How to renovate a half-built villa in Bali.

A new design starts with a known brief and a surveyed site. A half-built renovation also inherits someone else's structure, dimensions, workmanship, material exposure, incomplete services and approval history. Every retained element becomes a design assumption that must be verified before the new work depends on it.

• Current architectural, structural and MEP drawings, if available
• Survey, boundaries, levels and measured as-built information
• Construction records, concrete or material information and photographs
• Previous PBG, approvals or consultant documentation where applicable
• Contractor invoices, variations and unfinished scope
• Known defects, water entry, cracks or movement
• Legal and planning information from independent qualified advisers

Do not redesign from the old drawing alone. Check wall positions, openings, floor levels, ceiling heights, columns, beams, stairs, service routes and external levels. Photograph and label the measured condition. Hidden elements may still require investigation by the relevant specialists.

Element does not certify an existing structure. A qualified local structural professional should determine what can be retained, strengthened, altered or removed. Cracks, exposed reinforcement, weathered concrete, unsupported openings, retaining conditions and previous modifications need project-specific assessment before demolition or new loading is approved.

• Roof falls, outlets and unfinished waterproofing
• Bathroom, balcony and pool waterproofing status
• External ground levels and stormwater routes
• Wall dampness, staining and exposed construction joints
• Window and door openings, thresholds and flashing
• Temporary exposure to Bali rain, humidity and sunlight

Retaining more is not always cheaper. Compare demolition, strengthening, waterproofing, service rerouting and design compromise against rebuilding the affected portion correctly. The decision should consider safety, programme, lifetime maintenance and the quality required—not only the value already spent.

Once the retained structure is understood, develop the concept layout, circulation, openings, furniture planning, mood board and material direction. Approve the revised layout before detailed 3D work. A renovation render should be based on verified dimensions and an achievable structural and services strategy.

Issue the agreed architectural and interior plans, elevations, sections, ceilings, finishes, fixed-furniture details and schedules. Structural, MEP, geotechnical, drainage, pool and statutory documentation belongs to the relevant appointed professionals. Every team should work from the current revision register.

Separate retained work, demolition, repair, new structure, architecture, finishes, MEP, waterproofing, pool, landscape, furniture and external works. Identify quantities, brands or allowances and exclusions. A single per-square-metre number cannot explain the risk hidden inside an incomplete building.

There is no reliable universal renovation rate. Element's published early partner-led construction benchmark starts from IDR 7,000,000/m² for an agreed scope, but the final price depends on the existing condition, structural findings, demolition, access, specification, drawings and BOQ. A badly executed shell can cost more to correct than the retained work saves.

These figures document the Hitomi appointment and Element's published rates; they are not a fixed quotation for another villa. Every new renovation requires its own inspection information, drawings, BOQ, specification and written scope.

• Project-specific renovation construction reference — IDR 7,000,000/m² for the agreed scope through final finishes
• Supervision and project-management reference — 17% of the approved construction value, variable by responsibility and duration
• Public 3D concept-design rate — USD 10/m²
• Separate published drawing-package rate — USD 5/m²
• Hitomi project-specific design rate — approximately USD 7/m² because design and construction were appointed together

A renovation budget should allow for findings that could not reasonably be measured before opening the work. The appropriate contingency depends on the reliability of records and the condition of the building. State who can authorise its use and require evidence, price and programme impact before each variation is approved.

• Before demolition or cutting structural elements
• After opening concealed work and before redesign is fixed
• Before reinforcement and concrete are covered
• Before walls or ceilings conceal MEP routes
• After waterproofing tests and before finishes
• At sample and material approvals
• During snagging, retesting and handover

The applicable PBG, SLF, alteration approval, engineering and inspection route must be confirmed for the specific property by appropriately qualified Indonesian professionals and relevant authorities. A design package or PT PMA structure is not a substitute for project approvals, licences or professional certification.

• No reliable survey or current drawing set
• Major cracks, dampness or exposed reinforcement dismissed without assessment
• A contractor price issued before defining demolition and repair
• Old renders treated as proof of build quality
• No named structural, MEP or permit responsibility
• Payments requested without measurable progress evidence
• No variation rules, inspection stages or handover records

Hitomi Villa began as a half-built renovation. Element developed the planning, mood board, 3D visualization and agreed drawings while the project progressed on site. The published case study labels renders as renders and construction photographs as work in progress so clients can review design intent, documentation and real delivery evidence separately.

• Exact location and current ownership or project status
• Available drawings, approvals and consultant records
• Measured plans or survey information
• Clear photographs and walkthrough video
• Target rooms, use and design area
• Known defects and unfinished items
• Target timing and budget range
• Required design, drawing, supervision and construction services