Do You Really Need a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)? Here’s What Homeowners Should Know

Alder Homes Ltd
Oct 10
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

If you’re planning work on your home, you’ve probably heard people say things like: “That falls under Schedule 1, you don’t need consent,” or “Anyone can do that.”

But here’s the truth: not all building work is created equal. Some jobs must be carried out by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) — and skipping that step could cost you far more in the long run.

Some jobs are small enough that they don’t require consent and fall under Schedule 1 of the Building Act, such as basic repairs or maintenance. But when the work involves your home’s structure or weather tightness, council wants to be sure it’s done properly to protect the safety and value of your property. That’s why these projects either need consent or must be carried out and signed off by an LBP.

What is Schedule 1 and why is it being misused?

Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004 sets out what building work can be done without a building consent—things like small pergolas, like-for-like replacements, general maintenance or basic repairs and maintenance.

The problem is that it’s often misunderstood or misused, with some people assuming it gives them a free pass to do larger or more complex work. In reality, homeowners are still responsible for making sure the work complies with the Building Code, and in many cases, an LBP is still required to carry it out legally.

What Work Requires an LBP?

The Building Act sets out a category called Restricted Building Work (RBW). This is work that directly affects your home’s:

Structure – e.g. removing or altering load-bearing walls, beams, or framing.
Weather tightness – e.g. recladding, changing the size or location of windows/doors, or cutting into external walls.
Additions & Conversions – e.g. extending your house, converting a garage or basement to living space, or adding a secondary dwelling.
Decks & Outdoors – e.g. building decks higher than 1.5m, installing balustrades, or altering a roof structure.

If the work falls under RBW, a Qualified builder can not complete this work without an LBP to oversee the work and sign it off.

Why Does It Matter?

The Government designed this process after the leaky homes crisis, to protect homeowners and their investment. It is about making sure the work meets legal requirements, and results in a safe and more durable building.

An LBP is a person assessed as competent to carry out restricted building work in New Zealand and undergoes yearly upskilling of regulatory knowledge.
They have mandatory upskilling and an up to date understanding of the Building Code and how it applies to your project.
You’ll get a Record of Work signed off by your LBP — this is what council needs to approve the job.
The LBP is accountable for the work they have signed off under their License number — giving you peace of mind.

Following the correct process protects your home’s value and resale — future buyers (and their lawyers) will want proof the work was done legally and correctly, you also avoid the risk of council refusing consent later, or worse, having to undo non-compliant work. Even though a qualified builder may be capable of carrying out the work, using a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) means you know the work meets legal standards, comes with a Record of Work for council approval, and protects the value and future resale of your home.

Why Check With Us First?

Unfortunately, not every builder explains these rules properly. Some unlicensed builders say work can be done under Schedule 1, when in reality it cant, leaving homeowners in a difficult predicument.

At Alder Homes, we will:

Clarify what’s covered under Schedule 1 and what isn’t.
Confirm whether your work requires an LBP before you start.
Confirm whether you need council consent rather than going ahead without it.
Give you peace of mind that the work is signed off and compliant.
Keep the process simple — no unnecessary stress, no cutting corners, no nasty surprises.

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 process from start to finish, so you can build with confidence.