Introduction
If you own a property in Bali you’re already living the life many people only dream of. It is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world and a goldmine for property investors. For instance, Finns Beach Club states that the rental yield on a property in Bali is 15% of its purchase price while the rest of the world only offers a 5% return, plus the rents in Bali keep on increasing at a rate of 15-20% every year. Not only that the average occupancy rate for these properties ranges between 50-80% throughout the year. However, for such a desired return on your investments, it is very important to pay attention to details when it comes to property maintenance. So whether you own a villa, an apartment, or a commercial property we have compiled 18 essential property maintenance tips for you to upkeep your property in Bali. So let’s get started!
“Bali welcomed 2.89 million international tourists from January to July in 2023. This represents a 968% increase from the same period in 2022.”
Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia
1. Inspect the Roof Regularly
Bali is known for its tropical climate. It has two distinct seasons mainly, the Dry season which lasts from April to October, and the rainy season starts from October and goes up to March. So all in all your property in Bali is exposed to heavy rains for almost half the year. And this can put a lot of stress on your roofs. So to make sure that you have leak-proof roofing and happy tenants check for damaged roof tiles or any signs of wear and tear every 3 months. As detecting the problem early on can save you heavy expenses on repair later on.
2. Schedule HVAC Maintenance
Bali’s tropical environment can be too much to handle for foreign guests as the air feels humid and stagnant most of the time. And therefore as a commercial property owner, it is very essential that you make regular HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) maintenance appointments a part of your property maintenance activity. This improves air quality in your villa rooms, and amounts to less energy consumption thus reducing your electricity bills and lesser breakdowns. As a matter of fact, regular HVAC maintenance is not only important for the comfort of your guests but also very crucial for the long-term efficiency and lifespan of your gadgets and equipment so you are actually saving money when you spend money on regular maintenance.
3. Maintain the Plumbing System
Bali has a hard water issue that is filled with heavy metals, minerals, and chlorine. This increases the chance of mineral buildup, which can be particularly problematic and may block your pipes and faucets. It can also leave stains on sinks and tubs, and cause buildup on fixtures. Therefore, to avoid leaks and blockages, make sure you have regular plumbing checkups and maintenance in place. If you’re urgently looking for a plumbing company in Bali you should connect with plumberbali.com you can easily connect with them on WhatsApp all 7 days a week.
4. Repaint Exterior Walls
Due Bali’s climatic conditions, your commercial property is always exposed to excessive rain or sun and humidity. That is why regularly painting your property provides a protective barrier against moisture, UV rays, and weather conditions. Additionally, repainting the exterior of your property every 2-3 years increases curb appeal and makes it more attractive to potential tenants and visitors. Overall, with well-maintained paintwork, you create a positive first impression and increase the chances of rapid bookings. Especially when your guests are booking your villa online through platforms such as Airbnb or AzureBali, you really should ensure that your property is a treat to the eye.
5. Seal Windows and Doors
You don’t want your guests to stay in a space that doesn’t have properly sealed windows and doors. Imagine the havoc if an insect or rodent enters their room while they are fast asleep. While it may not be your fault, you could have easily avoided it. Additionally, properly insulated windows help save on electricity bills and prevent water infiltration. If left unchecked for an extended period, water can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and structural damage to your property. So, yes, make sure to get your windows and doors properly sealed today.
6. Check Electrical Systems
It is necessary that you conduct regular checks on the electrical wiring, outlets, and circuit breakers on your commercial property. For this, you can hire a licensed electrician to inspect your electrical system for circuit breakers, GFCI outlets and switches, frayed or exposed wiring, overloaded extension cords, and other potential issues, as well as to upgrade your system.
7. Ensure Proper Lighting
It is essential to have good lighting on your commercial property in order to prevent accidents and improve security. So make sure that your villa is well-lit. It is important to perform regular checks on light bulbs to make sure they are working properly. Make use of energy-efficient LED bulbs wherever possible to reduce energy consumption.
8. Test Fire Safety Equipment
Fire safety equipment like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and fire alarms are life-saving in case of emergency and therefore as a commercial property owner, you should not take its inspection and maintenance lightly. They should be tested every 6 months without fail. In fact, every country has strict rules and laws in place to test fire safety equipment and if you fail to comply with these you can face serious legal consequences. Don’t forget that when you conduct regular tests and train your staff to use these fire equipment in case of emergency you are increasing their chances of escaping the situation safely in case a fire does break out.
9. Maintain Your Pool
Bali’s villas are a major attraction for visitors who plan to visit the island, and pools are a key feature of these villa properties. Hence, not only is pool cleanliness essential for health and safety reasons, but it also plays a big part in embellishing the overall aesthetics of your villa.
But to keep your pool sparkling and inviting, regular maintenance is crucial. What this means is that you need to have a dedicated staff member to clean the pool at least once a week and regularly monitor water pH levels. Because if you neglect pool maintenance it could expose your guests to harmful bacteria and algae which could compromise their health and eventually damage your reputation. On the other hand, if you ensure that your pool is always clean and safe it will help you provide an exceptional experience for your guests (and all those beautiful Bali pictures that will go on their Instagram wall).
10. Trim Overgrown Landscaping
You need to pay attention to the exterior of your villa as much as the interior, and that includes maintaining a garden to enhance the aesthetics. To do this, you can start by planting local Bali trees and flowers like Bougainvillea, Hibiscus, and Frangipani, among others. You also need to trim and prune the shrubs and plants to prevent overgrowth and ensure they don’t damage your property or attract pests. It goes without saying that regularly watering your garden and using the right kind of fertilizers, preferably organic, will go a long way. Additionally, you should have a cleaning staff to remove weeds and debris from the pathways and keep the garden looking beautiful.
11. Inspect for Pests
You need to keep an eye on pest infestations, such as termites, ants, rodents, and other insects, on your commercial property in Bali, as they can damage your property, especially wooden furnishings and furniture. Ants may invade the kitchen, while rodents can crawl into hidden spaces. To reduce these risks, you should conduct regular inspections and identify the early signs of their presence. If you detect an infestation, you can use eco-friendly and non-toxic pest control methods.
12. Ensure Proper Drainage
Bali’s heavy rains can lead to flooding if the drainage system is clogged or not functioning properly. So make sure that you regularly check that your property’s drain pipes and septic systems are clear of debris to prevent water damage.
13. Upgrade Security Systems
Make sure that your security system is up-to-date. Install proper functioning CCTV cameras and alarms to avoid theft and vandalism. Though Bali is a safe destination overall, a secure property maintenance approach is essential to protect your investment.
14. Proper Waste Management
You need to employ an effective waste management system at your villa in Bali to maintain a clean and healthy environment. You can start by sorting waste into recyclable and non-recyclable categories to make sure that the waste is segregated and sent for proper disposal. Further, you can move to organic composting for your garden area and reduce excess waste generation. When you engage in such good work it will not only build your brand identity but also improve your property’s visibility.
15. Maintain Fencing and Gates
The first step in maintaining a secure property is to ensure that you have proper fences and gates. To do this, you can upgrade to solid, reinforced doors and windows, especially for the main gate. Additionally, you should install tempered glass or security films to prevent break-ins on your property. For ground-level windows, it’s better to opt for security grills and bars. Ultimately, it’s important to install high-quality materials at your gates and windows, ensuring both security and aesthetic appeal.
16. Check for Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew can quickly develop on walls and ceilings due to the humid climate in Bali. That is why it is important that you carry out regular checks to look for any signs in all possible areas and prevent further damage. You should look for spots and discoloration in damp areas of the room such as around the air conditioner, under the carpet area, etc. Mold and mildew usually have a distinct musty odor so if you notice a damp earthy smell there is a chance that the area might be infected. Be extra cautious and schedule a call with professionals who can work to solve the issue. In order to make sure that such a situation does not occur you can also install dehumidifiers that maintain proper humidity levels, and opt for mold-resistant paint.
17. Replace Worn-Out Furniture and Fixtures
Since you own a commercial property, you will have to pay more to fix or eventually replace worn-out furniture compared to a private residence. To give you an idea, the frequency at which you need to replace your furniture will mainly depend on the type and quality of the furniture. For example, fabric furniture begins to sag and provide less lumbar support after 4–5 years of use. Coffee and center tables can last 5–7 years, depending on the quality. Meanwhile, dishwashers, refrigerators, and stoves/ovens last longer with regular maintenance, but it is better to keep upgrading them as newer models are more energy-efficient and come with advanced features.
18. Professional Assistance and Inspections
You might not be able to keep a check on all the aspects of your property on your own. And that is why it is important you seek professional assistance and schedule regular inspections to identify potential issues. These companies can help you save time, effort, and costly repairs in case of complete damage. You can search for electricians, plumbers, and housekeepers in your local area and book a regular appointment with them. As a rule of thumb, you can schedule a yearly inspection and keep a record of the maintenance updates for future reference, just in case.
Conclusion
So, you have now understood the importance of maintaining your property in Bali and 18 property maintenance tips to keep it in top condition. Remember, when you work to provide a safe and pleasant environment to your guests during their stay you build a loyal consumer base and improve your chances of getting positive customer reviews. If you are finding it overwhelming to take care of your property all by yourself you can also hire a housekeeping company to take care of day-to-day repair and maintenance needs on the property. However, if you are a foreign investor and are not readily available in Bali there are many benefits in hiring a property management company that covers all your property maintenance requirements and also markets your villa or resort to the right kind of travelers.
