Everyone wants to build a villa in Bali as it’s proven to be more affordable than buying, and gives you the freedom to customize the design. But none of that matters if you choose the wrong property developer in Bali.
We’ve seen people lose tens of thousands of dollars—and end up with unfinished villa projects—just by trusting the wrong team. The worst part? These mistakes are easily avoidable by asking the right questions before hiring anyone.
In this post, we’ll share the ultimate checklist to help you find a reliable Bali construction company. Make sure you go through everything before signing a contract or sending any payments.
1. Don’t Pick a Builder Just Because They’re Cheap
Let’s start with the first and most common real estate mistake made by foreigners. When you’re building something big, it’s natural to look for ways to save money.
And when a property management Bali gives you a much lower quote than the others, it’s easy to think you’ve found a great deal.
But in fact, cheap price usually means cut corners—and those “savings” can cost you more later.
What to do instead:
- Get at least three detailed quotes
- Ask each builder to list what’s included (materials, labor, supervision, warranties)
- Be cautious of anything that feels “too good to be true.”
Remember, you’re not just buying construction. You’re investing in peace of mind and long-term value.
2. Stay Involved
Once you’ve chosen a contractor in Bali, it’s easy to think, “They’ve got it covered.”
But here’s the reality: even the best developer in Bali need oversight. No one will care about the details as much as you do.
Staying involved—no matter where you are—helps keep the project on track and problems in check.
How to stay in control:
- If you’re in Bali, visit the site every week
- If you’re not, ask for weekly photo and video updates
- Work with an architect or designer who can monitor progress, too
- Keep a checklist of key stages so you always know what’s next
Read More: Find Your Dream Architect for Your Bali Villa: A Simple Guide
3. Be Very Clear About Materials
Now that you’re more involved in the process, start paying attention to the materials for your villa build.
One of the most common problems in Bali construction is material swapping. It’s a practice when builders use lower-grade materials without telling you.
It might look fine at first, but issues like cracks, leaks, or structural problems can show up later—and cost you thousands to fix.
How to prevent this:
- Write the exact materials in your contract (like “K-300 concrete” or “BRC steel 8mm”)
- Ask to see invoices or receipts from suppliers
- If you can, choose and buy tiles, windows, or fittings yourself
- Keep reference photos of your chosen materials
4. Choose a Property Developer Bali With a Proven Track Record
Now that you know what to expect with materials, let’s talk about the team you hire.
Every Bali villa construction website or Instagram may look impressive, but not all of them guarantee quality or reliable. What matters is what they’ve done, not what they say they’ll do.
Here’s how to check:
- Visit the villas they’ve already built
- Ask to speak to their past clients
- Look for honest reviews on their website
- Avoid the agent property Bali who avoids questions, pushes you to sign fast, or keeps changing the offer
5. Pay in Stages
By now, you’ve got a solid builder in mind and your plan is coming together. But how and when you pay also matters—a lot.
Paying too much upfront is risky. It can lead to poor workmanship or, worse, a project that never gets finished.
A safer way to pay:
- Break your project into milestones:
- Foundation
- Structure
- Roofing
- Electrical and plumbing
- Final finishing
- Only pay after each stage is fully completed
- Hold back 10–20% as final payment until every fix and detail is done
This gives you control from start to finish. For example, here’s what the payment plan from Ilot Property Bali looks like:
Read More: How Much Does It Cost to Build a Villa in Bali?
6. Use a Clear Contract
Finally, don’t start any project without a clear, written agreement with your chosen Bali construction company. Especially when you’re dealing with land, permits, materials, and timelines.
Your contract should include:
- Clear start and finish dates
- Payment milestones
- List of materials (with details)
- Scope of work (what’s included and what’s not)
- What happens if there are delays or changes
- An English version, so nothing gets lost in translation
Final Checklist: How to Find the Right Villa Developer Bali
So, let’s summarize the key things you need to know when building a villa in Bali:
- Get at least 3 detailed quotes
- Look for real value, not just the cheapest option
- Visit past projects and talk to former clients
- Put the exact materials in your contract
- Set payment stages tied to real progress
- Get weekly updates and stay involved
- Use a full contract in English
- Work with people who feel honest and easy to communicate with
FAQ
1. How much does a Bali villa cost to build?
Building a villa in Bali typically costs between $500 and $1,000 USD per square meter, depending on the design and materials used.
2. Are villas in Bali a good investment?
Yes, villas in Bali are a solid investment. Most buyers recover their costs within 5–8 years, and the property’s value often triples over time.
3. Can a foreigner buy a villa in Bali?
Foreigners can buy villas in Bali through leasehold or right-to-use titles. Freehold ownership is reserved for Indonesian citizens only.
4. Where is the best place to buy a villa in Bali?
Popular areas include Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud, and Uluwatu. However, deciding the best place to buy a villa in Bali depends on your lifestyle and goals.
5. Can you get a loan to buy a villa in Bali?
Foreigners can apply for a mortgage in Bali, though it comes with specific conditions. Most local banks require a significant down payment—usually around 40%.
Bonus: Pro Tip to Build a Great Villa in Bali
Now you know the basic guidelines for choosing the right property developer in Bali. But if this is your first time building a villa here, the process might seem daunting.
The good news? You don’t have to handle everything on your own.
You can get a complete construction service in bali at Ilot Property Bali.
We’ve been helping foreigners build their villas in Bali for over 14 years. From day one, we’ll guide you through every step:
- We use high-quality materials for building your villa
- We follow your detailed plans and drawings
- We inspect the site regularly to make sure everything is done right
- Most importantly, we send you regular updates—so you’re always in the loop, even from overseas
Whether you’re building your first villa or your next one, we’re here to help make it smooth, safe, and successful.
If that sounds like what you’re looking for, click the link below to book a free discussion call with our team.
