The LBP scheme came about in 2012 in an effort to recognise and encourage successful residential house builders and stamp out cowboys within the industry. Currently the scheme is well established and recognised as a benchmark standard for employing a professional builder.
What is a Licensed Building Practitioner?
LBP’s are practicing NZ builders that have been assessed and deemed competent by the Ministry of Building, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). They are required to maintain their skills and knowledge and are accountable for their work to a licencing board.
When is a Licenced Builder Required?
Work that requires a builder’s licence is dubbed Restricted Building Work, (RBW). This includes any new work or renovation work that affects the weathertightness or structure of your home or any job that requires a permit (building consent).
Why use a Licenced Building Practitioner?
It is important to use a licenced building practitioner when undertaking restricted building work. A Licenced Building Practitioner is bound by a 12-month defect repair period after the work is completed to fix any faults or defects with the build, they are also responsible for organising the repair of any subcontractor’s work and for arranging the replacement of any product that becomes faulty. LBP’s are also responsible for defective work for up to 10 years after the completion of a build as an implied warranty, which ensures that any work was done properly and that correct materials were used.
Other Licenced Trades Include:
Designers
Roofers
Brick and Block Layers
External Plasterers
Foundation Specialists
Plumbers, Gas fitters, and Drainlayers are treated as LPB and must be authorised to carry out work by the Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Drainlayers board.
Electricians must be registered to the Electrical Workers Registration Board
What if my Builder Isn’t Licenced?
It is the homeowner’s responsibility to make sure that a permit is obtained and an LBP is used when undertaking restricted work, or fines can be enforced for incompliant work, and home insurance may be invalidated. It is well within a homeowner’s interest to ensure that a licenced builder is used so that your investment is safe and built to last.
How do I know if my Builder is Licenced?
You can ask to see their LBP identification card. In addition, it is advised that you check the LBP register to check if your builder is currently registered and not suspended or terminated. The licence will be held by individuals within construction companies, not by the companies themselves.
Contracts
Using a licenced builder means that your builder will always use a contract for work over $30,000 and will provide a disclosure statement explaining his qualifications, and insurances. This ensures transparency and agreement for exactly what is included in the job and how payments are to scheduled.