Builder invoice example (with a real breakdown)

Below is a complete, filled-in invoice for a typical builder job, with every part explained. Copy the structure, change the figures, or open the same layout in the generator and download it as a PDF.

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A worked builder invoice

INVOICE

INV-2026-0042

Your business name

Your address, Town, Postcode

07000 000000

Bill to

Mr S. Ferriday

The Old Dairy, Church Lane, Ripon, HG4 5BX

Work carried out

Rear extension — stage 2 of 4, blockwork to DPC complete

DescriptionQtyUnitAmount
Labour — two-man team (per day)3£380.00£1,140.00
Materials: blocks, sand and cement1£420.00£420.00
Skip hire and waste disposal1£260.00£260.00
Subtotal£1,820.00
VAT at 20% (only if registered)£364.00
Total due£2,184.00

Stage payment due within 7 days. Materials receipts available on request.

Why it's laid out like that

The lines follow how the job was actually priced: labour days for the team, materials by delivery, and site costs such as skip hire and plant, invoiced in stages rather than all at the end. Each part is separately checkable, which is the whole point — a customer who can verify the bill pays it.

In stages against an agreed schedule, with 7-day terms. Never let more than one unpaid stage build up before pausing.

Common questions

How should a builder invoice stage payments?
One invoice per stage, each naming the stage and referencing the agreed schedule, with short payment terms and a clear statement that the next stage begins on cleared funds.
Should material receipts go with the invoice?
You do not have to send them, but saying they are available on request settles most queries before they are asked.
Do I invoice VAT at 20% on an extension?
Almost always yes. Zero and reduced rates apply to new builds and certain conversions or long-term empty properties, not to extensions on an occupied home.

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