If you’re building or renovating in NZ, you’ve probably come across the term LBP—but what exactly does it mean?
LBP stands for Licensed Building Practitioner. It’s a government-backed scheme that ensures certain building work is done by people who know what they’re doing. In short: it’s about keeping Kiwis safe in their homes and making sure builds are up to scratch.
What Is the LBP Scheme?
The LBP scheme was set up by the NZ Government under the Building Act 2004. It’s run by MBIE (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) and applies to certain types of building work that are considered “restricted”—which basically means they’re too important or complex to be done by just anyone.
To be an LBP, a builder (or other tradesperson) has to:
Prove their skills and experience
Stick to a code of ethics
Keep learning with ongoing training
Work to the Building Code
What Is Restricted Building Work (RBW)?
Restricted Building Work includes anything that’s essential to the structure or weather-tightness of a house or small residential building. That means:
Foundations and framing
Roofing and cladding
External waterproofing (e.g. membranes)
Installing windows and doors that keep water out
Some design work, especially for alterations
This kind of work must be done or supervised by an LBP—otherwise it’s not legal, and you won’t get a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC).
More info on RBW from MBIE
Why Should You Care as a Homeowner?
Here’s why it matters:
Peace of mind – You know your builder’s qualified and accountable.
Consent requirements – Council won’t approve work unless restricted work is signed off by an LBP.
Insurance and resale – If unlicensed work is done, you might run into issues with insurers or future buyers.
How Can You Check if a Builder is Licensed?
Easy—use the official LBP register:
Check the LBP Register Here
You can search by name, location, or licence number and see what type of work they’re licensed for (e.g., Carpentry, Roofing, Site Supervision, Design, etc.).
LBP Responsibilities
If you’re working with an LBP, they must:
Supervise or carry out restricted work
Record their licence number on the consent documents
Follow the Code of Ethics and stay current with training
Provide a Record of Work (RoW) to you and the council when the job is done
RB THOMAS LTD Take
We’re proud to be part of the LBP scheme—it means we’re recognised professionals, accountable to industry standards, and committed to doing things the right way.
If you’re planning a build or reno, make sure you’re working with licensed pros. It’s better for safety, better for your wallet long-term, and gives you confidence that your home is built to last
