Basilios Poteri — Licensed Waterproofer (Queensland)
Licence Details
| Licence Number | 15087979 |
|---|---|
| Licence Class | Waterproofing |
| Status | Active |
| Financial Category | Self Certification - Builder/Trade |
| Source | QBCC |
This data is sourced from public government registers and may not reflect real-time changes. Always confirm licence details with Queensland Building and Construction Commission directly. Full disclaimer.
What a Waterproofer Licence Means in Queensland
Waterproofers apply waterproofing membranes, sealants, and drainage systems to protect wet areas, balconies, roofs, basements, and below-ground structures from water penetration. In Australia, waterproofing of wet areas in residential buildings must comply with AS 3740 (Waterproofing of domestic wet areas) and the National Construction Code. The trade is critical because failed waterproofing is one of the most common and costly defects in Australian construction — it can cause structural damage, mould growth, timber rot, and strata disputes in apartment buildings. Homeowners most commonly need a waterproofer for bathroom renovations, shower reseals, balcony membranes, laundry floors, planter boxes on structures, retaining wall tanking, and basement waterproofing. In several states, waterproofing is a licensed trade, and in all states the work must be inspected and certified before tiling or other coverings are applied.
Hiring a licensed waterproofer means you are protected by the state's regulatory framework. Licensed tradespersons must comply with industry standards, maintain appropriate insurance, and can be held accountable through the licensing body's complaint and disciplinary processes.
The Self Certification - Builder/Trade financial category assigned to this licence determines the maximum value of work the licensee can have under contract at any one time. This category is set by Queensland Building and Construction Commission based on the licensee's assessed financial capacity.
Hiring a Licensed Waterproofer in QLD
Before hiring any waterproofer in Queensland, use this five-point checklist to protect yourself and ensure you're working with a properly licensed and insured professional.
- Confirm they hold a waterproofing licence or endorsement — In Queensland, waterproofing requires a QBCC licence (SC - Waterproofing). In NSW, waterproofing work over $5,000 requires a Home Building Licence. In Victoria, a registered building practitioner may be required for certain waterproofing work. Ask for the licence number and verify it — waterproofing is too critical to trust to an unlicensed tradesperson.
- Ask which membrane system they use and whether it is BCA-compliant — Waterproofing membranes must comply with AS 4858 and be suitable for the application (wet area, external balcony, below-ground). Ask the waterproofer to specify the product (e.g. Ardex WPM 300, Gripset 38, Sika Multiseal) and confirm it is listed in the manufacturer's technical data sheet as suitable for your application. Different areas require different membrane types — a shower membrane is not suitable for a planter box.
- Request photographic evidence of the membrane before tiling — Once tiles are laid, you cannot see the waterproofing membrane. Ask the waterproofer to photograph the completed membrane at every stage — especially at junctions, corners, hobs, and penetrations (taps, drains, waste pipes). These photos are your evidence that the work was done correctly and are invaluable if a leak develops years later.
- Confirm they will perform a flood test before sign-off — A flood test (ponding test) involves plugging the drain and filling the waterproofed area with water for a minimum period (typically 24 hours) to verify no leaks before tiling commences. This test is required under AS 3740 for shower bases and is best practice for all wet areas. A waterproofer who skips the flood test is taking an unacceptable risk.
- Ask about their warranty and what it covers — Waterproofing failures often do not appear for several years. Ask what warranty the waterproofer provides on their workmanship (7–10 years is typical for quality operators), whether the membrane manufacturer provides a separate product warranty, and what the claims process is. Get the warranty in writing before work commences.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Skips the flood test before allowing tiling to commence — The flood test is the only way to verify the membrane is watertight before it is permanently covered by tiles. A waterproofer who allows tiling to commence without completing a flood test is taking a gamble with your property. If the membrane has a defect, it will only be discovered when water leaks through the floor or wall — requiring costly demolition to fix.
- Applies membrane in a single coat without building up corners — AS 3740 requires waterproofing membranes to be applied in multiple coats to achieve the required dry film thickness (typically 1.0–1.5 mm). Corners, junctions, and penetrations require additional reinforcement with bond-breaker tape and extra membrane coats. A waterproofer who slaps on a single coat is creating a membrane that is too thin and will fail at the most vulnerable points.
- Cannot name the specific product being applied or its compliance standard — A professional waterproofer should be able to name the exact product, its compliance with AS 4858, and its suitability for the specific application. If the waterproofer is using an unmarked or generic product and cannot provide a technical data sheet, the membrane may not meet the National Construction Code and your building certifier may reject the work.
Typical Waterproofer Costs in Queensland
| Hourly Rate | $70 – $120 |
|---|---|
| Callout Fee | $70 – $120 |
| Bathroom waterproofing (per sqm) | $50 – $100 |
| Shower recess waterproofing | $500 – $1200 |
| Balcony waterproofing | $1000 – $3000 |
Your Rights — Complaints & Disputes in Queensland
Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)
How to Lodge a Complaint
- 1 Write to the tradesperson detailing the issue and requesting rectification within a reasonable timeframe (usually 14 days)
- 2 If unresolved, lodge a complaint online via the QBCC website or call 139 333
- 3 QBCC will assess the complaint and may arrange an inspection