Hiring a roofer is a significant investment, and in New Zealand you have the right to check that any tradesperson working on your roof is properly licensed and has a clean record. Fortunately, the process is straightforward — it takes just a few minutes online and could save you from costly problems down the track.
Why LBP Registration Matters for Roofing Work
Under the New Zealand Building Act 2004, certain building work must be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). Roofing that forms part of the weathertight envelope of a home — essentially anything that keeps the rain out — is classified as Restricted Building Work (RBW). This means your roofer must hold a current LBP licence in the Roofing licence class to legally carry out or supervise that work.
Hiring an unlicensed person for restricted roofing work is not just a legal risk — it can also affect your insurance cover and make it harder to sell your home later. Always check before you sign any contract.
How to Search the LBP Register
The quickest way to verify a roofer's licence is to use the official public register maintained by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
- Visit Licensed Building Practitioners and click Search the LBP register.
- Enter the roofer's name, company name, or their LBP number (which they should be able to provide on request).
- Check that their licence class includes Roofing and that the licence status shows as Current.
- Note the licence expiry date — LBP licences must be renewed every two years.
If a roofer cannot be found on the register, or their licence has lapsed, do not proceed until the matter is clarified.
Checking Complaint and Disciplinary History
The LBP register also shows whether a practitioner has faced any disciplinary action. Here's what to look for:
- On the practitioner's profile page, scroll down to the Disciplinary history section.
- Decisions are published publicly and may include warnings, fines, licence suspension, or cancellation.
- Serious or repeated complaints can result in a practitioner being removed from the register entirely.
For broader consumer protection information, Consumer NZ has useful guidance on resolving disputes with tradespeople and understanding your rights under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
What to Ask the Roofer Directly
Beyond the online register, it pays to ask your roofer a few direct questions before signing anything:
- What is your LBP number and licence class? A legitimate roofer will provide this without hesitation.
- Are you a member of a trade association? Membership of bodies such as the Roofing Association of New Zealand (RANZ) indicates a commitment to industry standards.
- Can you provide references from recent roofing jobs? Follow up with those references.
- Will you provide a Record of Work? LBPs are legally required to provide a Record of Work (ROW) on completion of restricted building work. This document is important for your building consent records.
- Do you carry public liability insurance? Ask to see a current certificate of insurance.
Understanding Building Consents and Roofing
Not all roofing work requires a building consent — for example, like-for-like re-roofing of a residential dwelling is often exempt under Schedule 1 of the Building Act. However, exemptions have conditions and vary depending on the scope of work, your property type, and your local council's interpretation. Always confirm with your local council before assuming consent is not needed. You can find general guidance at MBIE Building Performance.
Even when consent is not required, the work must still comply with the New Zealand Building Code, including clauses E2 (External Moisture) and E3 (Internal Moisture), and must be carried out or supervised by a licensed roofer if it is restricted building work.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Be cautious if a roofer:
- Cannot or will not provide their LBP number
- Asks for a large cash deposit upfront with no written contract
- Pressures you to make a quick decision, especially after a storm
- Offers a price that seems unusually low compared to other quotes
- Cannot provide proof of insurance
Storm-chasing contractors — those who appear door-to-door after bad weather — are a known issue in New Zealand. Always take time to verify credentials before agreeing to any work.
When to Call a Professional
All Restricted Building Work on your roof must be carried out or supervised by a licensed roofer. This includes installation of new roofing, re-roofing, and significant repairs to the weathertight envelope. Minor maintenance tasks — such as clearing gutters or replacing a single broken tile — may not require an LBP, but if you are in any doubt about the scope, it is always safer to get a qualified roofer to assess the situation first.
You can find qualified, vetted local roofers in your area right here on tradedirectory.co.nz.
Roofing Association of NZ (RANZ)
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
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