Hiring a carpenter for restricted building work in New Zealand? You have every right — and good reason — to check their Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) licence before work starts. The good news is it takes less than two minutes using a free online tool, and it could save you significant headaches down the track.
What Is an LBP Licence and Why Does It Matter?
An LBP licence is issued by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and confirms that a tradesperson has demonstrated the skills and knowledge to carry out restricted building work (RBW) — the structural and weathertight elements of homes and small buildings. Carpenters typically hold a licence in the Carpentry class, though some also hold licences in other classes such as External Plastering or Roofing.
Under the NZ Building Act 2004, any restricted building work on a home must be carried out or supervised by a licensed building practitioner. If unlicensed work is done, your building consent sign-off can be complicated, your insurance may be affected, and you could have difficulty selling the property later. You can read more about what counts as restricted building work at MBIE Building Performance.
How to Check the LBP Public Register
The quickest and most reliable way to verify a licence is through the LBP public register, maintained by the Licensed Building Practitioners board.
Step-by-step
- Go to Licensed Building Practitioners and click the Search the Register link.
- Enter the carpenter's name, LBP number (ask them for it), or their company name.
- Review the results — the register will show you:
- Their full name
- Licence class(es) and licence number
- Licence status (Current, Suspended, Cancelled, or Lapsed)
- Licence expiry date
- Any recorded disciplinary actions
If the licence shows as Current, you're good to go. If it shows as Suspended, Cancelled, or Lapsed, the person is not legally permitted to carry out or supervise restricted building work — walk away and find someone else.
What to Ask the Carpenter Directly
Beyond the register check, it's worth having a short conversation with your carpenter before signing anything:
- Ask for their LBP number — any legitimate tradesperson will provide this without hesitation.
- Ask which licence class(es) they hold — make sure the class covers the work you need done (e.g., Carpentry for framing and structural work).
- Ask to see their licence card — LBPs carry a wallet-sized card showing their name, number, and expiry date.
- Ask about their Record of Work — LBPs are required to provide homeowners with a Record of Work on completion of restricted building work. This is an important document for your building consent file.
Understanding Licence Classes Relevant to Carpenters
| Licence Class | Typical Work Covered |
|---|---|
| Carpentry | Framing, structural timber, weathertight elements |
| External Plastering | Plaster cladding systems (e.g., Rockcote, Harditex) |
| Roofing | Roof installation and weathertightness |
| Site | Overall site supervision of restricted building work |
Some carpenters hold multiple classes. Always confirm the class matches your project's scope.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- A carpenter who refuses to provide their LBP number or becomes evasive when asked.
- A licence that is close to expiry — confirm they plan to renew before your project is complete.
- A disciplinary finding on the register — read the details carefully and decide whether you're comfortable proceeding.
- Anyone who suggests restricted building work doesn't need consent or that you can skip the LBP requirement — this is incorrect and potentially illegal. Always confirm consent requirements with your local council.
Schedule 1 Exemptions — When an LBP May Not Be Required
Not all carpentry work is restricted building work. Minor repairs, like-for-like maintenance, and certain small projects may fall under Schedule 1 exemptions to the Building Act, meaning they don't require a building consent and aren't classified as restricted building work. However, the rules around what qualifies are specific and can vary. Always check with your local council before assuming work is exempt — don't rely solely on a tradesperson's word on this.
BRANZ is also a useful resource for understanding NZ building standards and good practice.
When to Call a Professional
For any structural, framing, or weathertight work on your home — including new builds, alterations, additions, and deck construction that requires consent — you should always engage a licensed carpenter with a current LBP licence. This protects you legally, ensures the work meets the NZ Building Code, and gives you recourse if something goes wrong.
You can find qualified, vetted local carpenters on tradedirectory.co.nz — a great starting point before you even pick up the phone.
