Security of Payment for Waterproofers | PayClaim

Waterproofers: Your Work Is Invisible — Your Right to Be Paid Isn’t

Waterproofing is one of the most critical — and most underappreciated — trades in construction. When your work is done right, no one notices. When it fails, everyone does. Despite being essential to the building’s integrity, waterproofing subcontractors regularly face payment delays, disputes, and outright non-payment from head contractors who use defect concerns as leverage.

Australia’s Security of Payment laws protect waterproofing contractors and give you a legal pathway to recover unpaid invoices quickly.

Payment Problems Waterproofers Commonly Face

  • Defect risk leverage: Head contractors withhold payment claiming they’re waiting to see if the waterproofing “works” — months after your work is done
  • Test failure disputes: Alleged failed water tests used to withhold payment even when your application met specification
  • Wet area disputes: Claims that bathrooms, balconies, or wet areas show signs of water ingress caused by your work — without evidence
  • Variation non-payment: Additional membrane layers, tanking, or remediation work ordered and then not paid
  • Retention indefinitely held: Defects liability period expires but retention is never released

Your Security of Payment Rights as a Waterproofing Contractor

Waterproofing is construction work under Australian Security of Payment legislation. Your rights include:

  • Serving a formal payment claim — the head contractor must respond with a payment schedule within 10–15 business days
  • Applying for adjudication if the claim is disputed — a binding, independent decision in 10 business days
  • Enforcing the determination as a court judgment

The adjudication process allows you to present your evidence — including waterproofing reports, inspection certificates, and delivery dockets — to an independent adjudicator who makes a binding decision.

How PayClaim Works for Waterproofers

  1. Start your claim: Fill in the details of your unpaid invoice and the project online.
  2. We assess your entitlement: Our team confirms your rights under the relevant state SOP Act.
  3. Payment claim prepared and served: We draft and serve a compliant payment claim on the head contractor.
  4. Adjudication if needed: We manage the full adjudication process including document preparation and submission.

Flat fee. No lawyers. Most waterproofers recover their money within 10–20 business days.

Protect Your Business Like You Protect Every Structure

You protect buildings from water damage. PayClaim protects your cash flow from payment damage. Start your free claim today.

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