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Is waterproofing required for laundry renovation?

I paid a licenced tradesman update a laundry and cut a doorway between the bedroom and laundry. I have already Paid Over 9k and extra for the sink, tap, tiles and benchtop. For a Bunnings laundry.

The tiles were not replaced just removed when the opening was made and there is no waterproofing or seal between the two areas. The overflow drain is in the shower area. There is none in the laundry area. This is the finished job. The tap is not in the correct place so has agreed to change. It’s aligned with the cupboard but not the sink. He has agreed to change the damaged cupboards to white but have to pay more if I want better cabinets.

I read in NSW a waterproofer was required for a wet area. If the washing machine leaks the water will end up damaging the timber. I can’t get the new wardrobe doors, carpet laid or painting done.
I am a female senior disabled pensioner and because of my disability was trying to get easy access to the laundry and the shower is nicer than the main bathroom.

I didn’t get a contact just a quote. Unfortunately as I am ill I wanted this work done to make my life a bit easier.

thank you as any advice will be greatly appreciated.

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EricL

Hello @lucy08

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your laundry renovation.

Yes, you are correct wet areas such as shower rooms and laundry rooms need to be waterproofed. However, if your laundry room is directly adjacent to your bedroom, your bedroom does not necessarily need to be waterproofed. The primary focus of waterproofing is to protect wet areas like bathrooms and laundries from water damage. While the laundry itself requires waterproofing, the adjacent bedroom is generally not considered a wet area and therefore doesn't require the same level of waterproofing.

That said, since your laundry area does not have a floor waste, any overflow or leakage is likely to flow into your bedroom. Installing a waterproof membrane in the bedroom may offer limited protection, as it won’t prevent water from soaking the carpet or damaging appliances. I recommend considering the installation of a floor waste in the laundry area to help direct any excess water away safely and prevent flooding in adjoining rooms.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Dave-1

Good Morning @lucy08

Just trrying to get my head right with what you wanted done and the location.

Your old laundry you wanted to upgrade it to be a laundry and shower area?

Was there a shower in the laundry area before?

Which way does the water flow when on the floor? (towrds the shower drain?)

Was the tiles he removed just at the entrance to the new doorway?

Behind the sink area, did he waterproof that area? or was it already waterproofed and a new cupboard has been installed?

I think it looks good the way it is, even the doorway lip (my bathroom looks the same)

If the carpenter hasnt changed the underlying tiles then I wouldnt expect the area to need waterproofing. If you have a new shower then thats a different setting.

With water building up and concern of it entering the bedroom area, maybe a clear edged strip silasticed across the doorway like Sandleford 12 x 1000mm Clear Shower Floor Channel just in case type deal?

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @lucy08

In NSW a floor waste in a laundry is only mandatory for 2nd level or in apartment building etc. So optional in your case. But it does have to be waterproofed. A professional waterproofer will come with certification that the job has been done to code and with a warranty. If there is under house access I would get a floor drain installed for what little it costs for peace of mind.

Regards Nailbag

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