That’s why waterproofing matters more than many people realise.
According to the QBCC’s latest Industry Snapshot, waterproofing continues to be a re-occuring defect in Queensland. For licensees, that’s a statistic you want to know, but also one you can protect against.
Why waterproofing keeps going wrong
Waterproofing failures can often happen because:
- The wrong product is used for the environment
- work is rushed, products are applied incorrectly or outside manufacturer specifications
- the work is not inspected or tested before leaving the job
- and quality documentation and photos are not kept to demonstrate that the work done properly in the first place.
These mistakes can seem minor at the time, but the consequences significant. Failed waterproofing can lead to structural damage, health risks such as mould, unhappy customers and lengthy disputes and very expensive rectifications, all of which damage confidence in our industry. Each residential bathroom claim finalised under the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme during the 2024–25 financial year averaged almost $25,000 in rectification costs which then have to be recovered from the licensee.
What the right thing looks like
Doing the right thing starts with understanding your obligations and building waterproofing into your process.
As a licensee, that means:
- making sure waterproofing work complies with the NCC and Australian Standards
- following manufacturer instructions exactly
- ensuring the area is correctly prepared before application
- allowing adequate curing times
- inspecting the work before it’s covered up
- keeping clear records, photos and test certificates that demonstrate that you completed the work to the required standards and left it in good condition
These protect the home owner and your reputation.
Learning before it becomes a problem
One thing many licensees may not realise is that the QBCC’s first response is not enforcement.
Here at the QBCC, we are focused on education and prevention, helping licensees understand what’s expected and how to comply, while remaining firm on repeat non-compliance to protect the reputation of those doing the right thing.
From a licensee perspective, that's important.
Nobody wants to be pulled into a complaints process — but it’s reassuring to know that where issues are identified early, there is a strong emphasis on guidance, improvement and learning, rather than immediate penalties or repercussions if you ask for help and are prepared to do the right thing.
What we recommend to licensees
If you’re working in wet areas, waterproofing deserves your full attention.
Our advice to licensees is simple:
- keep your knowledge up to date
- check the details every time
- use QBCC guidance and resources
- ask questions before work starts, not after problems appear.
Getting waterproofing right goes beyond compliance - it speaks to your professionalism, pride in your work, protecting your business and avoiding expensive repairs.
Part of a wider industry focus
Waterproofing is the first in a QBCC series highlighting the Top 10 most-reported building defects from the Industry Snapshot with practical guidance, clear expectations and information to help builders and trades do the right thing from the start.
Because when we get it right, everyone benefits — home owners, industry participants and the reputation of the Queensland building and construction industry.
