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Right first time
LBP CODEWORDS
Getting work done correctly the first time is an efficient way to get the job done on time, within budget and up to standard. It was also one of the reasons why the licensing regime was introduced in the first place. By having LBPs, we can give consumers the confidence that their homes will be built right the first time, as LBPs should have the necessary skills and capability to build correctly and resolve any issues as they arise.
Unfinished work The Building Practitioners Board (the Board) deals with a lot of complaints where LBPs did not get it right first time. Instead, these LBPs have been ignorant of the issues, or have chosen to ignore them, and have moved on in the building process. Often the LBP's defence is that the work was not finished and that the LBP was going to return and remediate the non-compliant or substandard building work. Sometimes this is acceptable, such as where a snag list is generated relating to minor items. Mistakes are made and not all mistakes should lead to an LBP
being disciplined. However, when there are major quality issues or noncompliance, which should not have occurred, then a disciplinary outcome may be appropriate. When an LBP claims “it’s not finished” as a defence, the Board will look at the sequencing of the work to assess if there is any merit to what they are saying. If deconstruction to remediate is required, or the costs involved in bringing it up to standard are greater than they would have been by doing it right the first time, then the defence is difficult to accept. The Board also looks at whether the LBP had a process to identify and deal with such issues during the build. If there is a quality assurance system in place, then the “it’s not finished” defence can hold weight. However, if the LBP was unaware of the issues, or they have had to be brought to their attention by others, then it is unlikely the Board will accept it.
