Builders in New Zealand

Builders turn plans into finished buildings. Their work spans new homes, extensions, decks, recladding and full renovations of older villas and bungalows. Some run small teams on residential jobs while others manage larger projects and coordinate other trades. People hire them for major changes to a property as well as repairs that need a skilled hand.

Much of this work falls under the Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP) scheme. Restricted building work, which affects a home's structure or weathertightness, must be carried out or supervised by an LBP. Most of it also needs a building consent from the local council. Before signing, check the licence on the public LBP register, ask for references from recent jobs and get a detailed written contract covering price, timeline and payment stages. For work over $30,000 a written contract is required by law.