Welcome to Ask Sheila – your place to ask me all those big (and small) questions you have about visiting or living in Bali. This week – Why you need an Independent Building Consultant.
Building your home in Bali can be a dream, or a nightmare, depending on a lot of factors. I’m often asked for my best tips to ensure a smooth build experience. Obviously, one of the most critical factors is your builder. It’s essential that you keep your builder on task and on budget! One way to do this is to use an Independent Building Consultant.
If we had to go back and build our villa again, the first thing we’d do differently is to hire an experienced Independent Building Consultant.
Why Building in Bali Requires Extra Vigilance
In Bali, where builders range from the highly professional and reliable, to scammers and fraudsters, doing your due diligence is absolutely essential. Unlike other countries, there is no ombudsman or government departments to complain to if you have a major problem. You need to deal with it yourself. So you need to ensure you avoid problems, and have a smooth build. Prevention is most definitely better than cure!
There are a lot of ways that you can lose time and money when you are building, even if you have chosen a recommended builder. Managing your build can be extremely daunting, especially for the first time! Of course, you have already chosen a contractor who you trust, but are you absolutely sure he is not taking shortcuts?
Questions You Might Not Think to Ask Your Builder (I didn’t know!)
- Is the foundation properly constructed?
- Is the steel the correct thickness?
- Has the concrete mix been done to standard?
- Did they add waterproofing powder to the bathroom floors?
- Are the roof tiles high-quality or cheap alternatives?
- Was the paint watered down?
- Has the waterproofing been applied correctly?
These are the kinds of technical details most people wouldn’t know to ask. But these details can make or break your home—literally. It’s stressful just thinking about it, let alone managing it all.
This is where an Independent Building Consultant comes in
Unlike a Project Manager—who is often part of your builder’s team—a consultant is completely independent. They report directly to you, not to the builder. Their job is to visit the site regularly, monitor progress, and make sure the builder is delivering what was promised.
They act as your eyes and ears, catching small problems before they become big ones. They can also help:
- Ensure the correct materials are used
- Keep the project on time and on budget
- Prevent unnecessary or overpriced add-ons
- Support you in decision-making throughout the build
The Difference Between a Consultant and a Project Manager
It’s important to understand the difference. While a Project Manager coordinates daily site activities, they work for the builder. An Independent Building Consultant, on the other hand, protects only your interests.
They collaborate with the Project Manager but report to you. Their role is to protect your investment by ensuring transparency and quality throughout the project.
Start Early: Bring in a Consultant Before You Build
Many people wait until construction starts before involving a consultant—but the smart move is to hire one early. A good Independent Building Consultant can support you from the design and planning stage.
Some consultants will:
- Review your design plans
- Create a BOQ (Bill of Quantities)
- Tender your project to multiple builders
- Compare quotes and help you select the best contractor
By having expert oversight from day one, you reduce risk and make more informed decisions.
Is an Independent Building Consultant Worth the Extra Cost?
It might seem like an additional expense, but in reality, hiring a consultant is one of the best investments you can make when building in Bali. Considering the total cost of your land, design, and construction, the consultant’s fee is a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Even though we did our due diligence before building, the process was still stressful. If we had brought in an Independent Building Consultant earlier, we could have saved both time and money—and avoided a lot of frustration.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Dream Home
Building in Bali should be a creative and enjoyable experience. With the right support, it can be just that. Hiring an Independent Building Consultant gives you an added layer of protection, reduces stress, and improves the chances of your project being delivered on time, on budget, and to a high standard.
One of our best tips? Don’t go it alone. Get the right team around you—starting with an experienced, trustworthy consultant.
If you’re looking for an Independent Building Consultant, send us an email at admin@bali-interiors.com and we’ll put you in touch with ones we recommend.
Want more essential tips? Building in Bali and looking for all the best tips to help you build? Grab a copy of our Building in Bali guide. It’s your step-by-step guide to building your dream home!
Got a question for Sheila? Visiting Bali and not sure what to do or where to go? Building a villa in Bali? Want to know our favourite secret spots? Tips on how to have the best Bali holiday? Send your question to admin@bali-interiors.com
