As the premier provider of remedial building services and commercial waterproofing Sydney wide, the BIM Sydney team understands that the industry has been subject to a marked rise in cost over the last few years.
So, what is the reasoning behind the increase in cost?
The reality is that the remedial waterproofing costs of today reflect a combination of changes to regulatory compliance, the need for technical oversight and the industry standards for long-term durability.
But to fully explain why this has happened, we have broken down the industry changes for you. The better you understand what goes into determining remedial waterproofing costs, the better you will be able to make informed decisions to protect your most valuable property assets.
How Has the DBP Act Changed Remedial Waterproofing Costs?
The introduction of the Design and Building Practitioners (DBP) Act in New South Wales has been one of the most significant drivers of cost increases for commercial waterproofing in Sydney.
The Act was conceived and continues to work to raise the standards of the construction industry and improve confidence on behalf of clients. But this does come with some increased need for regulatory compliance and therefore a change in costs.
For one thing, certain designs, including commercial waterproofing, must be prepared by registered design practitioners. This is to help ensure that plans and documentation meet the higher evidentiary standard and demonstrate compliance. These same declared designs must be registered as well, which adds an administrative cost and professional requirement to each waterproofing project.
For clients, this legislation has undoubtedly improved standards of work and increased peace of mind that all work is compliant. But the cost of engaging qualified waterproofing design practitioners, along with the added administrative and labour processes, is now affecting the baseline for any project.
What Are the Causes Behind the Increase in Waterproofing Costs?
Commercial waterproofers NSW are increasing the cost of their services for a number of reasons.
Ultimately, one of if not the main cause of the rising commercial waterproofing costs is the stricter legislative frameworks, such as the Design and Building Practitioners (DBP) Act. The changes to the DBP Act are focused on ensuring better building practices, higher quality, and long-term asset protection – all of which are good things for project managers, building owners and strata committees.
However, the downstream effect of this necessary and ultimately beneficial evolution is an increase in waterproofing costs. Why is this the case? There are a couple of reasons.
1. Demand drives cost
One of the more simple factors contributing to the increase in costs is the demand for specialised, qualified professionals. Having an experienced waterproofing design practitioner providing your waterproofing has always been an important factor in determining the effectiveness and longevity of the solution. But recently, the heightened expectation of compliance and documentation requirements that go with it, has increased the demand for these professionals to design and certify the system.
2. Increased industry expectations
Along with the stricter legislative frameworks comes greater scrutiny from the industry. This includes insurers as well as the regulators themselves, but also applies to the clients. With BIM Sydney, for example, our clients are looking for more than a cheap fix. They want a credible, long-term solution from a fully compliant and technically competent remedial builder that they can rely on. The industry is shifting towards increased professionalism and accountability, which is ultimately a positive trend, but it also means a reshaping of the cost structure. From higher quality materials and systems, to increased labour, the reality is that this increase in industry expectation is contributing to the rising building costs Australia-wide.
Are Material and System Costs of Commercial Waterproofing Also Rising?
Yes. Somewhat distinct from the DBP Act but still contributing to the rising building costs in Australia, is the cost of materials and systems.
Global supply chain pressures have increased the price of everything from membranes and coatings, to drainage systems. Sourcing high-performing and long-lasting materials internationally is simply more costly than in the past.
Whilst the more expensive supplies require a higher upfront cost, at the same time, the industry specifications now result in more robust, long-lasting systems. So, you can rest assured that your building will be subject to fewer risks of water ingress and failure over its lifecycle.
Do You Need to Use Commercial Waterproofers NSW?
The complexity of the DPB Act and the fact that waterproofing services have shifted from a trade-only package to a design-led discipline means that using strata waterproofing specialists in Sydney is more important than ever before.
Despite the cost of engaging a registered waterproofing design practitioner, you’ll be ensuring that:
- The waterproofing system is aligned with the architectural and structural design of your building.
- The materials used are of a quality and technical level that meets with strict compliance frameworks.
- The accountability for strata waterproofing compliance rests with your chosen contractors who can and should evidence their compliance to regulators if needed.
The best waterproofing contractors in Sydney bring a level of specialisation that requires significant training and experience. Moreover, the sheer complexity of regulatory stipulations and DBP Act waterproofing compliance means that relying on the experts is the smart choice to reduce long-term risks of failure, litigation, or costly rework.
How Can You Save Money in the Long Run?
While the initial cost of commercial waterproofing services has increased, investing in the services of a leading authority in large-scale commercial and strata waterproofing, such as BIM Sydney, will save you money in the long-term.
From the lack of rectification costs to avoiding the implications of legal non-compliance from an insurance perspective, there is a lot to consider. By ensuring you engage the services of a waterproofing design practitioner who understands how to navigate complex legislation, you can meet and exceed your design expectations and ensure long-term quality systems.
Why Contact the BIM Sydney Team?
The BIM Sydney team is the specialist for your commercial waterproofing needs. We understand the concerns around the rising costs of regulatory compliance. We understand the need for greater certainty, durability, and long-term value. We understand that each and every client of ours needs a comprehensive, customised solution to their project needs to ensure the best outcome possible for all.
