Finding the right commercial waterproofing services might sound simple enough. But if you are a property or strata building manager, there are a number of important considerations to take into account when selecting a waterproofing contractor and going through your tender process.
Why Is the Waterproofing Tender Process So Important?
For one thing, choosing the wrong contractor can result in more costly repairs down the line. The risk of waterproofing specifications not being met can result in more expensive remedial works, reputational fallout, or even long-term liability.
As far as remedial building works go, waterproofing is one of the most common building defect categories. To ensure the commercial waterproofing services you procure are more than up to scratch, it is important that you cross your Ts and dot your Is during the remedial building tender process, and before it is too late. Include that it is a requirement under the Design and Building Practitioners Act that a Class 2 Design Practitioner oversees any waterproofing projects.
How the Waterproofing Tender Process De-Risks Your Service Procurement?
The best way to de-risk the waterproofing tender process is by asking the right questions when procuring a building or strata waterproofing quote. Competent, compliant remedial builders in Sydney should be able and willing to provide detailed, transparent answers that provide reassurance and guidance.
If a remedial builder is unable to explain their process with clarity and in detail, the gaps could reveal potential exposure and liability you would be facing down the line. So, how do you ensure your waterproofing tender process includes all the right questions? To help you out, here is a list of the 5 critical questions for your tender process.
5 Critical Questions for Your Waterproofing Tender Process
1. How Do You Ensure Compliance With the Design and Building Practitioners Act and Australian Standards?
The Design and Building Practitioners Act (DBPA) has ensured that when it comes to compliance through procurement the stakes have never been higher.
Any provider of commercial waterproofing services tendering for your work should be able to clearly demonstrate how they comply with the DBPA and other relevant Australian Standards. If they are unable to articulate how they are DBPA compliant, this may be a critical red flag.
What sort of answer should you be looking out for? Firstly, an explanation of how their team is registered or working under a registered practitioner – a requirement of the DBPA. Listen for specific mention of waterproofing standards such as AS 4654 (external applications) and AS 3740 (wet areas), as well as substrate-specific standards. Note whether they provide quality assurance documentation such as design compliance declarations or photographic evidence, and ask if such documentation is handed over at job completion. The better waterproofing contractors may also detail how they stay up to date with legislative and code changes.
It is important that their response is not a box-ticking exercise. DBPA compliant contractors will be able to provide comprehensive risk managed services to protect both you and your asset.
2. What Is Your Diagnostic Process Before Quoting?
The next question when selecting waterproofing contractors should focus on the diagnostic process. Strata waterproofing quotes should not be provided without adequate onsite investigation.
Contractors who do offer a scope of repairs and waterproofing without ever investigating the true source of water ingress and damage may be a recipe for just repeat failures and more costs in the future.
In your remedial building tender process, ask about their diagnostic and investigative methodology. Specifically, ask about what sort of tools they use – whether they are invasive or non-invasive, how they determine symptoms and causes, and to what extent their investigations are documented in condition reports and backed up by photographic evidence.
The answer will help you determine whether the diagnostic component of the quote is treated as an ‘optional add-on’ or – as it should be – a critical first step. The best commercial waterproofing service provider will ensure they understand the problem fully before offering a solution.
3. How Do You Select the Correct Waterproofing System and Substrate Preparation Method?
Waterproofing and remedial construction is not about cookie-cutter service. Each building and project has unique aspects, substrate conditions, environmental factors and more.
Take the time to see if the contractor is tendering with a one-size-fits-all solution as opposed to providing a tailored answer that addresses rationale for their choice of waterproofing system and substrate preparation methodology.
DBPA compliant contractors would also be consulting with specialist engineers or material manufacturers to ensure the chosen system and solution is appropriate for the site conditions and problem at hand.
In short, you want to verify that the strata waterproofing quote reflects a customised solution tailored to your strata or commercial asset needs.
4. What Is Your Communication and Stakeholder Management Plan?
Waterproofing and other repair works can be disruptive for strata or occupied commercial buildings. Ensuring your residents or commercial tenants are properly managed is important for avoiding disputes, frustration and project delays.
Your potential remedial building specialist should be able to demonstrate their clear stakeholder communication plan. This includes timeline communication, progress updates and demarcated pathways for issue escalation.
Experienced remedial builders in Sydney will demonstrate a commitment to safety management plans and compliance with worker health and safety regulations, further reflecting their prioritisation of the wellbeing of your tenants.
This is an important component of the waterproofing tender process, as it sets the tone and standard for ongoing coordination with strata managers, building representatives, and procurement teams. Remember, when selecting a waterproofing contractor, you’re looking for a true partner not just tradespeople.
5. What Warranties, Maintenance, and Asset Protection Strategies Do You Offer?
Good quality commercial waterproofing services should not be a band-aid solution. The best contractors think long-term and implement solutions to embed sustainable waterproofing into your asset. Make sure to ask about long-term protection and lifecycle planning in your remedial building tender.
Waterproofing contractors who tend to avoid addressing or downplay their warranties (including follow-up maintenance) may not be committed to long-term accountability.
As far as specific questions to ask from potential contractors, highlight the following:
- Details of warranties, including exclusions
- Details of what is covered and for how long
- Details of preventative maintenance programs
- Details of further asset management such as monitoring, inspections and proactive remedial planning
- Details of how to reduce long-term risk
