Owner-builder rules in NZ — what you can do yourself and what you can't
Building Act 2004 — Section 90Updated April 2026⚡ Live legislation content
Quick answer
Owner-builders can carry out non-restricted building work on their own home without being a Licensed Building Practitioner. Restricted work (structural, cladding, roofing, fire systems) must be done by an LBP. Selling within 3 years requires written disclosure.
What is restricted building work?
RBW affects structural integrity, weathertightness, fire safety, or means of escape. Must be carried out by or under supervision of a Licensed Building Practitioner:
Structural work — foundations, framing, load-bearing elements
External cladding systems
External roofing
Fire safety systems and means of escape design
What owner-builders can do
Non-restricted work on your own home without an LBP licence: interior fit-out, kitchen/bathroom renovations (no structural change), painting, tiling, floor coverings, landscaping, fencing within exempt categories.
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LBP sign-off still required for restricted elements
Even doing non-restricted work yourself, a consented project still needs an LBP Record of Work for restricted components. The LBP must have carried out or supervised that work — they can't just sign off on work they didn't do.
Owner-builder queries land on council and property management desks constantly.
Upload your building compliance procedures and give staff instant, cited answers to owner-builder questions.
If you sell within 3 years of completing owner-builder work, you must disclose this to the buyer in writing before or at the time of sale. Failure to disclose is an offence and may give the buyer grounds for civil action.
Insurance implications
Disclose owner-built work to your insurer. Undisclosed owner-built components can affect claims for weathertightness or structural failures. Get advice on coverage before major owner-builder projects.
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Keep records of everything
Document all owner-built work — what was done, when, what materials were used, which LBP supervised restricted elements. Good records ease future consents and provide compliance evidence at sale.
Common questions
No. Electrical work is licensed under the Electricity Act and must be done by a registered electrician regardless of the building owner-builder regime.
Gasfitting, drainlaying, and plumbing that connects to the drinking water supply must be done by licensed tradespeople under separate regimes.
The 3 years starts from the date the Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) was issued, or from when work was completed if no CCC.
An offence under the Building Act — maximum fine $20,000. The council may require the work to be redone by a licensed person.
Non-restricted work can be done by anyone under the owner-builder's supervision. Restricted work still requires LBP involvement.
What happens when staff ask this question at 11pm?
"The owner wants to do the framing himself to save money. Is that allowed?"
This article covers owner-builder rules under the Building Act 2004. Contact your local council or a qualified building professional for specific advice.