Waterproofing Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Renovation

When bathroom waterproofing is overlooked or done incorrectly, what starts as a small leak can quickly turn into a major problem. Water seeps into floors and walls, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold, potentially damaging your home’s structure, and leading to expensive repairs.

Why Waterproofing Matters

Waterproofing is your bathroom’s first line of defence against moisture. Done correctly, it keeps water where it belongs and protects everything underneath — tiles, grout, cabinetry, and the building frame itself. It also stops damage spreading to other rooms, which can be even more costly to fix.

Our Never-fail Approach — More Than the Standard

Bayview Renovations has been building and renovating homes for over 25 years. We’ve seen hundreds of bathrooms where tradespeople have cut corners on waterproofing, costing homeowners thousands in repairs.

For every bathroom renovation Bayview completes, Dave insists on three to four coats of waterproofing, well above the standard requirement. This ensures maximum protection and peace of mind for his clients.

“It still amazes me that some trades skip proper waterproofing,” says Dave. “It’s not expensive to do it right, but it is very expensive to fix if it fails. I’d rather go the extra mile up front so my clients never have to worry.”

Common Waterproofing Mistakes

Over the years, we’ve seen a few recurring issues that end up causing headaches for homeowners:

• Waterproofing applied by unqualified trades
• Missing or incomplete membranes behind tiles and under floors
• No compliance certificate provided on completion
• Rushed work without proper drying times between coats

Any of these can compromise the waterproofing and leave your bathroom vulnerable from day one.

The Standard That Protects You

In Australia, bathroom waterproofing must comply with the AS 3740 standard. This ensures your floors and walls are fully sealed with a certified membrane, creating a strong, lasting barrier against water damage. Compliance isn’t just a legal requirement — it’s an investment in the safety, durability, and value of your home.

Why Professional Waterproofing is Worth It

A licensed waterproofer has the training, tools, and materials to apply membranes correctly and issue the compliance certificate you’ll need for warranties, insurance, and peace of mind. At Bayview Renovations, we only use trusted, experienced tradespeople and proven products that meet Australian Standards — and then we take it a step further with multiple coats for maximum durability.

Choosing the Right Renovation Partner

When you’re planning a bathroom renovation, it’s worth doing your homework. We recommend:

• Reading verified Google reviews
• Asking for recent client references you can speak to directly
• Checking licences and past project photos
• Hearing first-hand from past clients is one of the best ways to feel confident about your choice.

Final Word

Waterproofing may be hidden from view, but it’s one of the most important parts of a bathroom renovation. Done right, it protects your home, your health, and your investment for years to come.