What Should I Check before Renovating an Older Phuket Villa?

Investigate structure, roof, waterproofing, electrical capacity, plumbing, wastewater, termites, corrosion, drainage, retaining walls and previous unapproved changes. Confirm what approvals are required for the proposed work and whether the legal building footprint matches reality. Keep a contingency because opening walls often reveals hidden damage. Renovation should improve maintainability, not only appearance.

Keep design, approval, contract administration and quality inspection separate enough to provide real checks. Require written records, version-controlled drawings and evidence before stage payments. Confirm current authority requirements before work starts.

Confirm current property-specific details through documents, inspection and appropriate independent professionals before committing money.