00VILLA GUIDE
What to inspect before moving into a villa
An existing villa comes with its history: years of AC use, a tank that may or may not have been cleaned, repairs done well or badly. The weeks before move-in are the cheapest time to find out what you are inheriting, because the house is empty, access is easy, and faults found now do not interrupt family life.
01PART
What age tells you
Villas a few years old start showing the first round of wear: AC units losing capacity, pump seals and float valves nearing the end of their life, sealant cracking around wet areas, and the sunniest elevations fading. None of these is unusual, but each is cheaper fixed before you move in than after.
02PART
Systems to test
Look past fresh paint. A recent repaint can hide damp stains and returning cracks. Moisture readings, run tests and a look in the plant areas tell you more than appearance.
- AC: cooling measured in each room, drains checked, outdoor units inspected.
- Water: tank condition, pump behaviour, pressure upstairs, meter test for leaks.
- Electrics: board condition, RCD test, warm sockets, outdoor circuits.
- Fabric: moisture readings on stains, ceilings below bathrooms, cracks.
- Outside: pool equipment, irrigation zones, gate operation.
03PART
If you are renting
Tenants should record the condition of systems at move-in as well as finishes, with dated photos. It makes later conversations with the landlord about who repairs what much simpler.
04PART
Day-one records
Note meter readings, where the isolation valves and breakers are, the pool equipment and irrigation controller settings, and the make and model of AC units. You will need them the first time something fails.
05QUESTIONS
- Can you inspect before I sign a tenancy or purchase?
- Yes, with the owner's permission for access. We report what we find; we do not value the property.
- What do I get at the end?
- You are told what we found on each system, what it would cost to put right and what happens if it is left. Nothing is repaired until you agree.