Amenities Offered By Builders - Farce or Reality?

Most add facilities free of cost across different pricing segments to make the deals attractive for the buyer. A lot of buyers get attracted by these add on services as they value them a lot. However, how much do these add on services should exactly mean to a buyer?

Modular kitchens which have all the necessary wood work done, twin apartments that have shared private lounging areas, restricted access swimming zones where only row houses that fall in the luxury category are provided entry, special pools for “energizing”, landscaped terrace gardens in every villa, zones for teens and much more are some of the amenities being offered by developers. Some of the amenities such as the modular kitchen are priced nominally while the rest are given away for free!

Not only does the luxury segment get these free ad ons but also mid segment builders are offering interesting freebies. Some of them include no additional car park charges, electricity charges are not imposed over the set price and charges for using the sports zone or club house are waived. Such expensive amenities being offered for free might make buyers sceptical of the actual intention of the builder.

AvikPrabhu who is a loan adviser and consultant states that builders do not make false promises to prospective clients. The competition has increased in Bangalore which is why builders are taking such drastic steps to keep their business afloat. Several new projects have been announced in the city and a large number of the existing ones are inching closer towards completion which has elevated the level of competition that a builder has to face from his own and others’ projects. Therefore, the target of attracting buyers is heating up and developers are offering better deals. From the developer’s side, it is actually a case of showcasing to buyers about how his project is better than those of his competitors.

Therefore, it is very essential for a buyer to clear out what he is imagining the freebie to be and what the seller is offering. As a buyer, you should also consider what your and your family’s needs are over that which is being offered.

Amenities such as children’s play area, swimming pools, club house, mini theatre, roof top entertainment zone, jogging tracks and senior citizens’ walking area are being offered by many mid-segment developers in projects where the starting price of an apartment if Rs 55 lakhs. On the other hand, developers who have more expensive projects are focusing more on the quality of construction, handover date and people density and a few of the aforementioned amenities. The buyer has to check out the different offerings and go for what is her or his need.

Here are some pointers that would help buyers know exactly what they should look out for and what is being offered by the developer.

•  Because the cost of construction has gone up, buyers should actually check out the quality of the free  amenity being offered and exactly what the builder is offering. For example, a facility such as the special energizing swimming pools may have pressure spot tiles, similar to those used in parts or flooring which is extra ribbed and prevents skidding and not Jacuzzi style pressurized flow of water. Similarly, a landscaped terrace might mean a patch of artificial grass that is bordered with flower pots, wooden flooring with miniature pals in pots and partial grass.
•   An Italian kitchen or ready modular kitchen with the apartment does not necessarily imply that the kitchen will be decorated as per your customizations. It implies that basic facilities such as two slide basket sets and two wooden shelves will be provided. Four small cupboards may also be provided on the top for storing containers and jars. It does not mean that a full length double smooth slide storage space would be provided that measures 9X17 feet. When you choose a ready-made modular kitchen, you need to check the quality of wood. Wood, being a part of building materials, has also seen a price hike along with other construction materials.
• Find out the difference between MDF, ply, particle wood, rubber wood and teak and their usage in terms. They can be used in combination to save a lot of stress and money in the long haul.
• Some of the combinations of wood are more water resistant than the others while some are resistant to dampness and some others should be strictly used in dry areas. It is wiser to spend a little more intelligently after some research. You will actually get what you need instead of getting duped by a cost effective pricing option that is offered by the builder.
• Take stock of what you need and look for projects that check your list of wanted amenities. Do not buy into the colourful and glossy offerings that are being claimed by the builder.
• If you are the type of person who is more comfortable with yoga and long walks, then high quality construction should be your priority along with a green view in an area of solitude. You could also go in for roof top entertainment areas and closeness to a good park. Once you have fixated upon your criteria, concentrate on the size of the apartment and its location. Facilities that you do not use such as swimming pools, clubhouse, jogging track etc. would be a waste for you.

 Before making a purchase on any apartment, talk to your friends and family. Focus more on what your family needs. If you need a location near to your workplace, then forgoing landscaped terraces and clubhouses makes sense. Also, opt for an apartment that has multiple rooms. If you are newly married, a 2BHK flat might seem enough for you. However, as time passes by and your family expands, the space will fall short and you will have to go through the hassle of looking out for larger apartments. Assessing what you need now and may need in the future is of utmost importance when you are making a decision about buying an apartment.