Restricted Building Work (RBW) – Do You Actually Need an LBP?

Restricted Building Work (RBW) is a critical part of the Building Act, but many people assume it applies to all consented building work—when in reality, it only applies to specific types of residential work. Understanding when you need an LBP (and when you don’t) can save you time, money, and unnecessary paperwork.

🔍 What is RBW, and why does it exist?
RBW applies to building work that’s essential to a home’s structural integrity, weather tightness, or some fire safety systems. The rules exist to ensure these critical areas are done correctly, reducing the risk of defects that could lead to safety issues or expensive fixes later.

🏡 RBW ONLY applies to residential consents
One of the biggest misconceptions is that RBW applies to all building consents—it doesn’t. If you’re working on a commercial or industrial project, RBW does not apply.

🚧 Do I need an LBP? Maybe not!
Another common mistake is assuming all consented residential work requires an LBP. The truth is, RBW only covers primary structure (B1), external moisture management (E2), and some fire safety systems.

🔹 If your work doesn’t fall under these categories, it’s not RBW—so you don’t need an LBP for that part of the project.
🔹 If you’re a homeowner wanting to do RBW on your own home, you don’t need an LBP—but you must complete a Form 2.

⚠️ Why does this matter?

• Submitting unnecessary and incorrect RBW documentation can slow down the consent process and attract RFIs from council.

• Failing to identify required RBW early can lead to delays, compliance issues, and costly rework.

• Overlooking RBW in a residential consent can cause problems with insurance, future sales, or even enforcement action.

💡 Not sure if your project includes RBW?
We help developers, builders, and homeowners navigate these rules smoothly. If you want to avoid consent delays and unnecessary paperwork, get in touch! 📩