Housing for all

Established in 1994 by Satish Haware, the Haware Group has been spreading across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane for more than a decade, achieving the goal of 'Housing for all'.

The group developed its first project in Kharghar and has about 97 projects in its profile. They have established a name for quality construction and timely possession. Suresh Haware, MD, Haware Builders says, "We believe in reliability, quality; speed of delivery and buyer friendly budget and these have been our unique selling points. Right now, we have 25 ongoing projects in Thane, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai."

The group has established relationships with every buyer - so much so that Mr Haware feels customers have become their advertisers. Silicon Towers, Balaji Reddy at Vashi, Splendor, Glory and Tiara at Kharghar, Haware's Green Park and Nirmiti at Khandeshwar, Panchavati at Ghansoli, Nilambari at Airoli, Haware Estate at Thane are among its projects in Navi Mumbai. With a huge demand for affordable houses, the group has also tasted great success in this category. The 'nano' housing project Nisarg at Kalamboli sold within four days while the township project Haware Citi sold over 1500 flats in 11 days.

Mr Haware feels, "There is a huge requirement for low budget housing. Affordable is not about compromising on quality or standards but providing smaller homes at a reasonable price with the basic amenities. All our projects are located at convenient distance from the railway station, with lots of daily utilities like shops, markets, hospitals, schools close by. They are equipped with amenities like modern kitchens, decorative entrance lobbies, round- theclock security and much more. "

The group has also ventured into commercial complexes, InfoTech parks, malls, multiplexes and townships with a number of them under various stages of planning and development. The group's nano shopping complex project Centurion received huge response, selling over 1,000 shops in four months. Mr Haware says, "Initially the project was planned to be a mall but we turned it into a shopping complex with facilities such as discotheque, bowling alley, special entertainment zone, play zone for children, billiards and more. Our other commercial projects include Thane InfoTech Park, Infotech Park and Micro InfoTech Park at Vashi."

The group has been developing buildings using efficient state-of-art technology. "All our projects have a social architecture, each wing facing each other. Our designs focus on using more of natural lights, open ventilation, efficient usage of space, sit-out areas along with amenities like library, gymnasium, swimming pool and more," adds Suresh Haware.

Mr Haware points out that there have been many changes in the industry - from conceptualising, construction to buying and selling, every step has witnessed change, he says. "Today even a buyer looking for an economical flat is looking for amenities," he explains. "He is selective about the material, tiling, window position, and campus facilities that he gets in return for every penny he pays."

He continues, "The construction industry has also seen many welcome changes. The materials used are now improved with machinery and material being imported to improve the quality of buildings. Advanced technology is used. Earthquake- proof designs have become compulsory with improved leakage, seepage and waterproofing facilities. Not only interior amenities, even exterior conveniences like adequate parking, playground, parks, shopping complexes, swimming pool and jogging tracks have become must-haves.”

Mr Haware believes Navi Mumbai is a well-planned city and has become the most sought after residential destination. The upcoming International airport, Central Park, Hyde Park, Golf Course and many such proposed projects are likely to give it a major facelift. However, he feelsthere needs to be proper development of water and bus transport too. The two-hour traffic to south Mumbai can be reduced to half an hour if water transport services are started from Navi Mumbai. In addition, Navi Mumbai has ample natural resources, good mountains and free space. "The government should focus on developing water sports, international level parks, adventure sports to boost tourism," he opines.

The group has grown and has turned into a great family of over 10,000 people working towards the goal of achieving the ultimate goal of housing for all and keeping every one, including contractors, designers, suppliers and customers together.

( via - times of india )