Understanding Qualified Builders and Licensed Building Practitioners in NZ

Alder Homes Ltd
Sep 30
3 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

What is a Qualified Builder?

A qualified builder typically means someone who has completed an apprenticeship and gained a trade qualification, such as NZQA. They might be entry-level builders or have years of experience, excelling at their craft. However, being qualified alone does not grant them the authority to carry out or sign off on certain types of building work.

What is a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)?

An LBP is registered through MBIE’s licensing system. They are recognized as competent to carry out or supervise Restricted Building Work (RBW)—the parts of your home that affect structure and weathertightness.

Only an LBP Can:

Legally carry out Restricted Building Work (RBW).
Provide a Record of Work (required by the council for sign-off).
Be held accountable under the LBP scheme.

To become licensed, applicants must demonstrate their skills and experience, provide qualifications, and undergo an assessment, which includes interviews with referees.

Once Licensed, LBPs Must:

Complete mandatory skills maintenance every two years.
Stay up to date with new materials, systems, and products.
Keep current with Building Code changes, regulations, and industry best practices.
Work only within their licence class and scope of expertise.
Follow the LBP Code of Ethics and the Licensed Building Practitioners Rules 2007.

Why the Difference Matters

Couple with Alder Homes builder viewing bedroom extension in progress

If you hire a builder who isn’t an LBP for work that requires one, you may run into several issues:

Consent Problems: The council won’t sign off on the job without an LBP’s record of work.
Resale Issues: Buyers’ lawyers check that building work was completed by LBPs.
Risk to Your Home: RBW is the work that literally keeps your home safe, dry, and standing.

The RBW rules were introduced to protect homeowners after years of issues, such as the leaky homes crisis. They ensure that the people completing this important work are experienced and accountable. Homeowners receive a Record of Work to show the council and future buyers.

By keeping their knowledge up to date, following strict codes of practice, and being accountable for the work they complete, LBPs give you confidence that your project meets today’s standards. This ensures it will pass council checks and stand the test of time. You’re not only getting the work done right, but you’re also protecting the future value and safety of your home.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Professional

When embarking on a building project, choosing the right professional is crucial. It can be tempting to go with the first builder you find, but taking the time to verify their qualifications can save you a lot of trouble later on.

What to Look for in a Builder

Experience: Look for builders who have a solid track record in the type of work you need.
References: Ask for references from previous clients. This can give you insight into their reliability and quality of work.
Licensing: Always check if they are a Licensed Building Practitioner. This is essential for any work that falls under RBW.
Communication: A good builder should be easy to communicate with. They should be willing to answer your questions and keep you updated throughout the process.

The Benefits of Hiring an LBP

Hiring a Licensed Building Practitioner comes with many benefits:

Peace of Mind: Knowing that your builder is licensed gives you confidence in their abilities.
Compliance: LBPs are trained to understand and comply with current building codes and regulations.
Quality Assurance: The rigorous licensing process ensures that only qualified individuals can carry out critical building work.