Owner-builder rules in New Zealand — what can you do yourself?

Work that normally requires an LBP

Restricted building work (RBW) is building work that affects:

• The primary structure of a building
• External moisture management (cladding, roofing, windows)
• Fire safety systems

For most homeowners, the most common types are: structural framing, external cladding, roofing, and window installation. Normally, RBW must be carried out or supervised by a Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) in the relevant licence category.

You can do it yourself — if you meet the criteria

An owner-builder may carry out restricted building work on their own home without an LBP, provided:

• You own the home
• You live in it (or intend to) as your primary residence
• You personally carry out the work — you cannot hire unlicensed workers to do the restricted work for you
• You obtain the required building consent
• You notify the council that you are using the owner-builder exemption

Cannot sell within 3 years without disclosure

If you use the owner-builder exemption, you cannot sell the property within 3 years of the code compliance certificate being issued without disclosing to the purchaser that owner-builder work was carried out.

This disclosure must be made in writing before the sale. The purchaser has a right to know that the work was not carried out or supervised by an LBP.

• Obtain building consent from your local council before starting work
• Ensure all work complies with the Building Code
• Have inspections carried out by the council at required stages
• Apply for a Code Compliance Certificate on completion
• Keep records of what work you did as owner-builder

Non-restricted work includes:

• Internal non-structural fit-out (linings, insulation, interior doors)
• Tiling, painting, flooring, cabinetry
• Decking (subject to consent requirements)
• Some plumbing (minor repairs and maintenance)

Even for non-restricted work, you still need building consent if the work itself requires consent.