Achieving Better Basements
We’ve spoken to many people through the construction industry in New Zealand and Australia, about basement waterproofing, and there’s a general theme: “We want to do it properly.” Engineers, architects, builders, developers and owners, increasingly understand the risks of subpar subgrade design. They know the cost of getting it wrong, the reputational damage from building failures, and the frustration of dealing with leaks in supposedly premium projects.
But despite the good intentions, best practice in waterproofing is still struggling to become standard practice.
So what’s holding the industry back?
A Willing Market, Wary of Change
The short answer is tradition, closely followed by cost. The industry has long relied on “how things have always been done,” especially when it comes to substructures. Wet wall basements are still allowed in many regions, and concrete spraying remains common. These familiar methods come with known (if not ideal) outcomes and predictable costs. The alternatives, more robust waterproofing systems, early-stage coordination, and integrated design, often mean higher initial costs, more stakeholder collaboration, and a shift in responsibility. Not everyone is ready to make that leap.
Even when project teams want to embrace higher standards, they face real-world roadblocks:
- Tender processes that reward the lowest cost, not the longest life
- Fragmented procurement models that separate design, product selection, and installation
- Limited education on reference standards like BS 8102:2022
- Risk-averse clients who default to legacy solutions
This is not a market resisting quality — it’s a market caught between intention and inertia.
The Power of Early Involvement
Change is coming, though, and a growing appetite for design-led waterproofing is driving it. More architects and engineers are advocating for waterproofing to be considered early, as a core element of structural planning rather than a bolt-on solution. They understand that the earlier waterproofing is addressed, the more effectively it can be integrated with other elements – foundations, construction joints, retaining walls – and the more durable and dependable the final result.
In parallel, project stakeholders are increasingly seeking partners, not just products: providers who can step in at the concept stage, help shape the waterproofing strategy, supply the system, monitor installation, and back the outcome with a performance warranty.
This model appeals for several reasons:
- It creates a single point of responsibility
- It reduces coordination issues between trades and suppliers
- It ensures compatibility between components
- It gives architects peace of mind and a solid story to tell clients
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From Fragmented to Full-Circle
When a waterproofing solution spans design, supply, supervision, and warranty, it shifts from being a product to a performance commitment. It also introduces accountability, something that’s often missing in multi-vendor, last-minute setups.
This “full-circle” approach is attractive, particularly to architects, who are increasingly aware of how post-construction issues can affect their reputation. Many now prefer working with providers who are willing to own the outcome, not just sell a spec.
It’s a smarter model for builders too. While it may appear more expensive up front, it removes uncertainty, reduces call-backs, and ensures a smoother handover. In a market where resources are tight and timelines are critical, these benefits often outweigh the initial premium.
Leadership in a Transitioning Market
The Australian and New Zealand markets are clearly in transition. The desire for better outcomes is there. The recognition of current shortcomings is widespread. What’s needed now is industry leadership; not just in technology, but in behaviour.
Suppliers who take ownership of waterproofing performance, from design through to warranty, are helping shift the market from fragmented to integrated. Designers who push for early involvement are changing the way waterproofing is perceived. Builders who embrace full-system accountability are raising the bar for construction quality.
It’s not about revolution, it’s about alignment: aligning design intent, delivery methods, and long-term performance.
Because when the whole project team is invested from day one, the outcome isn’t just dry, it’s dependable.
Involved in basement design or construction? We’d like to here from you, whether it’s to help us learn more about the topic, or to discuss the needs of your particular project. Get in touch!
If this topic resonates with you, take a look at our on-demand webinars, “Unpacking British Standard 8102:2022 for Australia & New Zealand” Part 1 and Part 2.
Hero pic recoloured from Sergey Zolkin on Unsplash.
