Waterproofing is one of those building trades where the consequences of getting it wrong are severe — and often invisible until months or years down the track. A poor waterproofing job doesn’t announce itself immediately — learn the 7 warning signs. It hides behind tiles and inside wall cavities, quietly causing damage that eventually surfaces as mould, structural decay, or water pouring through a ceiling.
Choosing the right contractor matters. Here are seven things to check before you hire anyone to waterproof or repair your shower, bathroom, or balcony.
1. Check Their Licence
In NSW, waterproofing work is a licensed trade. Any contractor carrying out waterproofing in a wet area must hold the appropriate licence under the NSW Fair Trading framework. You can verify a licence quickly at the NSW Fair Trading website using the contractor’s licence number.
Be cautious of any tradesperson who can’t or won’t provide their licence number. It’s a basic professional requirement, not an unreasonable request.
2. Ask About Their Waterproofing Standard
The relevant Australian Standard for waterproofing in domestic wet areas is AS 3740. A knowledgeable contractor should be able to reference this standard and explain how their work complies with it. If they’re not familiar with it, that’s a concern.
Key elements include: correct use of membranes, proper coverage up the walls, use of silicone (not grout) in movement joints, and correct falls to the drain.
3. Look at Their Track Record
How long have they been operating? Do they have verifiable Google reviews? Can they provide references from previous customers or projects? A company with 30+ years of experience and a consistent record of positive reviews has earned that reputation through repeated quality work.
Be wary of contractors with no online presence, no reviews, or reviews that all appeared within a short window.
4. Understand What’s Actually Being Done
A good contractor will explain clearly what work they’re proposing, why, and what materials they’ll use. You should receive a written quote that itemises the scope of work — not just a single lump sum figure with no detail.
If a contractor can’t explain what they’re doing in plain language, or resists providing a written scope, move on.
5. Ask About Materials
Not all waterproofing membranes, grouts, and sealants are equal. Ask what products the contractor uses and why. Quality operators source high-grade materials — epoxy grouts, premium membranes, professional-grade silicones — because they stand behind their work and don’t want callbacks.
SealRITE, for example, sources full epoxy grout and penetrant sealers from the USA, high-grade silicone from Belgium, and precision cutting tools from Japan. The quality of materials directly affects how long the repair lasts.
6. Confirm the Warranty
Any reputable waterproofing contractor will offer a warranty on their work. Ask specifically what the warranty covers, for how long, and what the process is if a problem arises. Get it in writing.
A contractor who is vague about warranties or reluctant to commit in writing is signalling that they may not be confident in their own workmanship.
7. Be Cautious of the Lowest Price
In waterproofing, the cheapest quote is rarely the best value. Cutting costs usually means cutting corners — on materials, on coverage, on compliance with Australian Standards. The price of a substandard waterproofing job is paid later, in far more expensive repairs.
Get two or three quotes, understand what each one includes, and make your decision based on the full picture — not just the number at the bottom of the page.
Why Homeowners and Builders Trust SealRITE
SealRITE Solutions has been operating in Sydney for over 30 years. Our team are individually licensed and experienced, we use only premium materials, and we provide written quotes, detailed reports, and solid warranties on every job. We work with homeowners, builders, strata managers, and real estate professionals across the city.
If you’re looking for a waterproofing contractor you can trust, we’d welcome the opportunity to show you what that looks like.
Call 1300 123 008 or visit sealritesolutions.com.au to book a free inspection and written quote.
