Understanding the difference between restricted and non-restricted building work is essential before starting any home project in New Zealand. Put simply, restricted building work (RBW) is work that affects the structural integrity or weathertightness of a home, and it must be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP). Non-restricted building work has fewer legal requirements around who can do it, though quality and consent rules still apply.
What Is Restricted Building Work?
Restricted building work was introduced under the Building Act 2004 to improve the quality and accountability of residential construction — particularly after the leaky building crisis. It applies to houses and small-to-medium apartment buildings (risk group 1 and 2 buildings).
Work is classified as restricted if it involves:
- Structural work — foundations, framing, load-bearing walls, beams, and roof structure
- Weathertightness (external envelope) — cladding, roofing, windows, and external doors where they affect weather resistance
- Design work — plans and specifications for the above, if they require a building consent
Only an LBP with the relevant licence class can carry out or supervise RBW. The main licence classes relevant to carpenters are:
| Licence Class | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Carpentry | Structural and weathertight carpentry work |
| Design | Residential design requiring consent |
| Site | Overall site supervision of RBW |
| Roofing | Roof cladding and associated weathertightness |
| External Plastering | Plaster cladding systems |
| Foundations | Foundation construction |
You can check whether a tradesperson holds a current licence on the Licensed Building Practitioners register.
What Is Non-Restricted Building Work?
Non-restricted building work covers everything else — work that doesn't directly affect the structure or weathertightness of a home. Common examples include:
- Internal lining, shelving, and cabinetry
- Painting and decorating
- Replacing internal doors
- Laying flooring (non-structural)
- Fencing and garden sheds (subject to size limits)
- Some minor repairs and maintenance
Homeowners can legally carry out non-restricted building work themselves, provided it still meets the NZ Building Code and any applicable consent requirements. However, just because work is non-restricted doesn't mean it's automatically exempt from needing a building consent — those are two separate questions.
Building Consent vs Restricted Building Work — Two Different Things
This is where many homeowners get confused. Building consent and restricted building work are related but separate concepts.
- A project might require building consent but not involve any restricted building work (e.g. a simple deck under certain heights).
- A project might involve restricted building work and also require consent (e.g. a new bedroom addition).
- Some work is exempt from consent under Schedule 1 of the Building Act — but if it's still RBW, an LBP must do it.
Always check with your local council to confirm whether your project needs consent and whether it involves RBW. MBIE Building Performance has helpful guidance on consent exemptions, but your council has the final say.
Record of Work — Why It Matters
When an LBP completes restricted building work, they are legally required to provide a Record of Work to the homeowner and the council at the end of the project. This document confirms who did the work and that it was carried out to the required standard. Keep this document safe — it's important for future sales, insurance claims, and any disputes.
If an LBP fails to provide a Record of Work, you can report this to the Licensed Building Practitioners scheme.
Can Homeowners Do Their Own Restricted Building Work?
In some limited circumstances, owner-builders can carry out restricted building work on their own home without being an LBP — but strict rules apply:
- The home must be your primary place of residence
- You must not intend to sell the property within two years of the code compliance certificate being issued
- You must complete an owner-builder exemption declaration
- The work still needs to comply with the NZ Building Code and any consent conditions
This is a legal grey area with real consequences if you get it wrong. BRANZ and MBIE both recommend getting professional advice before proceeding as an owner-builder.
When to Call a Professional
For any work that touches your home's structure, roof, cladding, windows, or external envelope, you should always engage a licensed LBP carpenter. Attempting restricted building work without the right licence is illegal, can void your insurance, and may cause serious problems when you come to sell your home.
Even for non-restricted work, a qualified tradesperson brings expertise, accountability, and peace of mind. You can find experienced, local carpenters and builders on tradedirectory.co.nz.
If you're unsure whether your project is restricted or non-restricted, ask your local council or consult a licensed building professional before you start.
