Do You Need a Licensed Building Practitioner in NZ? What Homeowners Often Miss
- Alder Homes Ltd
- Oct 10
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 4
For many homeowners, it’s easy to assume that small or straightforward building work can be done without any paperwork. After all, how complicated could adding a pergola, replacing cladding, or opening up a wall really be?
What most homeowners don’t realise is that they are ultimately responsible for ensuring any work complies with the Building Code and has the correct documentation. In many cases, work is completed without the right paperwork — leading to complications later when selling, insuring, or obtaining Code Compliance Certificates (CCC). It is really important for you to find out if You Need a Licensed Building Practitioner for your project.
The reality is that New Zealand’s building laws are designed to protect your home’s safety, durability, and value — and even simple work can quickly fall into categories that require official oversight. Two key areas often cause confusion: Schedule 1 exemptions and Restricted Building Work (RBW). Understanding the difference can save you from costly mistakes with council, insurance, or resale.
What Is Schedule 1 — and Why It’s Often Misunderstood
Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 sets out the types of building work that can be carried out without a building consent.
These typically include:
Small pergolas or decks under the height limit
Like-for-like replacements
General maintenance or basic repairs
The problem is that Schedule 1 is frequently misinterpreted. Some homeowners assume it gives them a free pass to tackle bigger or more complex projects. In reality, much of that work still requires consent — or at minimum, a Record of Work from a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP).
What Work Requires an LBP?
This is where Restricted Building Work (RBW) comes in. RBW refers to building work that directly affects your home’s structure, weathertightness, or design features.
It includes:
Structure: altering or removing load-bearing walls, beams, or framing
Weathertightness: recladding, resizing windows or doors, or cutting into exterior walls
Additions & Conversions: extending your home, adding a secondary dwelling, or converting a garage or basement
Decks & Outdoors: decks higher than 1.5 m, balustrades, or changes to roof structures
If the work falls under RBW, a qualified builder cannot complete it without an LBP to oversee and sign it off. The LBP must provide a Record of Work, which is required by council for approval.
Why Does It Matter?
The Government introduced these regulations after the leaky-homes crisis to help protect homeowners and ensure building work meets proper standards. RBW rules ensure that your home is safe, durable, and legally compliant.
An LBP is a builder who has been formally assessed as competent to carry out restricted building work in New Zealand. They complete regular professional development to stay up to date with the ever changing Building Regulations, ensuring your project is completed by a competent Builder and meets current requirements.
Choosing an LBP means:
You’ll receive a written Record of Work for council sign-off
The builder is accountable under their licence for the quality and compliance of the work
You protect your home’s value and resale potential
You reduce the risk of council refusing consent later or requiring expensive remedial work
Even if a qualified builder can do the physical work, using a Licensed Building Practitioner ensures the process — and the paperwork — meet legal standards, and the builder is accountable!
Do You Need a Licensed Building Practitioner in NZ? The answer is usually YES!
Why Check With Us if You Need a Licensed Building Practitioner in NZ?
Unfortunately, not every builder explains these rules clearly. Some unlicensed builders tell homeowners that certain work falls under Schedule 1 when it doesn’t — leaving you in a difficult position later.
At Alder Homes, we make the process simple and transparent:
✅ We’ll clarify what’s covered under Schedule 1 and what isn’t
✅ We’ll advise whether you need council consent or a Record of Work
✅ We’ll ensure your work is properly signed off and compliant
✅ All our work is overseen by an LBP, assuring you that the right process have been taken
No unnecessary stress, no cutting corners, no nasty surprises — just clear guidance and quality craftsmanship every step of the way.
The Bottom Line
If you’re planning building work, don’t risk your investment by guessing or relying on hearsay. The rules around Restricted Building Work are there to protect your home, your family, and your future resale value.
👉 Before you start, check with us. We can handle the entire process from start to finish, so you can build with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Building or renovating your home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Don’t leave it to chance. Understanding the rules and partnering with a qualified, licensed builder will save you time, money, and stress — and give you the peace of mind that your home is built to last.
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