Basement & foundation waterproofing for hotels & serviced apartments in Makkah
In short: In Makkah (Makkah), basement & foundation waterproofing for hotels & serviced apartments begins with the moisture meter for ceilings and walls and the crack injection (polyurethane or epoxy); nothing is opened until the position is clear. The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data). Published price: Crack injection (per metre), SAR 40–125 per m; anything else is quoted after the inspection.
Why basement & foundation waterproofing differs in Makkah
The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data). Team note on Makkah: Kashf teams serve this city and its nearby districts with the same documented inspection standard: device-based leak detection without demolition, a written report, and a clear scope before any work begins..
Does a basement with a damp wall in a hotel or serviced building really need waterproofing right away, or can it wait until the next maintenance cycle? For most property owners in Makkah, the answer depends on how early the seepage is caught. The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level, and rainfall that runs off surrounding ground can still find its way into low-level basement slabs and walls. Basement waterproofing is priced at SAR 55–160 per m², and crack injection at SAR 40–125 per metre, so small leaks handled early are usually far cheaper than structural repair later on. Each job is scoped on site rather than sold as a fixed package.
The inspection begins with a walk through the basement, the lift pit, and any plant room, looking for damp patches, efflorescence, and active cracks in the walls and floor slab. The inspector then checks the wall-to-floor junction, drainage points, and the outer face of the foundation where accessible. Where cracks are found, the measured run is recorded in metres so the crack injection can be priced accurately. Bathrooms in upper floors are checked as well, since leaking wet areas often show up as damp on the ceiling below. Water-holding tanks, if present, are inspected for internal coating condition. Measurements of each affected surface are taken in square metres so the proposed treatment can be matched to the right method, whether that is bitumen membrane at SAR 15–35 per m², epoxy coating at SAR 35–95 per m², spray foam at SAR 25–35 per m², or XPS boards at SAR 15–30 per m² where insulation is also needed. Findings are explained in plain terms before any work is agreed.
Before the visit, gather the building's original drawings or foundation plans if you have them, and note when damp or cracks were first noticed and whether they worsen after rain. Clear access to the basement, lift pit, plant room, and any water tanks so the inspector can work without delay. Let the front desk or building manager know the inspection time so guests and staff are not disturbed in sensitive areas. If there have been previous repairs, bring the invoices or notes, since they help show what has already been tried. A short list of rooms or areas that have caused complaints will also speed up the assessment and keep the scope focused.
For hotels and serviced apartments, rooms are handled in batches to keep units available.
Signs that call for basement & foundation waterproofing
These are the signs most often linked to basement & foundation waterproofing:
- Damp basement walls
- Salt marks at the bottom of the walls
- Water seeping in after rain
Where the problem usually comes from
- Rainwater draining towards the foundation — we check this before anything else.
- A high groundwater level — we check this before anything else.
- A common cause: cracks at construction joints.
How we choose the tool in Makkah
| Tool or method | What it measures | Why it is chosen here |
|---|---|---|
| Roof, falls and drains survey | Ponding areas and the condition of the old layer | Limits: shows the condition, not the material alone |
| Moisture meter for ceilings and walls | Where water is entering now, from inside | Limits: measures the effect, not the water path |
| Crack injection (polyurethane or epoxy) | Stopping active water through cracks | Limits: treats the crack, not the water source |
From the first visit to the report
- Finding the source: Groundwater, rain or a pipe — each needs a different treatment.
- Preparation: Surfaces are cleaned and opened where needed.
- Injection: Active cracks are injected.
- Waterproofing layers: The system is applied on the right side of the wall where possible.
- Follow-up: Readings are repeated after the treatment.
Facts and costs — Makkah
| Item | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| District profile | Team note on Makkah: Kashf teams serve this city and its nearby districts with the same documented inspection standard: device-based leak detection without demolition, a written report, and a clear scope before any work begins. | Kashf team |
| District profile | The centre of Makkah sits about 301 m above sea level (SRTM open elevation data) | SRTM (NASA) open data |
| Crack injection (per metre) | SAR 40–125 per m | Owner price list (Makkah) |
| Basement waterproofing (per m²) | SAR 55–160 per m² | Owner price list (Makkah) |
Common questions about basement & foundation waterproofing in Makkah
What does finishing work typically include?
It covers plastering, painting, flooring, stone or marble walls, ceilings, gypsum, doors, windows, and final electrical and plumbing installations. You can request full or partial finishing, with the scope clearly defined in the price quote.
Is it possible to renovate the building without evacuating the residents?
In many cases it can be carried out in phases without a full evacuation if the damage is limited. However, for extensive structural renovation, a temporary evacuation may be recommended to ensure safety, and the contractor will explain this in their proposal.
Does waterproofing require removing existing tiles?
It depends on the site condition. Sometimes surface waterproofing can be applied over tiles, while deep leaks require tile removal to treat the layer underneath. A technician will determine the best option after inspection.
What is the first step of basement & foundation waterproofing for hotels & serviced apartments?
We start with finding the source (groundwater, rain or a pipe — each needs a different treatment), then preparation (surfaces are cleaned and opened where needed).
How much does basement & foundation waterproofing cost in Makkah?
From our published price list: Crack injection (per metre) SAR 40–125 per m; Basement waterproofing (per m²) SAR 55–160 per m². Quantities are confirmed at the inspection.
What do I get at the end?
The source, the treatment and the follow-up result, in a technical report that carries a verification code.
Mistakes that cost more
- Painting the basement wall while the water comes from outside
What you get after the work
The written output: the source, the treatment and the follow-up result. The report is numbered and can be checked with its verification code.
Practical notes for residents of Makkah
- Prices are in Saudi riyals (SAR); the final price is confirmed after the inspection, before any work starts.
- Have access ready to the water meter, the tank hatches, the roof and the main valve; in apartment buildings the roof keys are often with the building guard (haris).
- If you rent, tell your landlord or building management before the visit and agree in writing who pays; the written report can be shared with them.
- Keep photos of the problem and of any earlier repairs — they help the technician compare before and after.
Sources and method
- SRTM (NASA) open data
- Kashf team
- Customer questions (reviewed)
- Owner price list for Makkah
- Local pages are published only after a quality gate: real local facts, text similarity of no more than 15% with any other English page, and a claims check.
- النسخة العربية