http://www.devigroup.com/maintenance/quality.

htm

IMPORTANT OF MAINTEMANCE
When we purchase a vehicle, we are given a Manualwhich gives us tips on use and maintenance of the machine. We also receive a tool kit to enable us to undertake minor maintenance. Why shouldn't we have the same thing for our house, which probably costs much more than a vehicle? We can afford to change our vehicle, where as our house is supposed to last for a lifetime or even more. Based on this concept, we developed, and brought in, Maintenance Manual & Maintenance Kit, first time

for you, somewhere in August 1993, which is given free to our flat buyers. Lot of new materials have come in the market since then. The houses are now more energy oriented and safety and security driven. This necessitated that we should bring in the revised copy of manual, which addresses additional chapters on electrical appliances and gadgets, on safety and security, elevators etc. First Aid Medical box has also been added. We are proud to bring before you the revised maintenance manual and modified maintenance kit to make your life more pleasant and comfortable.

GMV PVT LTD. CONSTRUCTION CO was established in 1977. Starting off with Government building contracts, GMV switched over to undertake private contracts, specializing in Industrial projects. Soon, it expanded its activities to the construction of Ownership flat schemes and Commercial complexes. Today, it has made its mark by successfully completing projects over more than 30 years in industrial, commercial and also in residential projects; which cover more than 5,000 apartments, row houses and farm plots, in and around Pune and Mahabaleshwar. Since inception, GMV has managed to build a solid reputation based on trust and dependability by providing impeccable quality construction and service. Well planned and expertly constructed comfortable homes, delivered well on schedule, has proved GMV's determination for reliability and technical excellence - satisfying thousands of families to date. Using modern and progressive management techniques, GMV has a dynamic team of live-wire professionals - Architects, engineers, managers and specialists. GMV is also affiliated to various professional bodies like BAI, PBAP, CFI, PCERF, AESA, to name just a few. The Company also has its own intense, in-house training programmes to update its engineers, supervisors and tradesmen on the exacting skills demanded by changing technology. GMV is also one of the first construction companies in Pune to be certified for ISO 9002 in 1997 and now have upgraded to ISO 9001:2000. This keeps us alert and updated in our Quality Management System because we are audited regularly by the Certifying Agency Det Norske Veritas (DNV). The main theme of ISO 9000 is Customer Satisfaction. GMV is earnestly devoted to providing you with maximum amenities, benefits and thoughtful services that are possible, within the framework of a reasonable and affordable budget, in other words - Real value for money. This maintenance manual is part of a constant endeavor by GMV to give you that 'little extra',

which can go a long way in satisfying your desire for a strong and lasting, trouble-free house.

You're our valued customer. GMV Construction Co congratulates you on your purchase of a new flat/ bungalow in our scheme, and welcomes you to GMV family. We have undertaken every effort to provide you with high quality construction using the finest grade material available. It is our heart-felt desire that you be fully satisfied with your purchase and live comfortably in your new home with the minimum of hassles. This maintenance guide has been compiled specifically for this purpose as we thought it appropriate to guide you, the house owner, in 'areas' where a little timely care, will be of immense value in preventing major damage and repairs to your house, extending its life-span and preserving its strength and elegance. GMV Construction Co is proud to win number of Laurels and Awards for quality construction. The 'Maintenance Kit' (M. Kit) provided to you, will come in very handy if you are a do-it yourself enthusiast and like to keep your house in good shape. Along with the guidelines mentioned in this manual, it will enable you to fix most of the minor problems, at a fraction of the cost involved in paying professional tradesmen. However, we recommend you need not feel bashful about entrusting major repair work to a skilled professional agency as they are better equipped to do the job. This manual provides an insight into the various types of maintenance issues and offers a host of helpful hints for the house owner's benefit. However, it makes no pretenses of teaching tradesmen skills. Its major intention is to identify critical problem areas where prevention is better (and cheaper) than the cure. It will be your guide to effective maintenance and help you discuss major problems intelligently, with skilled workers or tradesmen, when professional assistance become inevitable.

Your suggestions, thoughts and critical comments will be of great value to us for further improvement of our next edition. So please do share with us the benefits of your experience. HANDY MAINTENANCE KIT In order to maintain your flat, we thought it fit to equip you with a 'Maintenance Kit' (M. Kit)' containing the following: SM. Kit is supplied to our customers free of cost. 1. Nylon washers - For cold water tap leakage. 2. Fiber Washers - For hot water tap leakage. 3. Sink cleaner ( phirol brand) - To clear choked sinks. 4. Drainex (50 gm packet ) - To clear blocked drains (one time use pack) 5. A block of sponge - To clean sinks,wash-basins etc. 6. A cake of ' VIM ' bar / Robin' bottle detergent. 7. Spanner - To loosen and tighten the nuts on taps, commode seat. 8. A packet of 125gm ' Flush Kleen' - A continuous cleaning Powder which cleans Commodes. 9. A packet of 50gm M-Seal epoxy putty to plug holes/ cracks - To Prevent Leakage in plumbing fittings/furniture. 10. Two screw drives with insulated handle - 12 cm and 15 cm long. 11. A packet different sizes of screws - To use instead of nails on the wall. 12. A packet of grip plugs ( rawal plugs) - To hold screws firmly in place. 13. Jumping bits/ holder - For making holes in the walls/ Hand Auger. Use small drilling machine instead, if possible. 14. One hammer - To drive in jumping bit. 15. Multipurpose oil can - For oiling hinges etc. 16. Electricians Plier cum Cutter - 15 cm long. 17. Window panel pins - For fitting glass in position. 18. Wrench - To open tap nuts / WHB bottle trap. 19. Insulation tape ( 1 roll) - To cover up open or damage wire. 20. Spout cleaning rod / wire - For cleaning choked balcony spouts. 21. Colin, Bang -To clean various surfaces. 22. First Aid medical box- We wish you do not have to use it.

FLORING A clean floor is not only good to look at but very much desirable in view of good hygiene and safety. This entails floors in every room to be swept and swabbed daily to get rid of dust, dirt, stains, and grit. This will prevent your floors from loosing their luster and developing a rough and dull surface with the passage of time. Floors don't take very kindly to dragging of heavy furniture or other items especially those with metal bases. Shift such articles, by lifting them completely off the floor, or after inserting some suitable padding like a pack of newspaper or rubber sheeting between the supports and the flooring if they are too heavy to be carried. Direct contact with iron / steel articles (flower-pot stands) for prolonged periods of time can leave permanent rust stains on the floor. Use appropriate plastic / rubber / paper sheeting or mats to place such articles on. Flooring of Ceramic tiles / vitrified tiles is virtually maintenance free, requires only dusting and moist cloth wiping /mopping. Cleaning with acid or wire brushes is the best way to damage your flooring, so avoid it totally. Use vacuum cleaner for floor cleaning instead of detergent. Use of Bang liquid shall help you remove stubborn stains like hard water and rust stains. An effective and inexpensive remedy is a mixture of two spoonfuls of kerosene to a bucket of water to mop the floor. This will help your floors retain their shine with the added bonus of keeping cockroaches at bay. Wipe off water that has fallen on the floor by mistake. You /seniors at home/ children may skid and fall. Damage level could be high in case of seniors. Take precautions to keep floors (specially in bath /toilet) free of oil, grease and soap - water. Getting 'floored' is not a pleasant experience for most of the people particularly the old folks at home.

Use of antiskid doormats on the main entrance and for every bath or toilet entrance is highly advisable, as it discourages excessive dirt and dampness and prevents one from falling. The skirting / dado is as much part of flooring as of the wall. Similar care and treatment is needed.

Walls and ceilings are subject to cracks, usually soon after construction, sometimes much later. Much of the earlier cracking is superficial, easily remedied and quite unlikely to recur. You may now breathe a sigh of relief. If cracks are noticed on the wall, (generally fine ones- check by pushing a paper through the crack. If the paper does not travel through and through the wall you have not much to worry. During your next painting after thorough scraping of old paint and cleaning of the dust, the painter will fill up the crack with good quality putty before applying new primer and paint.) Building sets in two seasons, surface cracks do appear during this tenure. Why do these cracks occur? Diagnosis of the specific cause is often difficult to ascertain. Numerous forces come into play as many building factors may also contribute (sometimes very generously) towards the formation of a crack. Commonly noticed patterns of cracks are: Shrinkage cracks: This type is perhaps the most common and innocuous form of cracking observed in buildings due to drying. Thankfully, it can be easily rectified after a full season of its appearance, by scraping and painting. Settling cracks: These usually make their debut horizontally below a beam. Higher storeys seems more susceptible to this type of cracking than lower ones. The cause is attributed to minor settling of the building structure, but its appearance can be very unsettling to the occupants. Though these cracks are normally not severe, it is agreeably unsightly and unanimously unacceptable. This could also be a cause of leakage for outer walls.

After a year of observation, if the crack does not show any further signs of lengthening or widening, it may be safely filled up with 'Snowfilla' or putty after thorough cleaning and touched up with the right shade of paint. If the crack shows signs of widening or a new major pattern of cracks develop, a careful analysis by a competent consultant is required and his advice sought for effective remedial measures. Radiating cracks: These are the outcome of hammering nails or hooks in walls made of solid concrete blocks. You can avoid cracking the walls by using hand driven augers or jumping bits. Portable drills are (the best option) to drill holes and then plugging them with wetted 'Rawal' plugs to hold the screws. The Rawal Plugs or grip plugs as they are sometimes called, will hold the screws firmly in the wall and also prevent any development of radiating cracks. Don't forget to check for concealed electrical wiring before driving in any screws. It could be a shocking experience for anyone. Impact cracks: These can occur in the neighbourhood of door/ window frames when the doors and windows are left unsecured with stays or stoppers and a strong gust of wind takes an unfair advantage of the situation. They also occur when heavy carpentry/ breaking work is done in the building. The impact of shutters against the frames may not only leave cracks in the neighbouring walls, but also result in broken window-panels and loose hinges not discounting the possibility of serious injuries. So keep you doors and windows well secured, whether shut or open. Radiating and impact cracks can be easily attended to by: Cleaning the cracks by a sharp nail to the full width & depth. Blowing off the dust and then filling up with M-Seal or any other suitable sealant/ filler. Scraping off excess sealant/ filler with a sharp edge to level it. Retouching the crack with just the right shade. Simple. Isn't it?

If paint bubbles appear above skirting or below sill, indicate that the inside moisture is trying to come out. Drill holes and allow it to come out. Leave for month or so and then paint the area with breathable paint. Use drill bit, rawal plug and screws instead of nail and hammer. Screwing is the correct option. - use proper drill and rawal plugs. Clean the walls and ceilings regularly and do not allow cobwebs to appear.

DOORS
The doors in your home are vital for security, and of course, privacy. A little concern towards their maintenance will ensure, they work smoothly, reliably and last longer.

Do the doors in your household squeak every time they are opened or shut? What they want is a drop of multipurpose oil in the hinges, every three months or so, to still their protest.

Wooden doors in baths / toilets tend to decay due to excessive damp and excessive formation of algae Scrub the first sign of decay with soap / detergent and fill the cracks with M-Seal to avoid further damage. An aluminum or plastic sheet covering lower part of the bath/toilet door upto a height of 12 inches, is very good protection against moisture and decay. Every year, French polish the doors or use lacquer finish for doors exposed to weather(sun / rain), do not forget top or bottoms of the door, which are normally neglected. While doing this insist on putting a plastic paper below the door so that no marks are left on the floor below the door. Put dead bolt locks on all exterior doors (including those leading to basements and garages). These could be self-installed.

Make use of the door stoppers, lest the doors bang shut, damaging themselves and cracking the surrounding walls with the force of the impact.

Door fitting and fixtures like latches, handles, aldrops, stoppers etc., are best replaced as soon as they are rendered and unserviceable. Why take chances? All you need is a simple screwdriver to accomplish this job.

Windows not only ventilate your house by letting in fresh air and sunshine, but also serve as protection against inclement weather like heavy rains and strong winds, and keep out uninvited visitors like pigeons and rats who seek ready shelter in your absence. They also keep out prying eyes and peeping toms! A few handy tips to keep them in good shape. Steel windows: A rattling window panel gives neither very soothing music to the ears, nor is it easy on the nerves. Besides, a strong gust of wind could result in a smashing finale! Applying putty to secure the glass panes tight to the frames will put an end to this nervejangling ensemble. Ensure peg stays are functional as they prevent undue damage due to strong wind to window shutters, panels, frames, glass and fingers! Check for loose nuts and bolts on the handles and screws on the hinges. Tighten them if necessary. The multipurpose spanner in the M. Kit is provided for just such a purpose. Use it! Aluminium Sliding Windows: Regular cleaning of the channels ensures free and easy movement of the sliding wheels, and saves you from expending extra energy every time you need a breath a fresh air. External holes in the bottom channels help drain rainwater quickly. Make sure, they're not clogged with dirt to defeat the purpose. A length of flexible wire of suitable size will be ideal for the job. During the monsoons, wet patches may form on the inside walls of your room, due to rainwater seeping through gaps between the window sills and the frames. Though this 'wet look' is much fancied on Hindi movie heroines, we wonder, if you'll find it half as appealing on your walls? If you don't, plug the gaps with M-Seal, any suitable mastic or silicon sealant. This sealant filling is done on the outside at the junction of the wall and frame. Can be done

while standing inside. Weathering action is likely to shrink the rubber lining that holds the glass firmly in place. This will result in the glass rattling even when the panels are sliding. Don't experiment; replacement of the lining/ putty is the only remedy. If you ever have to replace the glass panels, ensure that they are cut to exactly the same measurement as the original. This will prevent any play and ensure noiseless operation. Keep tracks clean. Ensure that holes provided to drain water are open and functional (Check before monsoon). Keep window glasses and furniture, clean with Colin. Window locks come in several varieties, depending on the type of window to be protected. Ensure that the locking arrangement is perfect. Windows shutter should not open by itself unless the lock is operated.

PLUMBING

Taps: Has your tap sprung a leak? It could be due to defective washers, worn out threads or an eroded seat. A dripping tap you'll agree is an intolerable nuisance and not to be encouraged. Besides wastage of precious water, it can leave permanent discolouring stains. Worn out washers are easy to replace, if you have the right tools and a set of spare washers. The multipurpose spanner and washers (nylon/fibre) are adequate for the job. Use nylon washers for cold-water taps and the fibre washers for hot water taps. If you are novice or untrained in plumbing skills, call in a professional and observe him carefully at work. The next time a washer gives way, you can tap your own skills.

Don't loose your sleep over worn out threads or eroded seats. Change the tap for a new one, which costs no more than Rs. 300/-. However, this contingency should not arise for the first five years atleast. Wash basins can be kept sparkling and clean by using sponge and some good detergent like Vim twice a week. A provision is made below the wash basin for a bottle-trap to catch heavier particles of dirt and food, so as not to clog the drainage pipes. This bottle-trap accumulates dirt with the passage of time and your unwitting help preventing free flow of water, resulting in a 'choked' basin. Just unscrew the bottle trap and do the needful. A sink cleaner can also do a quick job of clearing obstructions. Place it over the drainage hole of the wash basin, exert yourself by pumping hard a few times. Clear? Well Done! Wash basins are fitted firmly into the walls and supported with the aid of strong brackets. However, don't lean on them to test their strength while brushing your teeth, or make little' Tinku' sit on the edge to pee. They are not designed for that purpose. Kitchen Sink: Avoid dropping bits of left-overs, vegetable refuse, pieces of paper/plastic, small items of garbage down your sink, unless the plumber is a family friend, whose visits you look forward to. Use the waste bins instead to dump waste all over in sink; wash basins, bathrooms. This will prevent clogging and hefty plumbing bills from burning a hole in your wallet. A clogged sink can also be cleared with a Sink Cleaner as described earlier (see WASH BASINS). A readily available chemical called Drainex can also be used for the purpose. Follow the instructions on the packet. Stop cocks these are used to turn off the water supply when fixing worn out washers, taps or plumbing, and to prevent unnecessary wastage and splashing of water. For leakages around the spindle, stopcocks can be fixed using plumbing tape. Turn the spindle in and out once in a

while, when you're in the mood, to prevent it from getting stuck. A seized stopcock can be freed by oiling it or warming it with hot water. If you still don't take stopcocks seriously, you'll realize their importance when you have to fix some plumbing problem and have to climb all the way up to the terrace to turn off the main valve- after getting the secretary's permission, if he's not already left for work: securing the keys from the watchman, if he's around; and informing the occupants supplied by the same mains line, to bear with you for a while. Water closet This consists of four important units that are vital to its functioning: Commode This is made of burnt clay material like the wash basin and is as delicate and can be maintained as attractively. But, it is a lot costlier and bothersome to replace, if damaged. A Bewildering variety of brushes and chemicals like FLUSH KLEEN are available in the market for the purpose of cleaning. Take your pick. Cistern Flush Tanks The common problems encountered here are listed below: - Over flowing of water from the cistern. - No flow of water from the cistern. - Inadequate flushing action. - Continuos weak running of water. - Flush operating lever inoperative. Overflow occurs due to some obstruction in the free movement of the plunger. Remedy? The plunger casing needs to be cleaned and freed from dirt. No flow of water even after depressing the lever, occurs when cistern is empty of water. This could bebecause of no water supply, internal obstruction in the supply pipe or the stopcock being turned off. Both, identification and rectification of the fault is simple. Inadequate flushing is due to water not filling up to the required level in the cistern. This is due to a damaged float resulting in defective float action. The float ball can be easily replaced by unscrewing off the old one and screwing on a new one onto the threaded end of the float rod. Continuous weak running water occurs due to an air-lock in the siphon of the cistern. Clear up the air-lock by opening the siphon system. Flush operating lever becomes ineffective when the cotter pin connecting the handle and the

siphon get disjointed or loose. The cotter pin needs to be repositioned or replaced if broken. Plastic Seat & Cover Seats are attached to the commode by two nuts, which tend to get loose with use. Tighten the nuts whenever this happens. Use of spring washers or double nuts is recommended as they prevent the nuts from frequently loosening and keep the seat (and the seated) in place. Connecting Pipe If the connecting pipe, i.e the channel between the commode and the external drainage pipe should ever develop a problem, it is best to seek professional help, since it involves the handling of delicate joints. A minor problem like a loose joint may be fixed yourself with M-Seal. Nahani Trap : These are fixed over drainage outlets under the kitchen sink and in bathroom corners to prevent large particles of waste matter from entering and fouling up the drainage system. Firmly instruct your servants not to try and remove these traps to dump the trapped waste into the drains. This could result in your house being flooded with foul-smelling waste. Daily removal of any trapped waste from the surface and cleaning will keep the Nahani Traps clear of problems. Use mastic or M-Seal to fill any gaps between the circular edges of the trap and the floor tiles. When the trap needs replacement, make sure that the trap and tiles are at the same level. In no case should the trap be higher than the floor level. It will cause accumulation of water in your bathrooms with the possibility of it overflowing into the adjoining rooms, creating a mess that's no fun to clean up. Take care to see that no unwanted materials go through commode, wash basin or Nahani trap such as coconut shells, Banana peels, food, leftover even veg/ nonveg, so as to avoid choking. (e.g. hair, cloth (non dispersible). Food leftovers, any other debris from repair work, wood shavings, all such materials should go via waste bins for disposal. DRINKING WATER: Pass the water through Aqua Guard before drinking. In absence of Aqua guard, use water filter. As per Ayurveda, keep habit of drinking Luke warm water; avoid cold drinks. ELECTRICITY

The electric supply in your flat/bungalow is carefully laid out and well regulated with its system of in built controls. Do not attempt to tap extra points in an erratic manner and endanger the designed grouping. In case, you have a genuine need for an extra point, seek professional advice. A few safety precautions are essential to prevent shocks, short-circuits and electrical fire hazards.. Replace blown fuses with the exact rated value. Failure to do so, could result in frequent replacements of fuse elements, if it is underrated or serious, irreparable damage to sensitive electrical apparatus, if its overrated. Irons, ovens, electric cookers, toasters, etc., are to be used with proper three-pin sockets with earth connections. This prevents the electric supply from mistaking you as part of the circuitry, in case of a short circuit! It is sensible to get the earthing checked annually by a qualified electrician for continuity and effectiveness. Use of a voltage stabiliser with sensitive electrical apparatus like refrigerators, TVs, videos, hi-fi players etc., is highly desirable in view of frequent voltage fluctuations and spikes that plague our power supply. Refrain from attempting even minor replacement or repaid jobs, like changing bulbs, starters, fuses with the switch in on position. Warn and dissuade children from playing with socket outlets. Needless to say, fingers or metal objects inserted into the sockets could give the innocent infants a nasty and sometimes even fetal shock. Steer clear of the temptation to use bucket water heaters with naked heating coils for quicker heating. Think of your unsuspecting kid or housemaid who may decide to use their hands as thermometers to check the bath water. Severe burns and shock or death could be the result of this perilous experiment. At the risk of sounding repetitive and overcautious, switch off the Mains when undertaking any repair work, even when painting or distempering the walls. It would be a safe idea to do the same when you are likely to be away from home on a vacation or business trip for a few days. Inserting loose wire ends (without a proper plug connector) for temporary connection is a crude practice fraught with dangers. Besides sparking and other electrical hazards, loose wire lying about on the floor, may take dear old granny completely by surprise and lead to a serious accident. How do you expect to earn her blessings that way?

We have provided power switches with a built-in red lamp indicator for the 'ON' position. Treat this as a cautionary measure. Make certain that it is not lit when undertaking electrical repairs (you can never be too careful, you know?) Discourage children from flying kites in the close vicinity of overhead high tension cables. A wet thread and bamboo pole could prove fatal. Tube lights with electronic chokes are preferable to bulbs for general lighting as they consume minimum power, provide maximum illumination and have an average life span of 5,000 to 7,000 hours. Tube : When it shows signs of blackening at its extremes or flickers, its end is nigh. Make arrangements for a new one. To replace, first switch off the supply and replace it with new one. Life of backup batteries of invertors are normally for 3 years. They are to be changed when back up reduces to about hour charge. If you suspect your electric billing, lodge a complaint with your nearest MSEB office and hope for the best with patience. SAFETY NORMS Do not use wet hands/ wet cloth while operating / cleaning electric switches and appliances. Have a rubber mat/ wooden board to stand on, as it protects from electric shock. Have passages and bathrooms well lit. Generally seniors fall as they do not see properly in dim light and misjudge footsteps. Photo electric or motion detector security lights on the exterior of the house. Photoelectric lights turn on at dusk and off at dawn. Motion detector lights turn on whenever motion is sensed in the light's range. Usually one in the front and one in the rear is sufficient. Depending on coverage, though, you may want to light the side yard(s). These GMVces save power and are recommended if you want to help reduce earth warming. Make reference to Global warming stress on saving power/ AC etc help reduce bills and helps in green movement. Electric cloth driers are a big drain on electricity. Put habit of drying clothes naturally. Operate washing machines with full load of clothes. Part loads waste power. We all can, in our own way, help in reducing green house gases. Help reduce consumption and also make maid servants & security guard aware of power saving. Get into habits of switching off TVs, DVDs, Computers etc completely instead of keeping these gadgets on

sleeping mode. When moving out of room, switch off lights & fans. Air conditioning: recommended temperature is 240 - 260 C. It is necessary to admit fresh air in the room by keeping doors open or using exhaust fan. Locate and reduce heat sources in the room. A stabilizer or chokes of tube lights are some examples. ACs use 6 times more power. As far as possible use fans.

Kitchen mixer, food processors toasters, ovens, Hotplates, iron, ACs: These appliances have thermal protection. See that the thermal protection is working so as to minimize on electric bills. Read operation manuals of all the appliance carefully. Do not allow more ice accumulated in fridge, defrost it at regular intervals. Fans: Use electronic speed regulators. Electrically Bills Switch of all lights fans fridge TV etc. check if meter has stopped registering. If it continues registering, it means there is leakage in the wiring. Call an electrician and correct the wiring. Read the meter once a week to note any abnormal registration for consumption.

ELEVATOR
Dos and don'ts for Elevator users.
When you approach the elevator: Know your destination. If you want to go UP, Press the Up Arrow switch. If you want to go DOWN press the Down Arrow switch. Do not bother where the lift is.

Stand aside for existing passengers, to disembark. Wait for the next turn, if the lift is full. Dont travel as an overload. Incase of fire, use the stairs. DO NOT USE LIFT DURING FIRE. Don't try to stop a closing door. Wait for the next turn. When you enter and leave the elevator: Enter and exit carefully. Step up or down if the elevator floor and landing passage floor are not in same level. Hold children firmly. Stand clear of the doors keep clothes and carry ones away from the opening. Push and hold the DOOR OPEN (2 arrows pointing away from each other < >) button if doors need to be held open,or ask someone to push the button for you. When riding on the elevator: Stand next to the elevator wall.' Hold the handrail if available. Pay attention to the floor indications. Do not scratch on the cabin walls or on doors. If the doors do not open when the elevator stops, push the DOOR OPEN button. When the elevator stalls between floors: Don't panic. Take few deep breaths. There is plenty of oxygen in the lift car. Contact the outside world. Every elevator has an alarm button and an intercom or phone.

Stay put. Never to open the doors. Wait until a qualified mechanic or rescue personnel comes to your aid.

PRE-MONSOON CHECK
Rainwater has this singular , consuming obsession to penetrated every minute crack and crevice available within its reach. It would not be half as bad if it stopped there. No way. It insists on combining or reacting chemically with every material, it comes into contact with, becoming acidic or alkaline in nature, and uses this very acquired corrosive attribute, to eat its way further into the cracks. Sooner than suspected, it creates channels where none existed and now proclaims its triumph, by causing an unsightly damp patch in your bathroom or heartlessly invades an embarrassingly conspicuous spot in your living room, for all to see comment on, much to your chagrin. That is not the end of the story either. If left unattended, it will weaken everything it comes into contact with, causing paints to blister and peel off, plaster to loosen and fall away and whole structures to weaken and collapse. This dreadful and menacing course of evens can be prevented or checked by practical, effective, timely maintenance. This can be categorised into three main areas of care. A) THE ROOF /TERRACE OF THE BUILDING The roof/terrace overhead is the prime origin of many a leakage story. This tragic tale would never have seen the light of day if the roof/terrace was inspected, well before the monsoons for any cracks, broken flooring, peeled off plaster, deterioration of the waterproofing/ tar coating, unwanted dumped debris, improper slopes etc., and prompt remedial action was taken. Sealing of Cracks Agencies in Pune such as Jaison Engineers, Arkey Engineers, Razdan Trading undertake the job of sealing cracks and waterproofing terraces. Use their services if the situation so demands. If the waterproofing is done with tar/bitumen, it normally carries a 10year guarantee from the date of completion. It is a specialist's job, and so best attended to by one. Removal of dumped material you'll be amazed at the type and quantity of debris and waste material that can collect on the terrace with time. This accumulation often obstructs free flow

of water into the Rain-Water pipes and causes puddles to form, which in turn, encourages seeping and leakage. Don't invite trouble. Get the terrace cleared of debris and henceforth ensure regular cleaning of the terrace. When installing AC outdoor units, antenna supports on terrace slab, ensure proper waterproofing is done around the foundation bolts. Check for loose mountings Inspect hoardings, aerials and any other installations that could come loose with strong winds and cause damage to life and property. Clear the drainage system Free the entire drainage system of the terrace of any obstructing waste, right from the entry of water at the bell mouth to the down-take pipe and its discharge outlet at ground level. This can be accomplished by using long, slender bamboo poles to clear any blockage. Tapping the pipes with a wooden mallet may, surprisingly, yield the same results sometimes. B) THE VICINITY OF THE BUILDING Proper drainage of rainwater will avoid it from collecting in the vicinity of the building and flooding the garages, lift shaft, meter room etc. Clear side drains of any obstructions to enable quick and easy drainage of surface water. Replace broken cast iron grating with new ones for safety. Bunding at appropriate places could prove useful to divert the flow of storm water away from the building. If any repair or construction work is undertaken in the adjoining area/ compound of the building, slope the area away from the building to facilitate proper drainage of surface water to check the formation of puddles. C) THE INTERIOR OF THE BUILDING You can take a number of useful precautions to prevent rainwater from percolating into the walls and floors of your household and the neighbourhoods. First and foremost, check the balcony spouts for any clogging. Dust, dirt and soil

washed out from flower-pots tends to collect in them over a period of time. Clear them with a suitable, flexible rod. This will assist quick drainage of rainwater from the balcony, preventing it from seeping into the floor and earning you the acrimony of the neighbours staying below. Another good idea is to get the society to extend all balcony spouts with a length of plastic tubing fitted over the existing one. This will enable the water from the balconies to fall directly to the ground below, without splashing and spoiling the exterior walls of the building. Fix all damaged/ broken window panels and ensure that all accessories like stoppers, peg stays, hinges etc. are functional. No use having a window that wont stay open or shut as desired, nor serve as any protection against the elements. M-Seal/ Mastic/ Putty / Rubber sealant come in very handy to plug any gaps between the walls and the window frames, otherwise resulting in wet patches on the inner walls. n Holes in the bottom channel of your sliding window frames should be clear to direct the flow of rainwater outwards. A small 'Tullu' pump, ready to operate in case of an emergency when sub-soil water rises above the basement floor level will prove to be a wise and farsighted investment. Remember, rainwater is not the sole cause of leakages. Leakages can also occur due to the forgetfulness of some occupants to turn off all taps when they are away, leading to the overflow of water from kitchen sinks, wash basins, bath/ toilets into the adjoining rooms. This not only damages the house concerned but is very unfair to the neighbours staying below as water collected may seep into the flooring and cause leakages to occur in flats that are on a lower level. The idea is to love the neighbours, not flood them! So the next time when your family is going on a picnic or along vacation, remember to turn off all the taps, switch off the mains and secure all balcony windows/ doors before leaving. Your neighbours in turn, will love you for your thoughtfulness.

GENERAL TIPS FOR YOUR COMFORT

a) Keep your silk clothes in paper packing, not in plastic packaging or metal/wood enclosures. Keep naphthalene balls/ chandan sachets in your clothes, cupboards. b) Keep your silverware clean with COLGATE Toothpaste. Clean the gold jewelry with tamarind and shikekai water. (Soak it in this water for sometime) c) Keep cloves in your book's cupboard. Cloves can also be kept in the leaves of big books. This will protect the books/ documents from insect/ termites. Boric Powder also does the same job. Look after your important documents also in this way. d) Use insect repellants, mosquito repellants. Get pest control done for entire house regularly. (At least once a year) This will keep general health of your house and family members intact. Please remember that mosquito species causing dengue and chikun gunia breed on clean water and bite during daytime. (General habit is of using mosquito repellants in the night) Avoid storing water and / or keeping it open. Keeping tin of Mortein at home, will also help in killing mosquitos and cockroaches. e) After cleaning glass tables, glass partitions and glass window- door panes with Colin (Liquid available in the market) or water, wipe with paper or lint free cloth for drying. f) Prefer LPG gas or solar power for water heating. Electric heating cost is 2.5 times more than cost of heating with LPG. Take care that there is adequate ventilation in room in which this LPG gas heater is kept. Provide exhaust fan. g) Use phenyl in water for cleaning floors and toilets. h) Keep pesticides/medicines away from hands of small children. I) Use pest control methods every year. Clean your entire house (all nooks and corners) every month or at least bimonthly. j) Dispose off unwanted clothes, magazines, newspapers, and plastic materials in time. k) Dispose off cosmetics, medicines, food materials after expiry dates. l) To have an inverter or power backup at home. This is essential to have your seniors and children safe in case of power failures.

WHEN YOU GO ON VACATION

Lock all doors that need to be locked. Keep keys in a place where you can remember. It may be good habit to keep set of keys with your neighbours/another member in the society, and inform society manager as to where you have kept your keys. This will help safeguarding your flat in case of emergencies.

|Put a few drops of oil in commode, nahani traps so that water in the seal does not evaporate. Put the cooking gas knob off: check that the gas burner switches are off. Clean the fridge. Remove perishable material. Put the switch off. Leave the door slightly ajar. See that no hanging hazards are left in balconies. Close all water taps. Close main electric switch. Close all windows tightly. Inform society, so that it can keep extra vigil on your flat.

1. Copper wiring - to check fire hazards. 2. MCB (Miniatures Circuit Breakers)- For additional safety and protection of household appliances.

3. Arrangement for drying clothes in the balcony. 4. Peep Windows instead of Peep Eye-for a better view before opening the main door to strangers. 5. Provision of space for keeping a washing machine, so necessary now.

6. Extra plug points in all the rooms- to facilitate free use of electrical appliances. 7. Elegant and effective door stoppers- to prevent door slams. 8. Specially selected door chain cum latch for effective security. 9. Coat hooks/Towel rings in toilet so often forgotten. 10.Detachable Nahani trap 'Jallies'- to facilitates cleaning of the traps, not dumping waste into the drains. 11.Anti Cockroach floor trap to prevent cockroaches finding entry into the house through the drains. 12.Extended hinges for windows - easy access to window cleaning. 13.Special night latch -that will not lock you out. One additional key for the main door, and one for the neighbours too. 14.Angular conduits for gas pipes- to prevent dripping down while cleaning the kitchen platform. 15.Common antenna and wiring-to avoid the ugly cluster of antennas

on the rooftop. 16.Telephone wiring- for neat and ready service. 17.Loft in the kitchen-so necessary in small houses. 18. Tool-Kit for do- it- yourself maintenance. 19. Trees/ plants in the compound for a greener environment. 20. Kiddies play equipment -to keep little ones busy. 21. Lawn in the campus- for that fresh air and times together. 22. Health Club- for keeping our young and old fit. 23. Dish antenna connection- for more indoor entertainment. 24. Extra capacity water tanks- no more individual storage. NOTES: Above facilities are applicable to all new schemes. Some of the facilities may be curtailed at the company's discretion. FOOTNOTE: The trade names of the products given in this manual are for guidance only. There are many Products/ Brands in the market, which probably, are equally good. The user can choose any product of his choice.

CHAPTER FOR SENIOR CITIZEN

Have passages and bathrooms well lit. Generally seniors fall as they do not see properly in dim light and misjudge footsteps. Well known Orthopedic Surgeon says 80% accidents take place on stairs, or in toilets.

Have guard bars for seniors to walk from their bed to bathroom. To help them get up from the commode, provide guard bars on which they can take support. Bathrooms should be very well ventilated. People generally fall unconscious or feel suffocated due to lack of oxygen. Especially when you have gas geysers. You can also provide remote control to Senior Citizen to operate lights, fans and other gadgets. Providing panic switches to Senior Citizen will prove a big boon and will ensure them quick help, when required. Keeping oxygen cylinder will help gasping/ asthma seniors.

SOCIETY OBLIGATION
The managing committee of every society has some responsibilities and obligations to fulfill the following jobs and activities are best entrusted to their care. a) Employment of the Watch and Ward Agency to handle the security of the society premises. It implies keeping a close watch on the movements of outsiders and keeping unwanted elements at bay. Furthermore, ensure that the security people run personal errands life washing cars, fetching the groceries, minding pets etc. It greatly effects their efficient functioning and is to be firmly discouraged. b) Attending to the cleanliness of the area by employing sweepers and providing a few trash cans in suitable places to avoid littering in compounds and gardens. Avoid pooling of water in society premises, which leads to breeding of mosquitos.

c)Regulating the water supply to all flat owners. A few points are suggested: Detail a regular pump attendant to start and stop operation daily over a predetermined time e.g. two hours in the morning and two hours in the evening or as required and to switch off the pump when the overhead tanks overflow. Ensure that water supply valves to the building are operated / regulated only by authorised persons. Install a stand-by pump well connected to underground tank to operate in case of main pump failure. d) Ascertaining if bore well water is potable. If it is mixed with the municipal supply in the existing underground tank, send a circular to all members, advising them to boil water before consumption. e) Monitoring the electric Supply, by ensuring that no unauthorized power is trapped from the meter rooms. For general purposes like floor polishing of common areas like passages or lighting on terraces for weddings/parties etc., tap from common meters with the help of electrician. f) Appointment of a regular licensed electric sub agency nearest to the society who can attend to maintenance/repair at short notice. g) Prohibiting individual flat owners from altering or taking unauthorized electric supply connections to their flat. h) Protection of meter room/area against any tampering by any unauthorized personnel. Keep it always under lock and key. i) Not allowing children free access to the meter rooms, pump rooms, substations/transformers. Manholes should be covered when not being attended to. Children with their naturally curious and inquiring minds are bound to explore and get themselves into serious trouble. j) Periodic Collection of suitable maintenance from flat owners to be credited into the maintain accounts.

k) Maintaining elevators in working condition. Sign a comprehensive maintenence contract with a reputed agency with good reference. Be sure to check out with the references the quality of service offered. Your neighboring society could be of considerable held in this regard. Keep / Appoint manager who knows about civil maintenance. Keep first aid box for immediate medical treatment. It is advisable to appoint Doctor on retainership basis to attend to night emergency calls. It is strongly recommended to keep telephone number of important services (pasted at important places.) like Police, Fire, nearby Hospitals, Ambulance and so also of AMC agencies like Pump Operator, Liftman etc for unwarranted emergencies. l) Hold periodic meetings amongst members of the society to meet, discuss, understand and SOLVE problems. Don't just 'thrash' them out.

CONCLUSION
Almost everyone who has had some building repair work done by an agency, will have some unhappy incident or experience to narrate. Prudenceand discretion could well have avoided these unhappy situations, if the job had been entrusted to a reputed agency having ample experience in their line of work. One of the methods of getting the right people to do your job is to use the 'Yellow Pages' in the telephone directory. Being listed in the 'Yellow Page' does not imply a certain degree of performance about the firm; that they are not one of those fly-by- night operators trying to make a quick buck. But again, there is no guarantee of their performance. However, one can always check out the integrity and dependability of the firm by its promptness to respond to one's first phone call, its punctuality, level of professionalism and most important of all, references. Personal recommendations or reference is perhaps, the most reliable method to find a good agency to do your maintenance job. Select the one, who is well reputed, completes the task within schedule, is well equipped and does a thorough job, leaving no mess behind. You can always bank on us at GMV CONSTRUCTION CO. for this reference service whenever required. We will suggest you the best.

LIST OF QUALITY POLICY

TO EXECUTE INDUSTRIAL, RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECTS WITH ALLIED INFRASTRUCTURE TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE CUSTOMER, IN A PROFESSIONAL MANNER BY CONSTANTLY UPGRADING THE WORKING METHODS TO ENHANCE QUALITY, TIME SCHEDULES, ECONOMICS AND AESTHETICS OF STRUCTURES. OBJECTIVES TO CO-ORDINATE WITH ARCHITECTS / DESIGNERS TO BRING OUT AESTHETICALLY PLEASING AND ECO FRIENDLY STRUCTURES. TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF CONSTRUCTION BY USING STANDARD MATERIALS, EQUIPMENTS, TRAINED PERSONNEL AND PROPER WORKING METHODS. TO MECHANIZE CONSTRUCTION PROCESSES WHEREVER POSSIBLE. TO TRAIN STAFF TO IMPROVE THEIR TECHNICAL SKILLS AND UPGRADE THEIR KNOWLEDGE. TO LOOK AFTER THE WELFARE OF CONSTRUCTION LABOUR.