Getting ROW right

Several hundred builders from throughout the country attended PlaceMakers’ fourth round of skills maintenance seminars to reinforce their knowledge around Restricted Building Work (RBW) and Records of Work (ROW).

“More than a year after RBW and ROW were introduced, many Licensed Building Practitioners (LBPs) are still getting accustomed to the process and a significant number have yet to fill in their first ROW form,” says presenter Paul Alsford.

“The excellent seminar turnouts, and the number of questions asked, demonstrate these LBPs are keen to get ROW right.”

The seminars provided a great refresher for the LBPs who attended, including information on what should be in the ROW form and some tips on how to manage this elevated level of compliance and paperwork.

“ROW is a document specifically for LBPs,” says Paul. “Including the right level of detail is important when filling it in for two reasons – it will be on the property file for the life of the building and it’s evidence of who did what work.”

Paul adds that it’s key to remember that every LBP on the job – whether undertaking or supervising RBW – is required to fill in the ROW.

“Another thing to think about is whether you are acting as the owner’s agent, as it will likely be part of your responsibility to collect all ROW forms from the involved LBPs. This means getting them before that guy leaves the job for the next one!”

Seminar attendees said having the senior building officials on hand to answer more specific questions was particularly helpful.

The sessions also touched on other areas, including determinations and work that doesn’t require a building consent. Make sure to download a copy of MBIE’s guideline on work not requiring a building consent at www.dbh.govt.nz/bc-no-consent. 

To learn more about determinations visit www.dbh.govt.nz/determinations.

Paul’s tip

If you’re discussing building work that does not require a building consent with the building owner, make sure they know most councils still allow details of the work to be put on the property file. Having a thorough record of all building work done on a building or house is often a key to selling later on.