(If this isn't you, check out our Tradespeople FAQs)
Some work requires a licence
If your job falls under one of the following trade categories, we would recommend ensuring that your tradesperson holds a relevant, active licence in their field:
- Electrical
- Plumbing, gasfitting & drainlaying
- Asbestos
- Architecture
- Engineering
- Building work that impacts a home's weathertightness or structural soundness - usually bigger or more complicated jobs, or generally anything needing a building consent from your council. For example, roofing, foundations, cladding, retaining walls above 1.5m, home extensions & alterations.
It is optional for builders to become a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP), however, it is legally required by the Government for carrying out Restricted Building Work.
The Building Performance website provides more information about which types of work require a licensed professional, and explains what Restricted Building Work is.
What about memberships and qualifications?
It's important to know the differences between a licence, membership and qualification.
- Memberships to associations (e.g. 'Registered Master Builders Association' and 'NZ Certified Builders Association') are optional, and aren’t legally required by the Government.
- A "qualified" builder is someone who has gone through formal education like an apprenticeship (e.g. BCITO). A qualified builder is not the same as an LBP.
This article tells you all you need to know: 'The Difference Between a Builder with a Qualification, Licence or Membership'.
