PlaceMakers LBP Seminars tackle changing rules and risks

Builders will have the chance to record up to two-and-a-half hours of elective skills maintenance learning and get up to speed with a range of industry and business-related topics at the latest round of PlaceMakers LBP Seminars

PlaceMakers is hosting its popular LBP Skills Maintenance Seminars in seven centres across the country, with events scheduled for late September and October in Auckland and Waiheke, Waikato Whanganui, Palmerston North and Wellington, plus Christchurch.

The programme will cover a range of important topics relevant to LBPs, including granny flat exemptions, RMA updates, the new waterproofing LBP licence, insurance risks and mandatory warranty proposals. Technical sessions will also cover H1 requirements, joint sealing and chemical anchoring, framing efficiencies and cladding products.

Sessions vary depending on location, with the opportunity to earn from 1 hour 45 minutes up to 2 hours 30 minutes of elective learning towards LBP skills maintenance requirements. Attendees can also enjoy the chance to socialise with other local builders and industry professionals, with food and drink provided on the house.

Regulation on the agenda

Building regulation will be a major focus at several seminars, with building regulation expert John Tait presenting in Whanganui, Waiheke, Waikato and Palmerston North.

Tait will discuss granny flat exemptions, RMA updates and the new waterproofing LBP licence. His industry experience spans carpentry, sales at PlaceMakers and more than 26 years working in building control, including inspections, litigation and industry training.

Construction risk management specialist Ben Rickard, Director and Construction Insurance Adviser at Builtin Insurance Brokers, will present in Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington.

His sessions will cover key exclusions and common gaps in builders’ insurance, including public liability, contract works and professional indemnity. Rickard will also discuss common liabilities facing builders, ways businesses can manage those risks and progress on mandatory warranty legislation. At the Christchurch event, he will take builders through the top 10 risks they face and provide an action plan aimed at reducing their impact.

Practical advice from suppliers

Technical topics also feature throughout the seminar round.

Sika Regional Manager Russell Stewart will present in Auckland, Waiheke, Waikato, Wellington and Palmerston North, discussing joint sealing and chemical anchoring and providing practical guidance on two areas that regularly generate questions from the trade.

James Hardie representatives will appear at several events to discuss how new framing allowances and system efficiencies can help reduce overall wall costs, alongside updates on cladding products.

Whanganui attendees will also hear from Comfortech Thermal Specialist Steve Turnbull about changes to H1 requirements and what LBPs need to know to remain compliant.

The Auckland seminar will include an additional presentation from the New Zealand Chinese Building Industry Association, covering key findings from its State of the Nation report.

Find a seminar near you

The latest PlaceMakers LBP Seminar round will take place at the following locations (in alphabetical order):

Auckland

Wednesday 14 October, 5:00pm–7:15pm, PlaceMakers Mt Wellington. REGISTER HERE.

Christchurch

Tuesday 29 September, 4:30pm–6:30pm, PlaceMakers Riccarton. REGISTER HERE.

Palmerston North

Wednesday 28 October, 4:30pm–6:30pm, PlaceMakers Palmerston North. REGISTER HERE.

Waiheke

Tuesday 20 October, 5:15pm–7:00pm, Waiheke Rams Rugby League Club. REGISTER HERE.

Waikato

Wednesday 21 October, 5:00pm–7:30pm, The Verandah Cafe & Function Centre, Hamilton. REGISTER HERE.

Wellington

Thursday 22 October, 4:30pm–6:30pm, PlaceMakers Kaiwharawhara. REGISTER HERE.

Whanganui

Wednesday 7 October, 4:30pm–6:30pm, The Barracks Sports Bar. REGISTER HERE.