Restricted building work (RBW)

Restricted building work (RBW) is design or construction work that is critical to the integrity of a building.

From 1 March 2012, only Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) are allowed to carry out or supervise restricted building work. This means that a consent application that involves restricted building work will need to include the names of LBPs carrying out or supervising that work. This is covered by section 45(1)(e) of the Building Act 2004.

The Government defines restricted building work as that which includes the design and construction of a house or small- to medium-sized apartment, and which covers:

• primary structure (eg, foundations and framing) - to make sure the building can withstand vertical and horizontal loads
• external envelope (eg, roofing and cladding) - to make sure the building is weather-tight
• fire-safety systems (eg, sprinklers, fire alarms) - to make sure people are adequately protected from the dangers of smoke and fire.

Appropriately licensed LBPs will be responsible for plans and specifications used in a consent application for restricted building work. See section 45(2)–(4) of the Building Act 2004.

Homeowners can find more information about licensed building practitioners, on Building Performance's website at Choosing the right people for your type of building work.

Those in the building industry who would like to know more about restricted building work, should visit Restricted building work.

Owner builder exemption

Owner-Builders are able to carry out restricted building work on their own home. To see if you qualify as an Owner-Builder and to learn more about the Owner Builder exemption. 

DIY work

It is possible in some circumstances to get an owner builder exemption for DIY work that is restricted building work. Applications need to include a statutory declaration from the owner. [DOC 101 KB] [DOC 101 KB]

An Owner-Builder is responsible for ensuring that Restricted Building Work carried out under the Owner-Builder Exemption complies with the building consent and the relevant plans and specifications. More information can be found at Owner-builder exemption.

For more information on restricted building work, see Restricted building work on the Building Performance website.