Hiring the right builder is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a homeowner. In New Zealand, certain building work must legally be carried out by — or supervised by — a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP), so knowing how to check your builder's credentials before work begins can save you significant headaches down the track.
What Is a Licensed Building Practitioner?
An LBP is a tradesperson who has been assessed as competent to carry out or supervise restricted building work (RBW) — the structural and weathertight elements of a home that are critical to its safety and durability. The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and you can read more about it at Licensed Building Practitioners.
LBPs are licensed in one or more of seven licence classes, including:
- Design – plans and specifications
- Carpentry – structural framing, roofing, cladding
- External Plastering – stucco and texture-coat cladding systems
- Bricklaying and Blocklaying
- Roofing
- Site – overall supervision of RBW on site
- Foundation
Make sure the licence class your builder holds actually covers the work they'll be doing on your project.
Why Does LBP Licensing Matter?
Under the NZ Building Code and the Building Act 2004, restricted building work on homes (houses and small apartment buildings) must be done by or under the supervision of an LBP. This includes things like:
- Structural framing (walls, floors, roofs)
- Weathertight cladding and roofing
- Foundations
If unlicensed people carry out RBW, your Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) can be jeopardised, your insurance may be affected, and you could face costly remediation. BRANZ research has consistently highlighted the link between unlicensed building work and leaky-home-style failures — a costly lesson many Kiwi homeowners have already learned.
How to Check a Builder's LBP Licence
The quickest and most reliable method is to search the official LBP register:
- Go to www.lbp.govt.nz
- Click "Find an LBP" or use the public register search
- Enter the builder's name, company name, or LBP licence number
- Check that their licence is current (not suspended or cancelled)
- Confirm the licence class matches the work you need done
The register is publicly available and updated regularly — there's no cost to search it. Always do this check yourself rather than simply taking someone's word for it.
What to Ask Your Builder Before Signing
Beyond the register check, here are some practical questions to ask:
- What is your LBP licence number and class? A legitimate LBP will provide this without hesitation.
- Will you be on site supervising, or will a subcontractor do the work? If subcontractors are involved, they should also hold appropriate licences.
- Can I see your Record of Work? LBPs are legally required to provide homeowners with a Record of Work on completion, confirming they carried out or supervised the RBW.
- Are you covered by public liability insurance? This isn't legally required but is strongly advisable.
- Have you had any disciplinary action? The LBP register shows disciplinary history.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Reluctance to provide a licence number
- A licence that is suspended, cancelled, or in a different class to the work proposed
- Pressure to skip building consent (consent is required for most structural work)
- No written contract or quote
- Requests for large upfront cash payments
If something feels off, trust your instincts and seek a second opinion.
Understanding Restricted Building Work
Not all building work is restricted. Minor repairs, painting, tiling, and non-structural alterations can generally be done by unlicensed tradespeople or competent homeowners. However, if your project touches the structure or weathertightness of your home, you're almost certainly in RBW territory. When in doubt, check with your local council or visit MBIE Building Performance for guidance.
A Note on Electrical and Plumbing Work
Building projects often involve electrical and plumbing work too. These are separate licensing regimes:
- Electrical work must be carried out by a registered electrician — check credentials via the Electrical Workers Registration Board
- Plumbing, gasfitting, and drainlaying must be done by a licensed tradesperson — verify via the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
Never allow unlicensed people to carry out restricted electrical or plumbing work — it's illegal and dangerous.
When to Call a Professional
For any project involving structural work, new builds, alterations, re-roofing, or new cladding, you should always engage a qualified LBP. Even for smaller jobs, having a licensed professional gives you legal protection and peace of mind. If you're unsure whether your project requires an LBP, contact your local council's building department before starting.
You can find qualified, vetted local builders and LBPs on tradedirectory.co.nz — a great starting point for comparing tradespeople in your area.