Bathroom waterproofing should be agreed and checked before tiling hides the background. The useful record identifies the selected system, the areas being treated and how its corners, joints and service penetrations have been addressed.
Photographs help show what was visible at a particular stage. They work best alongside product instructions and a clear checking record. They do not prove that a finished shower cannot leak.
Start with the background and the specified system
Ask what the walls and floor are made from, what condition they are in and which waterproofing system is proposed. The tiler or responsible designer should confirm suitability and compatibility before products are ordered.
BAL's wet-area guidance explains why tiles, adhesive and grout alone do not replace a suitable waterproofing arrangement. Its product examples also show that preparation and drying requirements depend on the selected system. Use the current instructions for the products being installed.
Keep the board, waterproofing, adhesive and finish decisions connected. A material described as moisture resistant does not, on its own, describe the complete shower construction.
Agree the checks before work becomes concealed
Use this original pre-tiling record with the appointed trades. Replace the prompts with the specified detail and name who will resolve each unanswered question.
| Area | Information to retain |
|---|---|
| Background | Wall or floor type, condition, preparation and suitability confirmation. |
| Products | Exact system and components, current instructions and relevant batch information. |
| Junctions | Chosen details at corners, wall-to-floor changes and different backgrounds. |
| Penetrations | Locations of pipes, fixings, fittings and the system-specific treatment. |
| Tray or outlet | The agreed interface detail and the person responsible for checking it. |
| Release to tile | Required checks, readiness under the instructions, unresolved items and the recorded decision. |
Ask which checks are needed before each stage is covered and who carries them out. If the product calls for particular preparation, coverage or testing, the installer should follow that requirement. Do not infer compliance from the colour of an applied coating.
Take photographs that someone else can locate
Start with an overall view of the room or wall, then take closer views of the relevant junctions and penetrations. Label the location and stage so a later reviewer can relate an image to the drawing or checklist.
Keep original files where practical. An isolated close-up with no room reference can be difficult to interpret after the work is tiled. Avoid including occupants, personal documents or unrelated private areas.
Photographs do not establish concealed thickness, adhesion or every aspect of installation. Record the installer's checks and any required supporting documents as well.
Resolve changes before tiling proceeds
Say a shower valve position changes after the wall has been prepared. This is an illustrative situation. The team should identify the affected waterproofing detail, agree how it will be reinstated under the selected system and check it before covering the area.
Mark the change on the room record. A later fitting or fixing also needs an appropriate detail, and a pre-tiling photograph does not authorise an unplanned penetration.
Keep the handover record useful
Retain the final product list, relevant instructions, checking decisions, photographs and maintenance information. If a question is still open, show it clearly so it does not get lost in a folder of images.
For a bathroom refurbishment enquiry, send the layout, chosen fittings, photographs and any existing specification. We can discuss the scope and what we need before pricing, including the responsibilities for waterproofing and tiling.