Media release
2 August 2018
Two Licenced Building Practitioners (LBP) have been held to account by the Building Practitioners Board (the Board) for
their poor and negligent workmanship on house projects including foundations.
LBP Andrew Musson has been ordered to pay $6,000 by the Board, after finding his actions brought the LBP scheme into
disrepute. The Board found Mr Musson was also accountable for negligent building work, building work that did not comply
with a building consent, failure to provide a record of work and failure to abide by a High Court order with respect to
the project.
Paul Hobbs, Registrar LBP Scheme says “The seriousness of Mr Musson’s actions, which included altering the foundation
design of the building, performed by an engineer, by removing structural piles without consultation from the Building
Consent Authority, was taken into account by the Board when handing down the decision.
“Mr Musson failed to amend plans after significant defects occurred, and continued with the work.
“The Board understands that issues can arise during a build but LBP’s should aim to get it right the first time by using
the appropriate planning and processes.”
The Board also penalised LBP Peter Van Der Suis $5000 for being responsible for negligent building work, which included
defects in foundation height from work that was completed under his supervision.
Paul says Mr Van Der Suis was engaged in a ‘labour only’ contract, which means that although the homeowner was
responsible for the management of subcontractors, Mr Van Der Sluis was not absolved of his LBP responsibilities.
“This is an important reminder to LBP’s that care must be taken when entering arrangements such as labour only
contracts, so that a LBP does not incur disciplinary action as a result of supervising others who carry out substandard
work.”
[ends]