Restricted building can only be done, or supervised, by Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs). It makes sure the building is structurally sound and weathertight and is critical to the integrity of a building.
Restricted building work includes:
- design
- carpentry
- foundations
- roofing
- brick and block laying
- external plastering.
The Building Act 2004 now requires that all Restricted Building Work that is undertaken is clearly identified. This means that there is now greater accountability for ensuring that the work is 'built right'. This applies to owner-builders.
Licensed Building Practitioners
The Licensed Building Practitioner scheme is a licensing scheme to help ensure that people in the building industry are competent and accountable, so that homes and buildings are designed and built right the first time.
Licensing began on 1 November 2007. Licences are currently available in 7 classes, from designers and carpenters through to roofers and exterior plasterers.
To become licensed, applicants have to show that they meet the competencies for the licensing class(es) they apply for.
The Scheme was developed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, with extensive input from the building industry.
Licensed building practitioners are listed on an online register that members of the public can access to find out whether building professionals are licensed.
For more information visit Licencing Building Practitioners.
Advice of Licensed Building Practitioner(s) (214kb pdf)