is to approach the bank or the HFC from where you plan to take the home loan. Most of them have a list of pre-approved properties. They include properties on which the necessary checks have been done. If you choose from this list, loan approval will be faster. The only hitch is that these properties will typically cost a little more."
The article goes on to discuss; payment mode, developer agreement, property dealers, choosing the Bank and facts to consider after the purchase.
To read the article in its entirety, please go to this link here.
July 22, 2009
Harvesting Rain
Nearly any homeowner can collect rainwater, since the roof and gutters do most of the work. Furthermore, they can harvest huge volumes. An inch of rain, falling on a 2,000-square-foot roof, produces 1,200 (4,500 litres) gallons of runoff, which is enough to supply a family of four for about two weeks.
Using rainwater has obvious budgetary benefits, but there are reasons to do it besides putting a dent in the water bill. For those facing water shortages, harvesting rain can help keep the lawn green, or even provide water for indoor use. However, water to be used indoors, whether for washing or for drinking, must be thoroughly treated.
There are a slew of benefits that come with the purity of rainwater. Plants prefer it, especially if tap water has been treated with softening salts, which dampen plant growth. The lack of minerals in rainwater make it more effective for washing hair or doing dishes. Furthermore, reducing or eliminating mineral deposits in pipes and water heaters can extend their life, requiring less maintenance and associated costs.
Collecting rainwater also reduces pollution-causing runoff, and if it is collected and used without the aid of pumps or other powered equipment, provides a carbon-neutral water source.
The simplest form of rainwater collection is also the most affordable: a rain barrel positioned under a gutter’s downspout. The barrel is typically fitted with a spigot at its base to fill a watering can or attach a soaker hose (which bleeds out water all along its length, providing effortless drip irrigation), and a filter or screen at its top to prevent a buildup of leaves and other debris.
With a little work a barrel’s capacity can be increased. When the barrel is full, runoff is directed through a spout near the top of the barrel called an overflow port. This spout can be made to flow into another barrel, increasing capacity.
However many barrels are connected, though, a downspout must be attached to the last overflow port. This attachment directs overflow away from the building, preventing water from pooling around the barrel’s base.
With a few simple materials and a bit of ingenuity, a rain barrel can be built at home. There are countless tutorials online on how to do this. Check out Google for links. Though buying a premade barrel is easier, it is also more expensive.
A world apart from rain barrels are the more complex setups that provide water for indoor use. These systems use cisterns that hold thousands of gallons, and have treatment systems to remove sediment and harmful organisms from collected water.
There are several methods for treatment, but one of the most common is a combination of filters and ultraviolet light. These very fine filters remove particles, some organisms, and can even absorb bad odors and tastes. After filtration, an ultraviolet light shines on the water as it flows through a clear quartz tube, killing any remaining pathogens.
The prices for these systems can vary widely depending on your needs, and are not do-it-yourself projects. Above-ground is generally cheaper. Unlike rain barrels, either option (on a large enough scale) can make a household totally water-independent.
[Extract from emagazine]
June 9, 2009
Ashoka Apartments External
Still to come are aerial views looking down into the apartment block which will show the lift and stairwell in the centre surrounded by a garden with the backs of all apartments looking over the garden.
The lift starts from the garage and goes up to roof. The roof will include a general room for the use of meditation and as a quiet area. The basement will include a coin-operated laundry facility available to all residents.
Right Click on all photographs to view enlarged size
May 21, 2009
Devananthal Plots
This posting is about land at Devananthal which is available at reasonable rates for housing. This area is just passed Vediyappanur off the Girivalam roadway. For this reason it is area which will probably maintain its integrity far longer than other spots in equal proximity to the Hill. The darshan of Arunachala is spectacular.
The land is available for sale in the dimensions stated at the bottom of this posting. The developers will also, when requested build a house for the land purchaser. They have already built one house (the red house, fifth photograph down).
I am including (in this posting) the plan of a smaller more inexpensive model house of the developers. Artistic representation of the finished house is also included in this posting.
For fuller information regarding pricing of both land and house prices, please get in touch with me at:
arunachalagrace@fastmail.fm
Plots in Square Feet
Plot 1 – 26,535, Plot 2 – 5,562, Plot 3 – 5,587, Plot 4 – 5,612, Plot 5 – 7,413, Plot 6 – 7,000, Plot 7 – 7,000, Plot 8 – 7,000, Plot 9 – 7,000, Plot 10 – 7,000, Plot 11 – 6,475, Plot 12 – 11,343, Plot 13 – 9,187, Plot 14 – 9,089, Plot 15 – 9,778, Plot 16 – 8,016, Plot 17 – 7,308, Plot 18 – 7,182, Plot 19 – 7,056, Plot 20 – 8,883, Plot 21 – 6,562, Plot 22 – 6,511, Plot 23 – 6,885, Plot 24 – 6,787, Plot 25 – 6,345, Plot 26 – 6,400, Plot 27 – 6,400, Plot 28 – 6,058, Plot 29 – 5,885, Plot 30 – 5,636, Plot 31 – 10,695, Plot 32 – 10,118, Plot 33 – 9,599, Plot 34 – 8,211, Plot 35 – 7,970, Plot 36 – 6,068, Plot 39 – 6,383, Plot 40 – 7,777, Plot 41 – 6,687, Plot 42 – 6,612, Plot 43 – 6,537.
Ashoka Apartments Information
Please note that I have now substituted the original plans with new ones (in the previous posting) which are clearer and easier to view. The apartment sizes remain exactly the same. Also please note that the square foot of each apartment is calculated on 'plinth' not 'carpet' square foot i.e. it includes the balcony.
I'm waiting to receive plans of the apartment complex (hopefully within the next week) from several different angles including a view looking into the central part of the complex, (which includes the lift, staircase and garden). I will post the additional drawings when received.
April 30, 2009
Ashoka Apartments
Right-click on plans to view enlargement
In response to requests from readers of
The Ashoka Apartments will have 15 apartments, 6 of which will be for direct purchase and the remaining 9 apartments will be available for rent on 3 year Long Leases.
The Complex is 3 storey with secure perimeter gate. Each apartment will have a balcony facing outward and will be facing inward towards a centre arboreum (garden). Special facilites offered at this Complex include: meditation hall on roof, lift, 24-hour security, basement car parking and laundry room in basement.
Apartment Specifications
Ground Floor
Apartment A = 397.4 sq ft
Apartment B = 343 sq ft
Apartment C = 473 sq ft
Apartment D = 1219 sq ft
First Floor
Apartment E = 467 sq ft
Apartment F = 349 sq ft
Apartment G = 488 sq ft
Apartment H = 488 sq ft
Apartment I = 349 sq ft
Apartment J = 467 sq ft
Second Floor
Apartment K = 467 sq ft
Apartment L = 349 sq ft
Apartment M = 488. sq ft
Apartment N = 488 sq ft
Apartment P = 467 sq ft
Plinth Area in Square Feet (i.e. carpet area + balcony)
Please keep checking back as I will be posting more information, including drawings of what the completed apartments will look like. For specific enquiries please email me direct:
arunachalagrace@fastmail.fm
March 30, 2009
Beautiful Arunachala Land
March 21, 2009
Changing Scenario
In a recent article in Property Plus, The Hindu -- it is stated that:
“The current economic slowdown has changed the housing market scenario significantly and has forced home buyer sand developers to re-orient their strategies.
Buyers are now getting calculative and want to probe factors such as the falling prices of cement and steel, construction cost and reduction in service tax and want to know how these are reflected in offers. Buyers are also now examining the actual carpet area that they get in comparison to the area that they pay for.
In addition buyers are looking at the terms of payment and penalties carefully and want a fair deal. They ask for compensation for any delay in delivery of the completed apartment commensurate with the loss of income or the rent. Some have even started demanding that payments be linked to the construction stage, and not make it time bound, as they want cash flow to reflect progress of construction.”
February 19, 2009
Local Planning Authorities
Hitherto, though LPAs were the approving authorities the projects had to be cleared by the directorate of town and country planning (DTCP). This caused a lot of delay, thereby causing an increase in the overall cost of projects by Rs.250 to Rs.400 per sq.ft.
As per the revised norms, residential group developments and special buildings up to 12 dwelling units, with floor area not exceeding 15,000 sq.ft., can be cleared by the LPAs. In the case of commercial buildings, marriage halls, community halls, godowns and lodges with a maximum of 20 rooms, the LPAs can clear projects up to a maximum of 12,000 sq.ft.
January 29, 2009
More Farming Land, South Arunachala
The land for sale is two and a half acres (2 1/2) which is a portion of the six and a half acre (6 1/2) farm pictured in the below two photographs.
Farming Land, South Arunachala
The area is tranquil and peaceful, far away from the noise and smell of traffic and industrialization. For more information about this beautiful agricultural land which is available at a reasonable rate, please contact at email address top left of this page.
January 25, 2009
Ramana Grace Apartments
Currently underway is a project to construct a 12 unit apartment complex named ‘Ramana Grace’, five minutes walk from
Flat 1 -- 640 sq ft, Flat 2 -- 640 sq ft, Flat 3 -- 690 sq ft, Flat 4 -- 690 sq ft, Flat 5 -- 800 sq ft, Flat 6 -- 850 sq ft, Flat 7 -- 950 sq ft, Flat 8 -- 950 sq ft, Flat 9 -- 800 sq ft, Flat 10 -- 850 sq ft, Flat 11 -- 950 sq ft, Flat 12 -- 950 sq ft.
All the above apartments are for sale. For further information please contact through email address at the top left of this page.
Compulsory Purchase
I am posting information about land in certain areas of Tiruvannamalai District that are currently slated for compulsory purchase and/or development. If you are in the process of buying land in any of these areas please check carefully before purchase.
Land for Industrialization
A 2,300-acre land parcel has been identified for acquisition by the State Industries Promotion Corp. of Tamil Nadu Ltd, or Sipcot, a government-owned entity. But Sipcot is now facing problems with some villagers protesting the proposed acquisition. Purchasing land for industrialization is not a problem limited to Tamil Nadu and in this respect there have been protests by farmers across the country in the past couple of years against setting up of industries on farm land.
The current dispute concerns land in nine villages of Tiruvannamalai and Kancheepuram Districts, at which place land owners are still protesting even as Sipcot has started surveys marking the land for acquisition. The nine villages are Chellaperumbulimedu, Kunnavakkam, Ayinjalpattu, Perumbulimedu, Mangal, Akoor, Karanai, Ukkamperumbakkam and Mathur.
Iron Ore Mining Tiruvannamalai District
Confronted with severe resistance from environmental activists and farmers, private sector steel giant Jindal has pulled out from its proposed iron-ore mining plans at Kanchamalai (
January 2, 2009
South of Hill
The below photographs are of my friends five acre farm. The land is fertile and water abudant.
There is agricultural land available in this area. If you require information please drop me an email at the address top left corner of this Blog page.
December 21, 2008
Adi Annamalai More Plots
Further to a previous posting about plots at Adi Annamalai, I have been informed that in the same area there are an additional five plots, each measuring 20' x 70' available for purchase. The plots are adjacent to one another and can be bought separately or in any combination thereof.
Water is abundant and found at around a depth of 40 feet. Below is the view of Arunachala from the land.