What we check
Where the trade needs a licence, we look the tradie up on the public register before we book them. For other trades we check they hold insurance.
- PlumbersWe look them up on the PGDB register (Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board).
- ElectriciansWe look them up on the EWRB register (Electrical Workers Registration Board).
- RoofersWe look them up on the LBP register (Licensed Building Practitioners, run by MBIE).
- Every other tradeWe check they hold insurance. Cleaners, painters, gardeners, movers and the rest have no licence register to look up.
LBP register
Roofers and builders
Licensed Building Practitioners are assessed as competent to do building work that affects a home's structure and weathertightness. You can search by name, practitioner number, town or company. The register page says it shows whether the person is licensed, their licence history and whether they have been disciplined in the last three years. Check the licence class matches the job.
Search the LBP register | How to check a builder's LBP licence
EWRB register
Electricians
The Electrical Workers Registration Board register shows whether an electrical worker is registered and licensed, their licence history and whether they have been disciplined in the last three years. Ask to see their licence ID first, then search by name or registration number.
Search the EWRB register | How to check an electrician is registered
PGDB register
Plumbers, gasfitters, drainlayers
The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board register shows a tradesperson's registration and licence history, any conditions on their licence, who they supervise or are supervised by, and any disciplinary decisions. You can search by licence number, name, suburb, town, postcode or licence type.
Search the PGDB register | How to check a plumber, gasfitter or drainlayer
Companies Office
Any NZ company
This is something you can look up yourself. It is not one of the checks we do. The Companies Register shows whether a business is a registered company and who runs it. A sole trader may not be on it, and that is not a warning sign on its own.
Insurance
For trades with no licence register, we check the tradie holds insurance for the work. You can ask any tradie to show you their cover. Read what it covers and the dates before the job starts.
What a check does not tell you
- A licence is a starting pointIt shows someone is licensed. It does not show how good their work is, or what they will charge. That is why you get the tradie's own quote and decide for yourself.
- Registers changeWe look at the register before we book. Licences can expire or be suspended later, so ask to see the licence ID on the day.
- Insurance has no public registerWe know of no public register for it. If you want to see it, ask the tradie to show you proof of cover for the job and read what it covers and the dates.
- Not every job needs a licenceSome trades have no licence scheme. Where there is nothing to look up, we check insurance instead.
Questions
What do you check before booking a tradie?
Plumbers: we look them up on the PGDB register. Electricians: the EWRB register. Roofers: the LBP register. For every other trade we check they hold insurance.
Do you check every tradie yourselves?
Yes, before we book them in. We look them up on the public register where the trade has one, or check insurance where it does not. A check at booking time is a snapshot, so ask to see the licence ID on the day too.
Can I check a tradie myself?
Yes. The registers on this page are public and free. Ask for the licence ID, then search the name or number. The three guides linked on this page walk through each register.
Does a clean register mean the work will be good?
No. It means the person is currently licensed. It does not tell you the quality of their work or their price.
Do you check insurance for licensed trades too?
We check the licence on the register for plumbers, electricians and roofers. Insurance is the check for the other trades. You are always free to ask any tradie to show you their cover.