The Phrase That Costs Projects Millions
On structural drawings, it looks harmless:
"Waterproofing by others."
But in reality? That single line sets projects up for:
- Confusion on site
- Delays in design + procurement
- Compliance risks at Gateway 2
It's not a note. It's a red flag.
The Hidden Costs of Late Decisions
Leaving waterproofing vague causes a cascade of financial pain:
- Rushed procurement → over spec to stay "safe"
- Late design changes → reinforcement + joint rework
- On-site delays → groundworkers waiting for clarity
A package worth ~2-3% of project value suddenly derails the programme and budget.
The Liability Grey Zone
When waterproofing is marked by "others", no one knows who owns:
- Design liability
- Warranties
- PI coverage
The grey area can turn into real professional risk for engineers and contractors alike.
The Building Safety Act Factor
Under Gateway 2, vague notations won't fly. Regulators demand:
- Detailed, defensible specifications
- Clear allocation of responsibility
- Qualified, insured design input
"By others" = rejection, delays and compliance headaches.
The Fix: Early Engagement
The antidote is simple:
- Involve CSSW-qualified designers at RIBA Stage 2
- Integrate waterproofing into drawings from the start
- Allocate clear design responsibility
- Back it with PI cover & warranties
Early clarity prevents late chaos.
Premcrete's Early Engagement Model
We designed our process to eliminate the trap:
- Feasibility input at concept stage
- Integrated designs at RIBA 2-3
- Full design liability, backed by £10M PI insurance
- Gateway 2-ready documentation regulators approve
This keeps waterproofing tight, compliant and controlled.
Guidance for Project Teams
To avoid the trap:
- Scrap generic notes
- Engage specialists early
- Confirm liability + PI cover upfront
- Demand CSSW-qualified design
Protecting Complex Structures Starts Early
Waterproofing is one of the top causes of failure in below-ground construction. But it's also one of the preventable.
Stop leaving it "to others." Lock it in early, protect your project, your programme, and your reputation.
Engage us early for integrated design and clear responsibility: technical@premcrete.com
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