Why experience matters

It is not just the recommendation from the Code of Practice. We speak on experience, from our own experience.

"Experience is everything. You can teach someone the theory in a classroom environment, but that all goes out the window when you get onto a live building site.You have to interact with other trades, Architects and Engineers, to understand their requirements.You have to understand how a building is put together, not just the bit you understand (waterproofing), as otherwise solutions are often not practical to construct.Having experience also educates you on what actually works in real life rather than just working on a drawing.Experience can also be relevant to a type or size of project. Just because you have worked on a small project doesn’t automatically mean you can successfully deliver the same on a large project". CSSW WDS ACABE Ian Scoggins MacLennan’s senior surveyor

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As with the 2009 version of the standard the 2022 revision does recommend the inclusion of a Waterproofing Specialist in the design team. The change is the requirement that a waterproofing specialist is appointed. They also need to be capable of devising solutions that accommodate the various project constraints and needs with an understanding of construction forms and sequencing.

“That the waterproofing specialist is Suitably qualified as well as experienced with the type and size of project. “ “That the waterproofing specialist is appointed before technical design stage at the latest.” “Be suitably qualified and experienced, commensurate with the type and size of the proposed project.” (BS8102:2022)

Third party warranty holders such as NHBC, Premier and LABC will insist that the Waterproofing specialist is qualified CSSW Certificated Surveyor in Structural Waterproofing and WDS Waterproofing Design Specialist. The design specialist must have Professional indemnity insurance and if the designer is not the installer, then the installer must A accept the design in full in writing and B have PI Insurance. We recommend that the PI insurance should be 10 million to cover all eventualities and protect the client.

MacLennan have the above-mentioned insurance and have been guaranteeing work for over 30 years in London and across the UK. We have built up a reputation for supplying an honest and professional service. We have a very strong team of experienced surveyors designing waterproofing for multimillion pound projects ranging from multilevel residential basements in high end properties to extremely complicated commercial projects. You simply can’t beat the experience, because there are potential issues, you can see arising which no book has taught you. You have to have the experience and knowledge to predict what is around the corner – crucial for designing waterproofing. Same goes for the team of technicians. Continuous support and training needs to be provided and your professional standards as a team will only become higher. We are extremely proud of the team we have created.