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Trade Playbook

Waterproofing

No provincial trade licence required

Waterproofing — foundations, below-grade, decks, and building envelopes — is non-compulsory, but the completed-operations liability is severe, because failures show up as water damage years later.

Waterproofing at a glance

Licence to do the work
Not required — no certified trade for waterproofing
Path in
On-the-job — usually via foundation/restoration crews; manufacturer training
Regulated by
Municipality; manufacturers gate warrantied systems
Insurance baseline
$2M CGL — completed-operations is essential

Where are you right now?

Learn it. Earn it. Own it. Pick the door that matches where you are.

Getting inBecome a waterproofing contractorHow people actually enter this trade: sponsors, registration, hours, and school.Open Going out on your ownStart a waterproofing businessThe step-by-step from qualified tradesperson to incorporated, insured, bid-ready owner.Open Just lookingCommon questionsLicences, costs, timelines: the questions everyone asks, answered straight.Open

The licensing layer, explained

No provincial trade licence is required for waterproofing. You need a municipal business licence, building permits where structural, WSIB, and insurance. Manufacturer applicator certifications (membrane systems) gate warrantied commercial work, and excavation scopes pull in locate and shoring requirements.

Insurance to expect

Latent water-intrusion failures make completed-operations coverage essential — and claims can arrive years after the job. Carry $2M CGL and keep tail coverage in mind.

Go to the source

The official pages that govern this trade. Bookmark these, they are the final word on requirements and fees.

Keep reading

IncorporationCRA RegistrationWSIB & ProvincialTrade LicensingInsuranceSafety ComplianceOperational SetupBid Readiness

Ready to build a waterproofing business?

AEC Stack handles incorporation, licensing, insurance, compliance, and operations, so you can focus on the work.

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