coastal · Services

Waterproofing Services in Malibu

Malibu, Los Angeles

Forma Homes delivers waterproofing services across Malibu and the surrounding coastal neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Coastal Commission-grade remodeling in Malibu — beachfront, hillside, and Pepperdine-side estates.

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  • License #1140511
  • Licensed & Insured
  • Serving LA's Westside

What makes waterproofing services different in Malibu

Malibu's permitting is its own world. The City of Malibu runs an independent building department, and almost every project routes through Coastal Commission review. Beachfront properties contend with septic regulation, sea-level rise plans, and salt corrosion. Hillside parcels above PCH carry the usual hillside ordinance plus wildfire defensible-space requirements. We plan Malibu projects around the permit timeline first and the construction schedule second.

Hillside parcels in Malibu carry their own engineering load. Drainage, retaining-wall design, caissons where pools or major additions are part of the scope, and fire-zone defensible-space requirements all shape how a waterproofing services project gets sequenced. We coordinate hillside engineering at the design phase, not at construction.

Malibu sits in the California Coastal Zone, which means Coastal Commission review applies on top of standard permitting. We plan around that — typically 8–16 weeks of additional plan-check time depending on scope. Salt-air corrosion also drives material decisions: copper and stainless flashings, marine-grade fasteners, and assemblies engineered for marine exposure are the default rather than the upgrade.

Malibu runs its own permitting through City of Malibu + Coastal Commission. Plan-check timelines run on a separate clock from LADBS. We've worked through the local department often enough to know what their reviewers flag and what they wave through, so we submit the right drawing set the first time.

Common architecture in Malibu: Contemporary, Mediterranean, Cape Cod. We design coastal renovations to honor what's already there while bringing systems and finishes up to current code and current standards.

What's Included

  • Shower pan and wall waterproofing — Schluter Kerdi
  • Foundation exterior membrane and drainage
  • Deck and balcony traffic-rated coatings
  • French drain design and installation
  • Retaining wall drainage systems
  • Below-grade waterproofing for cellars and basements
  • Flood testing before tile installation
  • Grading and surface drainage solutions

Waterproofing Services in Malibu — Frequently Asked Questions

Signs include musty smells, visible mold, water stains on ceilings or walls, efflorescence on foundation walls (white mineral deposits), standing water after rain, and peeling paint in below-grade areas. If you notice any of these, we recommend an assessment.

Exterior foundation waterproofing involves excavating along the foundation wall, applying a waterproof membrane, installing drainage board, and placing a French drain at the footing to direct water away from the structure. For interior solutions, we install drainage channels and sump pumps.

Traffic-rated deck coatings typically last 8–15 years depending on foot traffic, UV exposure, and maintenance. We recommend an inspection every 3–5 years and recoating when the surface shows signs of wear or cracking.

Yes — always. Shower waterproofing is a non-negotiable standard on every bathroom remodel we do. We use Schluter Kerdi membrane systems and flood-test every shower before tiling begins.

Ready to start your waterproofing project?

Schedule a free consultation and get a transparent estimate for your Malibu home.

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