Are you a licensed builder?
RB THOMAS LTD has had an LBP in charge from day one, back in 2015.
When You Need a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
Thinking about building or doing up your place? Before you start swinging the hammer, it’s important to know if your project involves restricted building work — and if it does, you’ll need a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) on board.
What is an LBP?
A Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) is a building professional who’s been assessed and approved by the Government to carry out or supervise certain types of high-risk building work.
LBPs aren’t just carpenters — they can be:
- Designers
- Roofers
- Foundation specialists
- External plasterers
- Brick and block layers
They’ve got the training and know-how to make sure important parts of your build — like the structure or weatherproofing — are done properly and up to code.
All LBPs carry a photo ID licence, and you can check they’re legit by scanning the QR code on it or searching the official register.
What is Restricted Building Work (RBW)?
Restricted Building Work is the stuff that’s essential to keeping your home:
- Structurally sound
- Weatherproof
- Or meeting fire safety design rules
It applies to any residential building work that:
- Needs a building consent, and
- Involves the main structure, weathertightness, or certain fire-related features
If you’re not sure whether your job is RBW, have a chat with your local council or a licensed designer — better safe than sorry.
Why You Need an LBP
If your project involves restricted building work, it’s the law to use an LBP. Either they do the work themselves or they supervise it.
LBPs also handle the official paperwork your local council needs to sign off the job, including providing records of work for your Code Compliance Certificate (CCC).
No LBP? No CCC. That can cause major headaches down the track, especially if you’re insuring or selling your home.
Your Responsibilities as a Homeowner
Even if you’ve hired professionals, as the homeowner, the buck still stops with you. You must make sure:
- The work meets the Building Code
- You get the right consents
- You stick to the rules under the Building Act 2004
If you don’t, you could:
- Void your insurance
- Be hit with a fine up to $50,000
- Get a Notice to Fix from council
- Face delays or issues selling your property
Play It Safe — Do It Right
Here’s how to stay on track:
- Check if your project involves RBW
- Hire a licensed pro (search the LBP register)
- Keep good records and make sure all council requirements are met
- Ask questions — your council or builder can help
Need to find an LBP?
Search the LBP register – https://www.lbp.govt.nz/for-homeowners/find-an-lbp/
