Waterproofing Services in Santa Monica
Santa Monica, Los Angeles
Forma Homes delivers waterproofing services across Santa Monica and the surrounding coastal neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Coastal-zone remodeling in Santa Monica — North of Montana, Sunset Park, Ocean Park.
Schedule a Consultation- License #1140511
- Licensed & Insured
- Serving LA's Westside
What makes waterproofing services different in Santa Monica
Santa Monica runs its own building department with a permit timeline that runs alongside LADBS but on a separate clock. North of Montana and the streets above Wilshire frequently fall under Coastal Commission jurisdiction. Salt-air corrosion, marine-grade fasteners, and copper or stainless flashings show up as defaults rather than upgrades. Older Sunset Park and Ocean Park bungalows (1920s–1940s) need full MEP work in any meaningful remodel.
Santa Monica 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.
Most Santa Monica homes were built before 1980. That means galvanized supply lines, undersized electrical panels, original gas runs, and rough-in plumbing that hasn't been touched in decades. Once walls open during a waterproofing services project, we expect to bring the underlying systems to current code — not as a surprise, as a plan.
Santa Monica runs its own permitting through City of Santa Monica + Coastal Commission (north of Wilshire). 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 Santa Monica: Spanish Colonial Revival, Craftsman Bungalow, Mid-Century Modern. 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 Santa Monica — 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.
Waterproofing Services Near Santa Monica
We also serve waterproofing services clients in nearby coastal neighborhoods:
Other Forma Homes Services in Santa Monica
Most Santa Monica projects combine more than one trade. Explore the supporting services:
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