A beautiful, well-built home on this island can change your life.
But if you hire the wrong builder?
It can turn into a nightmare—delays, wasted money, poor quality, and nonstop stress.
We’ve seen people lose tens of thousands of dollars simply because they trusted the wrong team…
And some projects never get finished.
The worst part? Most of these mistakes could’ve been avoided—just by asking the right questions and following the right steps.
So, before you sign anything or send your first payment, read this guide.
It will show you how to protect your money, your time, and your dream—even if you’ve never built anything before.
1. Don’t Pick a Builder Just Because They’re Cheap
Let’s start with the first and most common mistake.
When you’re building something big, it’s natural to look for ways to save money.
And when a builder gives you a much lower quote than the others, it’s easy to think you’ve found a great deal.
But in Bali, cheap 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 builder, it’s easy to think, “They’ve got it covered.”
But here’s the reality: even great builders 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
3. Be Very Clear About Materials
Now that you’re paying attention to the work, you’ll want to focus on what’s being used to build your villa.
One of the most common problems in Bali construction is material swapping—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
- For tiles, windows, or fittings—choose and buy them yourself, if you can
- Keep reference photos of your chosen materials
4. Choose a Builder With a Proven Track Record
Now that you know what to expect with materials, let’s talk about the team you hire.
A builder’s website or Instagram may look impressive—but it doesn’t guarantee quality.
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 anyone 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. At Ilot Property Bali, here’s what the payment plan looks like:
6. Use a Clear Contract
Finally, don’t start any project without a clear, written agreement.
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 Builder in Bali
So, let’s summarise 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
Yes, Building a Great Villa in Bali is Possible
By now, you know what’s at stake.
The right builder can bring your Bali dream to life.
The wrong one can bring endless headaches, wasted money, and years of regret.
But here’s the good news:
You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be prepared.
With this guide, you already know what to ask. What to check. What to put in writing.
We know that the process looks daunting, but you don’t have to manage it all on your own.
At Ilot Property Bali, we’ve been helping foreigners build their villas in Bali for over 14 years.
We handle the details, the inspections, the materials, and the planning—so you don’t have to worry.
From day one, we guide you through every step:
- We use high-quality materials
- We follow your detailed plans and drawings
- We inspect the site regularly to make sure everything is done right
- And 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 your FREE 10-minute call with our team.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know before you commit to anything.
Let’s build your Bali dream the right way—with a team you can trust.
