Knowledge · Waterproofing Wisdom
Basement Waterproofing Q&A Series
Ben Hickman's short-video series answering the questions architects, engineers and project managers ask most often about basement waterproofing.
Last updated 14 September 2026
Our Founder and Technical Director Ben Hickman has filmed a series of short videos designed to answer frequently asked questions about basement waterproofing and best practice. Each runs well under a minute.
All of them are on the CLW Consulting YouTube channel. The September 2026 clips are also embedded on the knowledge-base article that gives the full written answer, so you can watch the 30-second version and read the reasoning in one place.
September 2026: fifty new 30-second answers
Each link opens the article where the clip is embedded, with Ben’s written answer alongside.
- ‘We’ve got the contractor’s guarantee’ — why that belief costs developers millions
- What are the risks of not appointing an independent waterproofing designer?
- What are the risks of putting waterproofing in the structural engineer’s scope?
- What does a waterproofing consultant do at each RIBA stage?
- What does ‘maintainable’ drainage mean under BS 8102:2022, and what if it isn’t?
- What does BS 8102:2022 actually require?
- What is a Waterproofing Performance Specification?
- What is a waterproofing scope gap?
- What is an independent waterproofing consultant?
- What is construction monitoring for waterproofing, and what are the stages?
- What is the design responsibility matrix, and where does waterproofing fall through it?
- What makes a waterproofing design worse than useless?
- When should a waterproofing consultant be appointed?
- When should you appoint a waterproofing consultant, and what does getting it wrong cost?
- Who should design waterproofing on a commercial basement?
- Why do basement waterproofing defects occur?
- Why does sensor monitoring matter for major basement assets?
- Is basement waterproofing the structural engineer’s job?
- How do you choose the right basement waterproofing grade under BS 8102?
- How do you select a waterproofing consultant, and know they’re truly independent?
- How much does waterproofing consultancy really cost?
- How is below-ground water risk assessed under BS 8102:2022?
- How high should waterproofing go on internal basement walls?
- How does waterproofing procurement work?
- How do you terminate a cavity drain membrane, and why do so many get it wrong?
- How do you design a maintainable cavity drain system in a multi-level basement?
- How do commissioning and QA prove a basement was built as designed?
- Why does the real waterproofing risk begin when the defects liability period ends?
- Why don’t supplier warranties replace waterproofing design?
- What is the true cost of ‘free’ waterproofing design?
- Why is waterproofing design called the most expensive decision on a project?
- Does design and build transfer the waterproofing risk?
- What’s the difference between a waterproofing consultant and a contractor?
- How does the Building Safety Act connect to waterproofing design?
- How should you benchmark a waterproofing contractor’s quote?
- How do RIBA Stage 2 waterproofing decisions protect you for the next 20 years?
- What makes waterproofing design for basement refurbishment so complex?
- How do you de-risk an existing basement so it’s ready for use again?
- Does BS 8102:2022 require an independent waterproofing specialist on the design team?
- Do basements need a land drain?
- Why does a Waterproofing Design Specialist matter on your project?
- CLT and water: what happens when mass timber gets wet?
- Type A, B and C waterproofing compared: how does each one fail?
- What makes waterproofing design for basement car parks so complex?
- What is latent moisture, and why does it matter for basements?
- Can you mix waterproofing products from different manufacturers in one system?
- BS 8102:2022 explained for architects
- What recurring patterns does an expert witness see in below-ground water claims?
- What is ‘Goldilocks design’, and why is it CLW’s quality benchmark?
- What is the pre-purchase waterproofing checklist for a London basement?
The original series (spring 2026)
- What are the advantages of enlisting specialist design advice in the early stages of a project?
- How can you ensure that waterproofing designs meet current BS8102 standards?
- What are the challenges of retrofitting a basement?
- What are the common causes of waterproofing failure?
- How can you estimate the level of risk in a project?
- What factors influence waterproofing design?
- How can a Waterproofing Specialist get the best results working with a project team?
- How do you determine the suitability of different waterproofing systems?
- How can waterproofing design support sustainability goals?
- What does it mean to understand waterproofing from a holistic perspective?
- When should a basement waterproofing survey be carried out?
- At what stage should specialist waterproofing advice be sought in a project?
- How can I procure waterproofing well?
- How do you get quality assurance right with structural waterproofing?
- What are the grades of waterproofing performance?
- What is the cheapest structural waterproofing solution?
- What is the most reliable form of waterproofing?
- When do I need two forms of waterproofing?
- Which contractor should I use?
- What is the worst waterproofing you have seen?
- Which warranties matter?
- Why use an independent waterproofing design consultant?
- How does a Waterproofing Specialist add value at RIBA Stage 2?
- How does a Waterproofing Specialist add value at RIBA Stage 3?
- How does a Waterproofing Specialist add value at RIBA Stage 4?
- How does a Waterproofing Specialist add value at RIBA Stage 5?
- How does a Waterproofing Specialist add value at RIBA Stage 6?
- How does a design review from an independent Waterproofing Specialist ensure best practice?
- Why is it crucial to have a specialist team diagnose waterproofing defects?
- What role does effective communication and CQA play in the waterproofing success of a project?
- Why is it important to have expert client-side advice in a CMT role?
- How can you avoid costly mistakes when investigating waterproofing defects?
- What are the long-term costs and consequences of not involving a waterproofing specialist early in the design process?
- Why is it important to consider site-specific factors when developing a waterproofing strategy?
- What can happen when you rely on supplier advice alone?
- Why is it crucial to consider waterproofing as part of an overall design strategy?
- Why is broader context essential for waterproofing specialists?
- How does involvement at RIBA Stage 3 help the design team to create a coordinated design?
- What is the best way to manage waterproofing disputes on construction projects?
Related guidance
- Case Study: Salisbury Square – Ep 11
Ben's talk at the Ground Engineering Basements and Underground Structures conference on the Salisbury Square Development, three buildings on
- Andrea's Waterproofing Journey, Part Two – Ep 22
Welcome to Episode 22 of our Waterproofing Wisdom series, content that will be especially relevant to Project Managers, Architects and Engin
- When to Pay for Waterproofing Design – Ep 20
Welcome to Episode 20 of our Waterproofing Wisdom series, content that will be especially relevant to Project Managers, Architects and Engin
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