What to check around a Burnaby home
Check 1
Ask what will remain visible
For permitted work, foundation drainage, dampproofing, and waterproofing may need inspection before backfill. Make sure the proposal allows required inspection rather than covering work too early.
Check 2
Confirm gravity or pumped drainage
Below-grade fixtures or drainage may not always have a usable gravity outlet. Ask whether the design relies on pumping, what happens during a power or pump failure, and where alarms or backup capacity fit.
Check 3
Separate the failure modes
Have the assessor distinguish foundation-wall entry, drain-tile capacity, sewer backup, and condensation. Each points to a different trade, repair detail, and warranty.
Local drainage and permit context
Burnaby's published building-permit conditions call for drain tile and foundation waterproofing or dampproofing inspection before backfill, and they address pumped drainage where gravity service is not possible. Applicability depends on the permit and property.
Municipal guidance changes and a rule for new construction may not apply to a maintenance repair. Confirm the address, scope, permits, and inspections directly with the municipality before work begins.
Official Burnaby references
Use these municipal sources to verify drainage, flood, and permit questions. Wet Basement Repair BC is an independent research directory and is not affiliated with the municipality.
Repair approaches to compare
The right scope should follow the diagnosed source. Compare proposals by the water path they address, the drainage outlet they rely on, required inspections, restoration exclusions, maintenance, and written warranty terms.
Wet basement repair
A problem-first repair path that starts with the water entry mechanism instead of jumping straight to a single product or method.
Basement waterproofing
A broad term for controlling recurring water intrusion with interior, exterior, or combined drainage and sealing methods.
Foundation crack repair
Focused repair for leaking or stable foundation cracks, with the method chosen according to whether the crack is only leaking or also moving.
Exterior foundation waterproofing
Excavation-based waterproofing that stops water before it reaches the wall by rebuilding the foundation’s outside protection layer.
Interior drainage systems
A perimeter collection system that catches seepage inside the basement and moves it to a sump or discharge point.
Crawlspace encapsulation
A moisture-control approach for crawlspaces that combines sealing, drainage, and humidity management instead of leaving the space open to soil moisture.