Once a client handed me a Bali villa that had had no systematic maintenance for two years — the previous manager had only responded to guest complaints rather than scheduling regular checks. The list of accumulated issues was substantial. None of them were structural. All of them were the kind of gradual deterioration that scheduled maintenance catches at low cost before it becomes urgent. This checklist is what I'd use to assess that villa's current condition — adapted for annual use.
Structural & Exterior
Check all flat roof and terrace drainage outlets for blockage and membrane condition at outlets. Inspect parapet walls and expansion joints for cracking or open joints. Check all exterior painted surfaces for mould, peeling or UV fading. Inspect exterior silicone joints around windows and doors — replace if cracked or mouldy. Check all gutters and downpipes for blockage and secure fixing.
Doors & Windows
Operate every door and window in the property. Note any that stick, drop, don't latch, or have damaged hardware. Lubricate all hinges and sliding tracks. Replace damaged screen mesh and broken screen door components. Check all external door lock sets for secure operation.
Plumbing
Check all tap washers and mixer cartridges — replace dripping taps. Flush all drains with boiling water and rod any slow drains. Check water heater elements (if accessible) and flush storage tanks to remove scale sediment. Inspect all visible pipe connections for seeping joints. Test all flush mechanisms and cistern fill valves.
Electrical
Test all light fittings, replace failed bulbs. Check all socket outlets for loose face plates or intermittent operation. Test all RCD/earth leakage circuit breakers for correct operation. Check outdoor lighting fittings for corrosion and water ingress.
Interior
Inspect all bathroom and kitchen silicone seals — replace where mouldy or cracking. Check all tile grouting for cracks. Touch up paint marks and minor wall damage. Lubricate all cabinet hinges and drawer runners. Test all appliances provided with the villa.
Monthly Quick Checks
These take under an hour and catch most problems while they are still cheap:
- Run every tap and shower, watch drainage speed — slow drains block fully within weeks here.
- Open and close every door and window; note any that started sticking (humidity swell shows up fast).
- Check ceiling corners and wardrobe backs for the first grey spots of mould.
- Test the water pump: short-cycling or a new rattle means a pressure tank or bearing issue.
- Look under sinks and behind toilets for fresh damp.
- Trip and reset the RCD test button once a month.
Before the Rainy Season (October)
- Clear roof gutters and ground drains of leaves before the first storms.
- Check roof fixings and flashings — wind-driven rain finds every loose sheet.
- Re-seal exterior door and window frames where sealant has cracked.
- Touch up exterior paint on the weather side while surfaces are still dry.
- Service ceiling fans and check outdoor light fittings for corroded contacts.
What to Do Yourself vs Hand to a Handyman
The monthly walk-through any owner or villa manager can do with a phone camera. The fixes it surfaces — a swollen door, a dripping joint, a corroded hinge, a wall that needs sealing and repainting — are exactly the half-day list to hand over in one visit. Collect them in a note, send the photos on WhatsApp, and book our monthly villa maintenance plan if you would rather the walk-through happened without you.
Want Us to Do This for Your Villa?
We can complete an annual condition assessment and address all the items found in a single scheduled visit or series of visits.
Book an Annual Maintenance VisitOur Services
Villa Maintenance — scheduled upkeep and on-call fixes.
Door Repair & Locks — sticking doors, hinges, handles.
Painting Touch-Ups — one wall, scuffs and small jobs.
Minor Electrical Jobs — fittings, switches, fans.