Stage 5: Fixing &
Waterproofing

This inspection covers two key areas: internal fixings and waterproofing. For fixings, we check internal doors and hardware, cabinets and benchtops, plumbing fixtures, power points, skirting, and architraves. For waterproofing, we verify membrane installation in all wet areas including bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens, as well as floor falls and shower screen provisions.

Waterproofing failures are one of the most common and costly defects in new homes. Poor waterproofing in bathrooms, showers, and laundries can lead to water damage, mould growth, structural timber rot, and damage to adjacent rooms. Once tiles are laid over the waterproofing membrane, defects become invisible and extremely expensive to rectify, often requiring complete bathroom demolition and reconstruction.

Common waterproofing defects include insufficient membrane coverage, tears or punctures in the membrane, inadequate overlap at joins, incorrect floor falls preventing proper drainage, missing or incorrectly applied primer, and non-compliant membrane height on walls. We also check that shower screen fixings have not penetrated the waterproofing membrane.

This inspection should be booked after internal fixings are installed and waterproofing membranes have been applied but before tiling begins. The waterproofing component is particularly time-sensitive as the membrane must be inspected before tiles cover it permanently. Contact us as soon as your builder confirms the waterproofing is complete.