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On the verge of signing on the dotted line for your dream Bali villa? Well, before you put pen to paper, there is just one more important matter to cross off your villa checklist and that is a thorough villa inspection.

If you haven’t already, be sure to go in and conduct a thorough examination of the villa from top to bottom to identify potential problem areas. From the villa grounds to the main structure, appliances, fixtures, electricity, plumbing, and even the sewer system, there are elements that, if not addressed immediately, will bring you unwelcomed stress and take a toll on your time and your finances.

Let’s take a look.

4 Things to Check in Villa Inspection

1. The Roof

Bali is a tropical island and there are strong winds, gales, and heavy storms. Your roof is an integral part of your villa structure so be sure to check if it is strong, sturdy, and in good condition. To check for leaks or water seepage, see if there are any discoloration or wet spots on the ceiling and the paint. Next, check the structure that is holding up the roof. See if it is still strong and straight, or crooked and bent.

Remember that there are different types of roofs used here for villas in Bali – most are tiles and shingles but there are also the traditional grass roofs called alang-alang. These types of roofs need to be replaced once every ten years or so and would need servicing at regular intervals.  If you have tiled roofs, ask the original owner for the type and size for future reference in case you need to replace any.

2. Electrical Panel, Pump Room & Plumbing

You may not be an electrician but it’s important to take a look at the electrical panel to assess its condition before purchase. The wires within the electrical panel should be neatly organized, properly labeled, and in good condition. All circuit breakers should be up, and if they are not, find out why to prevent electric shock or an electrical fire. Also, do make sure that the voltage stabilizers are working to protect your AC, electrical appliances, and electrical pumps against voltage surges. Don’t forget to turn on all the lights in the villa to see if they’re working properly or are flickering.

When checking the pump and the pump room, note that they should be dry, clean, and tidy and that the pumps aren’t rusty, too old, or making questionable sounds. In the bathrooms, check the water flow and see that the drains aren’t clogged, that the toilets are flushing properly and if you can, see that the pipes aren’t blocked or rusted.

3. Interior & Exterior Finishing

The main thing to look out for is cracks in the walls or ceilings. If you find any, have a professional take a look at it to assess the extent of the damage. See if any major renovations need to take place to sustain the structure. Discoloration or peeling wall paint could indicate dampness within the walls itself, which is worrying as this can cause structures to fall apart over time. Damp walls can quickly lead to the growth of mold, which can negatively impact one’s health. To prevent this from happening, apply a waterproof coating on your walls and roof. While you’re at it, check for termite infestations, and see if your floor, windows and doors are level and are opening and closing properly.

4. Neighborhood & Access

Take a good look at the neighborhood that your dream Bali villa is in. If you’re in a popular tourist area that’s already developed, then you wouldn’t have to worry about access roads, security, illegal dumping, or even an animal farm nearby. Your villa should be accessible by paved roads with a system already in place for water, electricity, and waste disposal. Drive around and see if you can spot anything that would affect your stay in your villa. Is there an open dumping site nearby? Or a nightclub? Are you downwind from a major road with noise from cars and bikes keeping you up at night?

Can Foreigners Buy Villas In Bali?

Another point to add to your list is property ownership in Indonesia. The question that is often asked is, can foreigners buy villas or land in Bali? There are different titles for both land and property in Bali and each title connotes a different meaning. Foreigners can ‘own’ property in Indonesia under a secondary title, “Right of Use”. 

Villa Inspection With Bali Coconut Living

Now you know what to look out for when it comes to Bali villa inspections, remember, you can always arrange for a Bali villa inspection with Bali Coconut Living at any time and for any villa in Bali that you may have your eye on.

We offer a wide range of freehold and leasehold villas in various sizes, styles, and locations that would suit a wide range of budgets. As a leading Seminyak-based villa property agent, we’re ready to assist you in your long-term villa rental here in Bali whether you’re looking for a yearly villa to rent or a property to purchase.

Feel free to browse through our listings of Bali villa rent yearly, available for sale and rent in all of the most popular areas including Seminyak, Umalas, Uluwatu, Jimbaran, and Canggu.