Codewords

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• 123: Granny flats

  Small standalone dwellings, also known as ’granny flats’ have been a hot topic in the industry recently, beginning with an announcement that the Government was seeking feedback on options to make them easier to build.

• 123: Residential Consumer Rights and Remedies

  A recent Building Practitioners Board decision has highlighted the link between consumer protection and a licenced building practitioner’s obligations under the LBP Code of Ethics.

• 122: Complaints not upheld

  The Building Practitioners Board considers complaints against LBPs. To assist the Board, the Registrar of LBPs delegates the task to the Investigations Team within Occupational Regulation, MBIE.

• 122: Exploring options for self-certification of building work

  The Minister for Building and Construction, Hon Chris Penk, has announced a proposal for further reform of the building and construction sector. The Government will look at developing a new opt-in self-certification scheme for trusted building professiona

• 121: Minor variations better defined

  New and amended regulations came into force on 30 September 2024 to better clarify a ‘minor variation’ when it comes to amending a building consent, and a ‘minor customisation’ when it comes to a MultiProof.

• 121: Satisfied on reasonable grounds

  Building consent authorities (BCAs) need to be ‘satisfied on reasonable grounds’ that building work will meet the requirements of the Building Code before they can issue the building consent. This is not always as simple as comparing the plans with the pe

• 120: Remote inspections

  The Government has announced there will be a public consultation in the coming months on a range of options to increase the uptake of remote inspections.

• 120: Supervision

  Undertaking supervision is an important role and it is important all LBPs consider the practical and legal implications of performing this function.

• 119: Records of Work

  When completing and issuing records of work (RoWs), licensed building practitioners (LBPs) have certain obligations.

• 119: Resolving disputes in building projects: when is a determination appropriate?

  When conflicts arise between parties involved in a building project, finding the right resolution is crucial. As licensed building practitioners (LBPs) you encounter disputes that require careful handling. This article covers some methods for resolving th

• 118: Understanding the business side of being a tradie

  Starting your own business can be a daunting task and often we learn on the job. You’re confident on the tools and know you can do a great job on-site, but ensuring your business practices are up to scratch is just as important for building a successful b

• 118: Repairing flood damaged buildings

  What you need to know when repairing flood damaged buildings and carrying out work under the schedule 1 exemptions of the Building Act.

• 117: The code of ethics and what it means for you – Part 3

  This article is the third in a series about the LBP Code of Ethics and what it means to you. So far, we have looked at the first 3 principles of the LBP code of ethics, and now we will cover the final principle - Behave Professionally.

• 117: Energy Based Hazard Recognition

  What if I said to you that people working on building sites up and down New Zealand are only able to identify up to 45% of the hazards that they are working amongst?

• 116: The Building Code update and what it means to you

  On 2 November 2023 the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) published updates to a series of acceptable solutions and verification methods.

• 116: Lessons learned from Board decisions

  The Building Practitioners Board recently concluded an investigation which demonstrated the limitations of clause 3A of Schedule 1 of the Building Act.

• 115: The code of ethics and what it means to you – Part 2

  In the last issue, we had a look at the first two principles of the LBP code of ethics – Working safely and Acting within the law. Principle three is about Taking responsibility for your actions.

• 115: What the building product information requirements mean for Licensed Building Practitioners

  The Building (Building Product Information Requirements) Regulations 2022 commence on 11 December 2023 and set out mandatory information that must be disclosed about designated building products. This will increase confidence in the way building products

• 114: Changes to retention money requirements

  The Government has made changes to retention money requirements to give subcontractors confidence that they will be paid the retention money they are owed, should a head contractor’s business fail.

• 114: The code of ethics and what it means to you

  The LBP code of ethics (COE) came into force on 25 October 2022. It is a tool that sets clear standards for how LBPs should conduct themselves. In this article we will look at some examples of it in action that you may recognise on site, or in your dealin

• 113: Achieving H1 Energy efficiency compliance when altering an existing building

  On 29 November 2021 the MBIE released the biggest energy efficiency updates in more than a decade. The changes included an increase to the number of climate zones from 3 to 6, and increased insulation requirements for roofs, walls, floors, windows, doors

• 113: Rebuilding in the aftermath of the severe summer weather

  The summer of 2023 has proven to be one of New Zealand’s most challenging, with severe weather hitting most of Te Ika-a-Māui the North Island and affecting the lives and livelihoods of thousands of New Zealanders.

• 112: The owner-builder exemption

  When restricted building work became law in 2012 measures were put in place to enable homeowners to build or alter their own homes following some intense lobbying to protect the DIY tradition in New Zealand.

• 112: The site license class

  There is still some confusion around the site licence, and what the site licence holder’s responsibilities are on-site.

• 111: Recent updates to the Building Code – what you need to know

  Find out about the latest Building Code updates and how you can subscribe for the latest information.

• 111: A new code of ethics for Licensed Building Practitioners

  The code of ethics, which came into force on 25 October 2022, sets behavioural standards for Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs). These give both the industry and the public clarity on what is expected from LBPs, and hold them to account.

• 110: BuiltReady modular component manufacturer scheme

  Find out about the BuiltReady scheme, how it works, BuiltReady manufacturer's certificates and restricted building work.

• 110: Board conduct decision — David Jaquiery

  Find out about the Board's decision following a complaint against licensed building practitioner (LBP) David Jaquiery.

• 110: Board conduct decision — Desmond Allen

  Find out about the Board's decision about licensed building practitioner (LBP) Desmond Allen.

• 109: MBIE guidance on building product substitution

  The current shortage of products means builders are increasingly turning to alternatives. This can be potentially problematic and MBIE has recently released specific guidance on what products can be substituted for plasterboard.

• 109: Medium Density Residential Standards

  Recently a colleague posed a question: Currently I have a Design AoP 2 licence. Do I need to apply for a Design AoP 3 licence to be able to carry out design work under the new Medium Density Residential Standards (MDRS)?

• 108: New regulations for building products

  New regulations (Building (Building Product Information Requirements) Regulations 2022) have been made by the Government to ensure a minimum level of information is provided about designated building products, increasing confidence in their use, and suppo

• 108: Supervision

  Undertaking supervision is an important role and it is important all LBPs consider the practical and legal implications of performing this function.

• 107: LBP Code of Ethics

  In October 2021, the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) introduced a Code of Ethics for Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs), with a twelve month transition period before they become enforceable.

• 107: Health & Safety Challenges in 2022

  Considerations for the toolbox meeting.

• 106: Skills maintenance

  Following on from the History of LBP series, this article looks into what continued professional development (CPD) looks like. In the Licensed Building Practitioners scheme we know this as skills maintenance.

• 106: Decision of the Building Practitioners Board in Respect of the Conduct of an LBP

  In October 2021, the Building Practitioners Board (the Board) recorded their final decision in the matter of a complaint against Canterbury roofer Jamie Hartnett, BP123937, a trade qualified licensed roofing practitioner.

• 105: Grounds for complaints

  There are 11 grounds for discipline as stated in section 317 of the Building Act 2004.

• 105: The History of LBP – article #6

  The sixth and final article in the series looking at the history of the Licensed Building Practitioners Scheme.

• 104: Making our buildings more energy efficient

  On 29 November 2021, The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment released the biggest energy efficiency changes to the Building Code acceptable solutions and verification methods in more than a decade.

• 104: The History of LBP – article #5

  The fifth article in the series looking at the history of the Licensed Building Practitioners Scheme.

• 104: Enhancing health and safety innovation in New Zealand

  When Jason Johnstone was medically discharged from his job as an operator/trainer after being diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), he decided to explore ways to prevent it happening to other New Zealanders.

• 104: Decision of the Building Practitioners Board in Respect of the Conduct of an LBP

  The Building Practitioners Board can make their own inquiries into the conduct of a licensed building practitioner (LBP) without receiving a complaint. Lauchlan MacMillan was the respondent in one such recent Board initiated inquiry.

• 104: Decision of the Building Practitioners Board in Respect of the Conduct of an LBP

  Ronald Van der Plas’ licence was cancelled, and he was ordered to pay $3,500 (GST included) towards the costs of the inquiry of the Board. He may not apply to be relicensed for a period of six months

• 103: The History of LBP – article #4

  The fourth article in the series looking at the history of the Licensed Building Practitioners Scheme.

• 103: Future proofing our buildings for an increasingly diverse world is good for all

  Information on building accessibility and the future proofing of our buildings.

• 103: Decision of the Building Practitioners Board in respect of the conduct of an LBP

  Information on the results of a hearing held by the Board investigating Licensed Building Practitioner conduct.

• 102: The History of LBP – article #3

  The third article in the series looking at the history of the Licensed Building Practitioners Scheme.

• 102: (Build It) Right First Time

  Information from MBIE's Weathertight Services Technical Team identifying recurring areas of weathertightness failures.

• 101: The History of LBP – article #2

  This is the second article in the series looking at the history of the Licensed Building Practitioners Scheme by Bruce Duggan.

• 101: Learnings from Board complaints

  Annually, around 1% of Licenced Building Practitioners will have a complaint made against them. Anyone can make a complaint about an LBP to the Building Practitioner Board who then investigate and decide on any penalties following a hearing.

• 100: The Licensed Building Practitioners Scheme

  In this multi-part series, we’re taking a look at the history Licensed Building Practitioner scheme with MBIE’s Bruce Duggan.

• 100: Suspensions – it is your choice

  By Vanessa Moeniu, Investigator, Occupational Licensing, MBIE

• 99: Certificates of Work and Documenting Collaborative Design

  In this article we go into detail about how to include multiple contributors in your documentation.

• 99: Healthy homes – insulation

  Landlords will soon have to comply with healthy homes standards. If you are asked to carry out work to help with compliance, there are several information sources you will find useful.

• 98: Carports without consents

  From 31 August 2020, a range of new and extended building consent exemptions were added to Schedule One of the Building Act, including a range of options for building carports.

• 98: Bringing rentals up to standard

  New Healthy Home Standards for rental properties in New Zealand became law on 1 July 2019. The five standards set out specific and minimum standards for heating, insulation, ventilation, moisture ingress and drainage, and draught stopping in rental proper

• 97: Certificates of work

  Certificates of work can be relatively simple documents, but they can also lead to some confusion. Here we address what they are for, who should fill them out and what they should include.

• 97: Building a consent-free sleepout

  From 31 August 2020, a range of new and extended building consent exemptions were added to schedule one of the Building Act, including a range of options for building sleepouts.

• 96: New building consent exemptions

  Changes to the Building Act will mean building consents aren’t needed for some new or expanded types of low-risk building work, like sleepouts, sheds, carports, outdoor fireplaces and ground-mounted solar panels.

• 96: Competence in Design

  Good designers are not only competent, they also know the limits of their competence. Working within these is vital for delivering quality work and is also important when it comes to accountability.

• 96: Right First Time

  Getting work done correctly the first time is an efficient way to get the job done on time, within budget and up to standard.

• 95: Liquefaction lessons

  Following a 2-year transition period, Acceptable Solution B1/AS1 will no longer be used for foundations on land prone to liquefaction. Foundations will be consented as a Verification Method or Alternative Solution.

• 95: On-the-job learning for Licensed Building Practitioners

  On-the-job learning was included as part of the LBP skills maintenance requirements in 2015. We recognised that many LBPs learn best by doing, and that elective skills maintenance activities don't capture learning on the job.

• 94: Timber joinery and NZS 4211

  Timber joinery is a feature of New Zealand heritage architecture and is a relevant part of building and renovation today.

• 94: Continuing to improve the Building Code

  The Building Code is required to evolve over time to meet the needs of New Zealanders. To achieve this, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) is holding biannual consultations and Code reviews.

• 93: Keeping your records straight

  It's important to provide your Record of Work on completion of Restricted Building Work.

• 93: A view from the Board

  The 2019 Annual Report of the Building Practitioners Board shows that the number of complaints against LBPs is low but there are trends we can learn from.

• 92: Tips on LBP ID cards

  Anyone can ask to see evidence of your LBP licence at any time so it pays to keep the photo current and always carry your LBP ID card with you when on the job.

• 92: Free building Standards

  Over 120 building Standards used for Building Code compliance have been funded for free download thanks to a collaboration between the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and Standards New Zealand.

• 91: Health and safety by design

  Your building designs can affect the health and safety of workers constructing, maintaining and demolishing buildings.

• 91: Organising elective skills maintenance

  Elective learning has been a part of the LBP skills maintenance programme since it was introduced.

• 90: Navigating career breaks as an LBP

  Life is unpredictable, and sometimes a serious life event can turn your world upside down and affect your ability to work.

• 90: Your duty in labour-only contracts – Records of Work

  This is the second article in a two-part series highlighting common misunderstandings about the responsibilities of an LBP under a labour-only contract.

• 89: New products, new compliance challenges

  The ever-growing range of building products on the market comes with concern that not all are what they claim to be or even meet New Zealand Building Code requirements. What is MBIE doing to address this issue?

• 89: Your duty in labour-only contracts

  We discuss liability as opposed to accountability when it comes to labour-only contracts.

• 88: Suspensions – it is your choice

  There are several types of licensed building practitioner (LBP) licensing suspensions: voluntary, relicensing, or disciplinary.

• 88: Learning opportunities and tools for LBPs

  As an LBP, keeping up to date with the latest information is paramount to running a successful business.

• 87: Quantity surveying and design work together

  Including value engineering options during a project’s design can help manage costs and avoid a budget blowout.

• 87: Built-up members in place of solid timber

  NZS 3604:2011 lets some solid timber members be replaced by built-up members. This article looks at how to do this correctly.

• 86: Price right

  Pricing residential building projects can be difficult, but applying some simple quantity surveying principles will help ensure your costs are accurate and projects run more smoothly.

• 86: Top plate connections

  It can be difficult to understand the requirements for joints in top plates, but here are some pointers from NZS 3604:2011 for top plate connections.

• 85: The LBP handbook

  MBIE recently refreshed the LBP handbook, previously known as 'Understanding the Regulatory Environment'.

• 85: Concrete foundation wall reinforcing

  This article looks at NZS 3604:2011 requirements for reinforcing foundation walls in timber-framed buildings.

• 84: Screw-type anchors for fixing bottom plates

  Anchors that fix bottom plates to concrete slab-on-ground floors are an essential component of timber frame construction as they secure the upper building structure to the foundation.

• 84: Saddle flashings to enclosed balustrade-to-wall junctions

  One of the trickiest flashing details to design and construct correctly is a balustrade-to-wall junction flashing. This article gives a quick overview of this and provides some tips and other information on how to correctly install this type of flashing.

• 83: Timber-framing and foundation pointers

  This article highlights two issues in timber-framed building work that are common in complaints about LBPs to the Building Practitioners Board and in enquiries to MBIE’s technical team – holes and notches to studs and joists, and foundation set-out.

• 83: Housing, alterations and small buildings contract now free

  If you’re a contractor you must provide a written contract for residential building work costing $30,000 or more (GST inclusive).

• 82: Movement control joints in plastered finishes

  Work on a plaster-based cladding system is restricted building work (RBW). All RBW requires building consent and if you are doing the work you either need to hold an external plastering licence or be supervised by someone who does.

• 82: Designers – know your responsibilities

  Under the Building Act 2004 people who take part in building work have certain responsibilities. This time we are looking at designers’ responsibilities.

• 81: Know your responsibilities as a builder

  Under the Building Act 2004 people who take part in building work have certain responsibilities.

• 81: Always play by the rules with records of work (RoW)

  When completing and issuing records of work (RoWs), licensed building practitioners (LBPs) have certain obligations.

• 80: Building CodeHub: Finding and accessing resources is now easier

  MBIE’s new building-specific search engine Building CodeHub is now available online. The search engine makes it easy to access all the resources you need to design and construct buildings that comply with the New Zealand Building Code.

• 80: Know your stuff – Exempt Building Work, Part 3

  This part, the third and final in our series, will look at exemption 1. This exemption often comes down to interpretation as opposed to an exact measurement.

• 79: Know your stuff: Exempt Building Work, Part 2

  Part 1 of this series covered off the basics of exempt building work and some of the easy to measure exemptions. Part 2 will go into a few of the more complex exemptions.

• 79: Reducing noise transmission

  With higher density housing becoming more widespread, designers and builders need to be up to speed with how wall assemblies can limit airborne and impact sound transmission between joined buildings.

• 78: Know your stuff: Exempt Building Work, Part 1

  Checking if you need a building consent is an important step in any building project. If a building consent isn’t issued and was required, the council may issue an infringement notice or seek to prosecute the homeowner.

• 78: Outside drains: don’t pollute our waterways

  Unlike the wastewater system, water that goes down stormwater drains flows straight into local streams and the sea without being treated. Anything else that goes down there (concrete, paint) will pollute our waterways and everything that lives in them.

• 77: Know your stuff: On-the-job learning for LBPs

  It is important LBPs have a good understanding of the on-the-job learning component of the LBP scheme, so we’ve put together information to explain how on-the-job learning works.

• 77: Can LBPs do prescribed electrical work?

  Prescribed electrical work (PEW) is very similar to restricted building work (RBW). However, while LBPs will be very familiar with RBW, it’s important you also know the rules around PEW.

• 76: Know Your Stuff: Revisiting supervision

  The BPB has recently written a significant complaint decision relating to supervision of building work provided by LBPs. While supervision has been covered in earlier issues of Codewords, this decision provides further important information for LBPs.

• 76: LBP competencies amended

  Developments in construction industry practices mean that licence class competencies need to be updated and clarified from time to time to remain relevant. It’s important to keep licence class competencies up to date.

• 75: Skills maintenance: What you need to know

  If you’re a licensed building practitioner (LBP), skills maintenance helps you grow your skills and knowledge and keep up with important changes in your industry.

• 75: Installing insulation in residential buildings

  The new Standard for installing insulation is NZS 4246:2016 Energy efficiency – Installing bulk thermal insulation in residential buildings. This replaces NZS 4246:2006 Energy efficiency – Installing insulation in residential buildings.

• 74: Doing it right with jack and pack

  In mid-2015, MBIE carried out a survey of earthquake-damaged and repaired homes in Canterbury (CEDAR survey). The topic of the report was earthquake repairs. This article looks at what we learned about the jack and pack repair method.

• 74: Know your stuff – restricted building work

  If you’re doing or supervising building or design work on a residential property, chances are it’ll include restricted building work (RBW).

• 73: Know your stuff: Consumer protection

  Are you up with the play on how to meet consumer protection measures relating to residential building work?

• 73: Overview of recent glass barrier changes

  Designers need to be aware of an amendment to glass barrier requirements in Acceptable Solution B1/AS1. It now cites the glass barrier requirements in section 22 of NZS 4223.3:2016 Glazing in buildings – Part 3: ‘Human impact safety requirements’.

• 72: Resource consents and what you need to know

  What is a resource consent and what do you need to know about working with them?

• 72: Know your stuff: When is supervising supervision?

  All Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) can supervise a non-LBP in carrying out restricted building work (RBW). Check you know what supervision really means in the Building Act 2004.

• 71: Working with asbestos? Rules are changing

  The rules changed on 4 April 2016.

• 71: Know your stuff: For the record

  The BPB recently made a decision affecting all LBPs who issue Records of Work (RoW) forms with respect to how the RoWs should be used. This article covers the major points from that decision as well as seven common questions relating to RoWs.