ᐅ Should basement walls be coated from the outside?

Hello,

our basement is now finished, and the ground floor is being built.

When I visited the construction site recently, I noticed that the workers—contrary to the agreement with the architect—did not apply the “black paste” on the basement exterior wall in the area where the spacers for the formwork were placed. All the openings were sealed with plugs. Sorry, I just don’t know the technical terms.

After discussing this issue with the workers and the architect, they are now correcting it. This hasn’t been very popular with the workers, as part of the basement insulation was already installed. But so far, everything is okay.

The foundation for the garage has already been raised and filled with concrete along one basement wall. My photos show that no “paste” was applied there either. Do you consider the absence of this paste to be a serious issue?

I want to avoid water entering the basement in a few months, which would then require extensive repairs to fix—of course, at the builder’s expense.

It’s important to mention that the basement will always be in contact with water, but not completely submerged.

Thanks for your help!

Best regards,
xdiver

What does the same architect say about it?

xdiver schrieb:
...When I was recently at the construction site, I noticed that the workers – contrary to the agreement with the architect –...

What else matters but the contractually agreed terms?

xdiver schrieb:
... At the contractor’s expense, of course.

Are you sure about that? Knowing you’re right and actually getting it enforced are two different things!
As an independent, external construction consultant not involved in sales, I would have triggered a work and payment stop here, since this apparently deviates from the approved plans!
What is the point of planning/dimensioning paid for by the client if it is not followed in execution?

xdiver schrieb:
... It should be noted that the basement will always be, but not completely, submerged in water.

Good “luck” with that!

Best regards

According to a written statement, in the event of damage, the additional costs will be covered by the construction company (injection of densifying agent).
So, for now, we should wait and see what happens.