What is Restricted Building Work and Why Do We Have It?

If you’re planning a renovation, extension, or conversion, you may come across the term Restricted Building Work (RBW). It can sound technical, but the idea is simple: it’s the work that makes your home safe and weathertight.

Why Do We Have Restricted Building Work Rules?

The RBW rules were introduced to protect homeowners after years of issues such as the leaky homes crisis.

These rules ensure:

• The right people are responsible for work that keeps your home structurally sound and dry.

• Homeowners have a Record of Work to show council and future buyers.

• There’s accountability if something goes wrong.

What Counts as Restricted Building Work?

RBW includes anything that directly affects:

·         Structure – framing, load-bearing walls, beams, foundations.

·         Weather tightness – cladding, windows, doors, flashings.

·         Certain fire-safety and bracing elements – particularly in multi-unit housing.

In practice, this covers things like:

·         Removing or altering load-bearing walls

·         Recladding or cutting into cladding

·         Extending your home or converting a garage to living space

·         Building decks over 1.5m high

Who can complete Restricted Building Work?

Restricted Building Work (RBW) must be designed, carried out, or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP).

What is an Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)

Licensed Building Practitioners (LBP) are Qualified building professionals who have been assessed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) for their skills and knowledge in materials and building regulations. They must maintain their qualifications, upskill and keep up to date with materials and regulations, operate ethically, and are recorded on a public register for consumers to verify their credentials. See more about LBP’s

This licence system was introduced to improve building quality and accountability. It ensures that only those with the right skills, knowledge, and experience can legally perform the work that is critical to a home’s structure and weathertightness (RBW).

Key points about LBPs:

• Complete mandatory skills maintenance & Stay up to date with new materials, systems, and products

• Keep current with Building Code changes, regulations, and industry best practice

• Follow the LBP Code of Ethics and the Licensed Building Practitioners Rules 2007 Code of Ethics and the Licensed Building Practitioners Rules 2007

• They are responsible for providing a Record of Work (RoW) to both the council and homeowner when RBW is completed — this is required for council sign-off.

• LBPs are held accountable for the quality and compliance of their work.

In short, an LBP is not just a builder — they are a builder who is officially recognised and licensed to carry out essential building work that affects the safety, durability, and compliance of your home.

Can a Qualified Builder carryout Restricted Building work without a LBP

No a Qualified Builder cannot completed Restricted Building work without a Licensed Building Practitioner and cannot produce a Record of Works to a homeowner without a LBP.

Why It Matters to You

Using a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) for Restricted Building Work isn’t about red tape — it’s about peace of mind. With Alder Homes, you know your project is handled by qualified builders who are not only accountable for their work, but committed to delivering it to the highest standard. That means your home stays safe, compliant, and future-proofed. Also when it comes time to sell, you’ll have the paperwork and quality to back it up.

👉 Want to know who can legally do RBW?

👉 Wondering what work doesn’t need consent?

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