scottmac
Hi everyone, I'm sure this question has been asked many times before but what I would like to know is if there are any property development company who could be trusted to design and manage the building of a modestly priced house whilst the owner is absent. Could be very naiive and my gut reaction is that without the owners constant presence this would be a recipe for disaster but would like to know if the promises of companies such as Bali Property Information to manage your house build can be trusted and what has been the experience of other owners. Thanks, Scott
Roy
Scott, first off, welcome to the forum!
To answer your question, or to provide any suggestions, it would help if you could provide us with exactly where in Bali your property is to be developed.
mosaic
From my recent experience building it was paramount to be on site everyday.. This was mostly due to changes in our design and questions, and improvements that were made during cinstruction. Just to provide a positive outlook we had nothing but an exellent experience with our contractor/ developer. Sure some things cost more , changes wer made, house wasnt exactly perfect but generally it worked out well and we were pleasently suprised. I have worked on many construction sights in canada and have yet to see a flawless home. I will note that our contractor had known my father for yrs before hand so this was of course advantageous. My concern if not there to at least ask questions and check on design materials may be looted, hidden expenses etc...
scottmac
Hi all,
Firstly thanks for the welcome message and replies. Regarding location, at the moment I am just kicking ideas around my head and have no firm location decided. I guess like many other foreigners before me my inicial reaction to your question would be to say the Ubud area but I really need to visit other areas and do some more research first. My preference would be inland, not too isolated or too far from Denpasar as to make airport trips a real nusance yet far enough away from the main tourist areas of the island. I'm not looking for a typical expat mansion - that's not my style - something more modest and with peace and quiet, good karma and a fast internet connection to allow me to set up my office from home is of much more importance to me than swimming pools, etc.
Unfortunately should I decide to embark upon this project it really would be impossible for me to be onsite hence the original question. Quite simply if I feel that it is too much of a risk I wont do it. I have taken a look at Bert's site, seems impressive, but one thing is a building sexy website and another is being able to buid houses -sorry Bert no offence intented if you read this, I'm sure your developments are of a high quality :)
Roy
Scott, no offense taken personally by me at all. I just happen to know Bert's houses (villas), and they are all first rate. In Ubud, I can help you, but up North, it is Bert...and period. In Sanur, or other places down South, I can't help you...maybe Bert can suggest some folks.
There are nine Regencies in Bali. They all have their own property laws, license requirements, etc. and within each of these Regencies, there are a myriad of villages, each with their own adat or "ways of doing things." I asked where in Bali, as all these factors come into play.
It's obvious you haven't contracted any land yet....so that is your first step.
scottmac
Sorry Roy if you seem offended by my last post, that was certainly not my intention. The only point I was trying to get across is that it is very dificult to be sure of anything on the internet particularly if you live on the other side of the planet. As I mentioned in an email I sent to Bert earlier today perhaps many years living in southern Spain has made me overly suspicious regarding building or buying property but we all know its a risky business everywhere. Again as I mentioned in my last post I am sure Bert's work is of a high quality and I look forward to seeing it should I get the opprortunity.
Regarding location, I am drawn to Ubud but at this stage am trying to get a feel for the available options in other areas also. Thanks for your comments.
Roy
[quote]but one thing is a building sexy website and another is being able to buid houses[/quote]
Well Scott, many thanks for your honesty. If, and when you make it to Bali, and maybe head up to Singaraja (to look at Bert's work in Lovina) you will likely have an intense feeling of embarrassment. But, I'll leave that to you to find out for yourself. Just so you know, as “sexy” Bert’s web site is, it is NOTHING compared to his houses.
Normally, when one is thinking of a move to Bali, or the acquisition of property here, one way or the other, one has a general idea of where in Bali they want to make home before asking about property development managers, designers, architects, etc.
With that in mind, I would suggest that you come to Bali and have a look for yourself. You won’t find Bali on ANY internet site, that is for certain.
tintin
My God, Granada! What a fabulous place to be living in! And great bullfights. :)
With all due respect, my very strong and serious suggestion is to first come to Bali (not even once, but several times) and have a look for yourself. Each area has advantages and disadvantages, and these not only depend on the physical locations, but also on your mental and spiritual "location."
On the other end, I know of a person (actually a married couple) who came to Ubud for a two-week Xmas vacation four (or was it five) years ago, and after one month back in the US (and his wife in Holland), decided to build a fabulous house, near Ubud, in Lodtunduh.
But that's them, and I am me, and I do not make decisions in this way...Building a house is a great commitment, and in Bali it can be a great headache. :lol:
scottmac
Yeah, Granada is a cool place especially the Alhambra and arabic quarters. Unfortunately though Spain is not the place it used to be :-( and has lost many of the old traditions. On top of that it has moved from being the cheapest country in Europe to being one of the most expensive (taking into account salary rates). It's all about globalization unfortunately, eventually the same will happen in Bali and that will be a pity. Anyway I invite you all to visit - I'll not do any direct publicity for my business here - I guess that's against the rules :-) just search for cottage rental Granada - it a great place for a visit, great tapas (they are still cheap at least), beaches, we even have the most souther ski resort in Europe - on the slopes in the morning and on the beach in the afternoon! 8)
DCC
Cheers Mac - Don't know why all think you havn't been here before, you simply said you were not sure where you would wnt to build. As Roy said that's job 1 - a contractor who will closely suppervise his crews will have to live nearby. As for being an absentee client - much care should be taken and you may want to employ an independent project manager to represent you on-site. And yes great caution should be excersised as it should anywhere.
scottmac
Yeah thanks for clearing that point up - it´s always easy to jump to conclusions or read between the lines when it deals with the written word - of course partly my fault for not expressing myself better - I´ll try to be clearer next time :-) I have of course been to Indonesia several times just haven´t had enough time to date on Bali to visit all the areas I would like to. Anyway I´m planning another trip beginning of next year so will get the opportunity to further expand my knowledge then. Maybe even get the chance to meet some of you in person. Thanks to all for the comments and advice I will certainly take them seriously. Scott
