Restricted Building Work (RBW) – Do You Actually Need an LBP?
Restricted Building Work (RBW) is one of the most misunderstood parts of the Building Act. Many people assume RBW applies to all building work, when in fact it only covers specific areas of residential construction. Knowing when RBW applies, and when it does not, can save you time, money, and unnecessary paperwork.
What is an LBP?
A Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) is a person assessed and licensed by the New Zealand Government as competent in a specific trade or design area, such as carpentry, roofing, foundations, or design. The scheme was introduced after the “leaky homes” crisis to improve building quality and accountability in areas of high risk.
Chartered Professional Engineers (CPEng) are automatically recognised as LBPs in the Design and Engineering categories. This means engineers with CPEng status already meet the requirements to carry out or supervise Restricted Building Work that relates to structure or design.
What is RBW and Why Does it Exist?
RBW applies only to work that is considered critical to a home’s safety and performance. It covers:
• Primary structure (NZBC Clause B1)
• External moisture management (NZBC Clause E2)
• Certain fire safety systems in small to medium residential apartments
The rules exist to make sure these essential areas are carried out or supervised by qualified practitioners, reducing the risk of serious defects, structural failures, or costly repairs later.
RBW Only Applies to Residential Work
RBW does not apply to all building consents. It is limited to:
• Detached houses
• Small to medium-sized apartments (up to 10 m in height without commercial units)
It does not apply to:
• Commercial or industrial buildings
• Large apartment blocks over 10 m high
• Detached garages, outbuildings, or ancillary structures
Do You Actually Need an LBP?
Not always. The key points are:
• You only need an LBP if the work involves primary structure, weathertightness, or specific fire systems.
• If your project requires consent but does not involve those areas, it is not RBW and you do not need an LBP for that part.
• Homeowners can carry out RBW on their own homes under the “owner-builder exemption,” but must complete a Form 2B statutory declaration before starting work.
Why This Matters
• Submitting RBW documents unnecessarily can delay your consent and generate RFIs.
• Failing to identify RBW early can lead to compliance issues, rework, or enforcement action.
• Missing RBW requirements can affect insurance and future property sales.
How We Can Help
At Structural Engineering Solutions, we help homeowners, builders, and developers identify exactly when RBW applies and who needs to be involved. With Chartered Professional Engineers on our team, we can cover RBW requirements directly and ensure your project documentation meets council expectations.
Not sure whether RBW applies to your project? Get in touch and we will give you clarity upfront, saving you time, money, and delays.
