Leaky basement? Find where the water starts.

Rain-related seepage or a plumbing problem?

Record whether water appears only during rainfall, after laundry or shower use, or even through a dry spell. Note the first visible wet spot rather than only the deepest puddle. Timing is useful evidence, not a diagnosis: more than one source may be involved.

Describe the entry point

Is water coming up through a floor drain, collecting in a window well, showing at a crack, or appearing where the wall meets the floor? If it is safe to do so, photograph the area before cleanup and keep a simple note of the weather and time. Do not open walls or move electrical equipment to trace the leak.

Keep drainage and waterproofing decisions connected

A basement assessment may need to consider roof-water discharge, ground-level runoff, perimeter drainage, a sump and visible foundation entry points. Interior sealing alone may not address the water arriving outside. Ask what the proposed work addresses, what remains uncertain and whether another specialist is needed.

What a useful scope should answer

Before agreeing to work, ask where the suspected source is, how that conclusion was reached, what will be inspected or repaired, and what cleanup or restoration is included. For a strata or rental property, involve the person responsible for approving work and arrange access to shared areas.

After the immediate problem

Keep photographs, inspection findings and invoices together. Discuss how performance will be checked and what to watch for during the next rainfall. A drainage repair and drying or restoring water-damaged materials are separate tasks; ask who will handle each.

Common questions