Trace water from top to bottom
Check roofs, gutters, terraces, window joints, bathrooms, pools and drainage levels. Stains, bubbling paint, musty smells or swollen timber can be clues to a larger moisture path.
Assess structure before removing walls
Cracks, settlement, corrosion and previous layout changes deserve professional review. Some walls carry loads or contain services, so demolition should not be based on assumptions.
Test electrical, water, air-conditioning and waste systems
Review the distribution board, earthing, water pressure, pumps, tanks, wastewater, air conditioning and maintenance access. Rental villas may have undergone several undocumented alterations.
Separate repair and appearance budgets
First budget for making the building safe and sound, then for floors, walls, kitchens, cabinetry and furniture. This shows where visual ambitions can be adjusted without cutting essential work.
Prepare the location, dimensions, current photographs, any existing drawings, required scope and an approximate budget. Giving every team the same information makes early estimates easier to compare.