CODE OF ETHICS

Builders’ Business is a column by builders for builders. Its objective is to provide a forum, particularly for small business operators, in which to share knowledge, experience, tips and ideas

Q. What do you think about the LBP Code of Ethics?

Firm: Trident Homes

Interviewee: Hamish Broomfield 

Role: Franchisee 

Location: Southland

Staff: 11

I don’t think introducing an LBP code of ethics is a bad thing. I believe that if people aren’t doing their job properly, they should get called out for it and held accountable. 

However, it seems like it isn’t really relevant for LBPs – for example, I’ve never heard about an LBP being disciplined for unethical behaviour, but then again, I guess you can’t really discipline someone for that under the current rules, as there is no code of ethics. 

In general, the LBP scheme works well. I’m required to be part of it otherwise I wouldn’t be in a position to do certain jobs, such as outside cladding or foundations, but I just can’t help but feel a code of ethics is redundant. As I said, it can only be a good thing that people get pulled up and rapped across the knuckles for doing things wrong, but most of the disciplining I’ve seen for LBPs is pretty light.

I understand that some people may think introducing a code of ethics would improve the public’s confidence in the scheme but for that to happen, the public has to be aware of it in the first place! I’ve never even been asked by a potential customer if I’m an LBP. I think people believe that if you own your own business and you’re a Master Builder that you’re qualified enough for the job.

 

Firm: SMBC

Interviewee: Sam Manson 

Role: Director/Owner 

Location: Wanaka

Staff: Six and five contract build teams

To be honest, I don’t feel the LBP scheme needs a code of ethics. If you’re an LBP, you’ve already been through a rigorous process to join the scheme and that means you’re far less likely to be a cowboy or display unethical behaviour. Also, most of us LBP members are in organisations such as Master Builders or Certified Builders, so that already demonstrates we’re trying to lift standards by being a member of a professional organisation.

However, my biggest issue with the LBP scheme is that there needs to be more weight attached to it, especially for experienced builders. I’ve recently moved to Wanaka from Christchurch and Queenstown Lakes District Council seems to be far more stringent on various inspections. Councils need to be more consistent across the board. For example, in Christchurch we could sign off post line inspections as a PS3 rather than having council inspect it, which kept costs down and sped up the building process. 

I’d love to see a system that records your experience and background against your LBP number, so you’re given more freedom and trust as you become more experienced. It could have a real impact, as we’re struggling to progress jobs due to hold-ups for some inspections, most of them for small things. If LBPs
were trusted more, we could free up inspection time for more important things – and I suppose that extends to a code of ethics as well.

 

Firm: David Reid Homes

Interviewee: Ben Allan 

Role: CEO 

Location: Nationwide

Staff: Six with 19 franchises around NZ

I think a code of ethics is a good idea and completely appropriate for members of a professional organisation. A code of ethics should be a key part of what you sign up for when you become a member. Something official that you can be held accountable for is important.

Generally, a code of ethics is not particularly onerous on its members, so why wouldn’t a scheme like LBP have one? Particularly something as important as the LBP scheme.

A code of ethics is to improve public confidence in the LBP scheme. However, I’m not sure that’s going to work. To be honest, I don’t think the public are even aware of the scheme and the difference between certified builders, LBPs and non-LBPs.

Overall, I think the LBP scheme works well and the code of ethics is a step in the right direction towards improving the professionalism of the building industry.