Builder Invoice Template
Professional invoices for construction and building work. Itemise materials, labour, and plant hire. Invoice from the site.
Invoice from the building site
With wabill, you can invoice your client before you leave site. Just describe the work on WhatsApp and we create the PDF with materials and labour separated.
What to include on a builder's invoice
- Your business name and contact details
- NHBRC registration number (for home building, per Act 95 of 1998)
- CIDB grading (if applicable for public sector work)
- Client name and site address
- Date and invoice number
- Reference to original quote or contract
- Description of work completed in this phase
- Materials itemised with quantities and costs
- Labour hours and rate
- Plant and equipment hire (if applicable)
- Subtotal, VAT (if registered), and total
- Your bank details for EFT payment
Common builder invoice items
- Cement (50kg bags): R95–120 each
- River sand (per cubic metre): R450–650
- Building sand (per cubic metre): R350–500
- Bricks (per 1,000): R1,800–3,500
- Concrete blocks (per unit): R12–18
- Steel reinforcing (per ton): R14,000–18,000
- Labour (general): R250–400/day
- Labour (bricklayer): R400–700/day
- Skilled labour (tiler/plasterer): R500–900/day
- Plant hire (TLB): R2,500–4,500/day
Example: Progress invoice for a building project
INVOICE #BLD-2026-007
Mabaso Builders (Pty) Ltd
NHBRC: 12345-67
23 Hammer Street, Midrand
Tel: 082 345 6789
VAT: 4876543210
Client: Mr & Mrs Dlamini
Site: 45 Acacia Drive, Waterfall Estate
Date: 20 March 2026
Ref: QUO-2026-003 (Phase 2, Walls)
MATERIALS
Cement 50kg × 180 bags: R18,000.00
Maxi bricks × 8,000: R22,400.00
River sand 12m³: R6,600.00
Building sand 8m³: R3,600.00
Steel Y12 reinforcing: R4,200.00
LABOUR
Bricklayer × 2 (15 days @ R600): R18,000.00
Labourers × 3 (15 days @ R300): R13,500.00
Subtotal: R86,300.00
VAT (15%): R12,945.00
TOTAL DUE: R99,245.00
Phase 2 of 4. Total contract value: R485,000.00. Amount invoiced to date: R223,245.00. Remaining: R261,755.00.
Progress invoicing for builders
Construction projects are typically invoiced in phases. A standard approach for residential building:
- Phase 1, Foundation: 15–20% of contract value
- Phase 2, Walls to wall plate: 25–30%
- Phase 3, Roof structure and cover: 20–25%
- Phase 4, Plastering, electrical, plumbing: 15–20%
- Phase 5, Finishes and handover: 10–15%
Each progress invoice should reference the original quote or contract, describe the work completed, and show the running total. wabill tracks partial payments so you can see what's outstanding.
NHBRC and builder registration
If you build new homes or do major structural alterations, you must register with the National Home Builders Registration Council under the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act 95 of 1998. Key points:
- Registration is mandatory for new home construction
- Each project must be enrolled with the NHBRC before construction starts
- The home buyer pays an enrolment fee (currently R1,307–R9,662 depending on value)
- NHBRC provides a 5-year warranty on structural defects
- For renovations under R500,000 that don't affect structure, NHBRC registration may not be required
Invoice from the building site
Message wabill on WhatsApp with the job details:
“Invoice Dlamini for Phase 2 walls: 180 bags cement at R100, 8000 maxi bricks at R2.80, 12m³ river sand at R550, 8m³ building sand at R450, steel reinforcing R4,200, 2 bricklayers 15 days at R600, 3 labourers 15 days at R300”
We create a professional PDF with materials and labour separated, VAT calculated, and your business details. 10 free documents to start, then R49/month.
FAQ
What should a builder include on an invoice?
Include your business name, NHBRC registration (if applicable), client details, site address, description of work, materials used with costs, labour hours and rate, and bank details. For larger projects, reference the quote or contract number.
Should I invoice for materials separately?
Yes. Always itemise materials separately from labour. This gives the client a clear breakdown and protects you if there's a dispute about pricing. List each material, quantity, and cost.
How do builders handle progress invoicing?
For larger projects, invoice at milestones: foundation, walls, roof, finishes. Each progress invoice should reference the original quote, the work completed in this phase, and the remaining balance. wabill can track partial payments.
Do builders need to register with NHBRC?
If you build homes (new construction or major alterations), the Housing Consumers Protection Measures Act 95 of 1998 requires NHBRC registration. Commercial and renovation work may not require it, but having it adds credibility.
10 free documents. No card needed.