Why Our Foundation Waterproofing Estimates Hold Up

Below-grade waterproofing systems are highly dependent on foundation geometry and site conditions. Foundation walls can contain corners, offsets, construction joints, penetrations, footing transitions, retaining walls, elevator pits, and other conditions that require additional waterproofing materials and detailing.
We measure waterproofing areas from the available foundation plans, sections, elevations, details, and specifications and separate the different system components. Membranes, coatings, drainage boards, protection boards, primers, sealants, waterstops, and related accessories can be quantified independently so the estimate reflects the complete waterproofing assembly.
We also distinguish between exposed wall area and areas requiring special detailing rather than applying a single square-foot allowance across the entire foundation.

Coordination Across the Foundation Waterproofing System

Foundation waterproofing works as part of a larger below-grade assembly. Waterproofing must coordinate with concrete foundation walls, footings, retaining walls, drainage systems, insulation, protection boards, backfill, penetrations, joints, and below-grade utilities.
We review available architectural, structural, civil, and waterproofing documentation to identify foundation wall conditions, construction joints, expansion joints, penetrations, corners, transitions, drains, and other areas that can affect waterproofing quantities and installation requirements.
Where documented, drainage and protection components can be measured separately from the primary waterproofing membrane or coating.

Foundation Wall Waterproofing Takeoff

Foundation waterproofing quantities are measured from the actual below-grade wall geometry rather than relying solely on the building footprint.
Wall lengths, heights, corners, offsets, steps, changes in elevation, retaining wall conditions, and other documented geometry are reviewed to establish the actual waterproofing area.
Different waterproofing systems or wall assemblies can be separated where multiple specifications occur on the project.

Below-Grade Membrane Estimating

Sheet-applied and self-adhered membranes require detailed measurement of coverage area, overlaps, laps, terminations, transitions, corners, and penetrations.
Membrane quantities can be separated from accessory materials so contractors can compare supplier quotes and account for the actual installation requirements.

Fluid-Applied Foundation Waterproofing

Fluid-applied waterproofing systems require consideration of substrate preparation, primers, coating coverage rates, reinforcement, thickness requirements, and detailing.
Where the specifications identify a fluid-applied system, the estimate can account for the documented coverage and required accessory materials rather than treating the coating as a generic waterproofing allowance.

Foundation Waterproofing Protection Board & Drainage

Below-grade waterproofing may require protection boards or drainage composites to protect the membrane during backfill and direct water toward the foundation drainage system.
Protection boards, drainage mats, drainage composites, and related components can be measured separately where shown in the drawings and specifications.

Foundation Penetrations & Joint Waterproofing

Pipe penetrations, sleeves, construction joints, expansion joints, control joints, corners, and transitions can require additional waterproofing details.
These conditions are reviewed separately where documentation identifies them so specialty materials and labor are not overlooked in the estimate.

Foundation Waterproofing for New Construction

New construction waterproofing estimates can incorporate the complete below-grade waterproofing assembly, including membrane or coating, primers, protection, drainage components, waterstops, joint treatments, penetration detailing, labor, and equipment where applicable.
Foundation plans, structural drawings, waterproofing details, and specifications provide the primary basis for the takeoff.

Foundation Waterproofing Replacement & Repair

Waterproofing repair and replacement projects may require existing waterproofing removal, excavation, surface preparation, substrate repairs, new waterproofing, drainage improvements, protection, and backfill.
Where the project documentation defines these activities, they can be incorporated into the estimate as separate scopes so repair costs are not hidden inside a general waterproofing allowance.

Related Services

For the complete scope of related estimating services, visit our main Waterproofing & Moisture page.

What Is Included in Your Foundation Waterproofing Estimate

  • Foundation waterproofing membrane
  • Sheet-applied waterproofing
  • Self-adhered waterproofing
  • Fluid-applied waterproofing
  • Cementitious waterproofing where specified
  • Waterproofing coatings
  • Primers
  • Surface preparation
  • Protection boards
  • Drainage composite
  • Drainage mats
  • Waterproofing termination components
  • Membrane terminations
  • Sealants
  • Mastic
  • Reinforcing fabric
  • Joint treatments
  • Construction joint waterproofing
  • Expansion joint waterproofing
  • Waterstops
  • PVC waterstops
  • Hydrophilic waterstops where specified
  • Pipe penetration detailing
  • Utility penetration seals
  • Corner detailing
  • Inside and outside corners
  • Wall-to-footing transitions
  • Foundation-to-slab transitions
  • Elevator pit waterproofing where applicable
  • Retaining wall waterproofing
  • Below-grade wall waterproofing
  • Waterproofing accessories
  • Fasteners where applicable
  • Drainage components
  • Material waste allowances
  • Waterproofing labor
  • Surface preparation labor
  • Equipment
  • Material pricing
  • Installation pricing
  • Editable Excel estimate