Elsworthy
A basement design and build defect
SECTOR: Luxury residential property
SCOPE: Basement waterproofing defect survey, building investigation and expert witness.
THE PROBLEM
Crownstone were appointed by the owner of a new-build luxury residence with double-basement. To the owner’s frustration, the basement was experiencing significant water penetration issues, with every rainfall.
With the main contractor resigning responsibility – and after many failed hit-and-miss investigations – water continued to pour, unimpeded, into the basement.
With costs rising after every flood event, and adjudication fast-approaching, diagnosing and fixing the problem was now time-imperative.
THE PLAN
Given the complexity of the issues and the potential for escalating damage, Crownstone's team conducted an initial, non-invasive survey to assess visible defects. A desktop analysis would then show us how the property was intended to be built.
Finally, a building investigation would highlight differences between the structure as-planned and in a real-world scenario.
CROWNSTONE’S SOLUTION
Crownstone's specialists pinpointed several installation and design defects in the basement's podium deck waterproofing. These defects were identified with precision, and corrective measures implemented immediately. Crownstone worked with main contractors to specify an interim waterproofing strategy, preventing further costs from accruing, whilst we hand-held the client through adjudication.
After a successful settlement, Crownstone were able to design, install and guarantee a fully compliant and guaranteed basement waterproofing system.
