A groundworks invoice should identify the site, work area, measured quantities, labour, plant, haulage, materials and approved variations. Use this UK template for excavation, drainage, foundations and civils work in 2026.
Groundworks invoice template
Supplier: [Legal details]
Contractor/customer: [ ]
Site/phase: [ ]
Drawing, subcontract and PO: [ ]
Invoice/valuation and dates: [ ]
Due date: [ ]
| Description | Quantity | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labour: [activity] | [hours/days] | £[ ] | £[ ] |
| Excavation/installation | [m³/m] | £[ ] | £[ ] |
| Plant and operator | [days] | £[ ] | £[ ] |
| Materials/aggregate | [tonnes] | £[ ] | £[ ] |
| Haulage/disposal | [loads] | £[ ] | £[ ] |
| Subtotal | £[ ] | ||
| VAT [treatment] | £[ ] | ||
| Retention | -£[ ] | ||
| CIS deduction | -£[ ] | ||
| Amount due | £[ ] |
Worked example
| Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Excavate footing trenches to drawing S-12, 48m³ | £2,160 |
| Concrete strip foundations, 26m³ | £4,030 |
| 13-tonne excavator and operator, 3 days | £1,650 |
| Remove surplus spoil, 8 loads | £1,120 |
| Gross value | £8,960 |
Use signed measures, weighbridge tickets or delivery records where the contract requires them.
Daywork
Daywork sheets should name operatives, plant, hours, task, date and authorising person. Do not combine unsigned daywork with measured work under one figure.
Ground conditions and variations
Rock, groundwater, contamination or unknown services can change scope. Record the condition, instruction, price and programme effect before invoicing the extra work.
Applications and valuations
Large packages usually use monthly applications. Show cumulative value, previous certification, retention and current amount. The application for payment template gives the sequence.
Plant, fuel and materials under CIS
HMRC has specific rules. Keep hire invoices, fuel records, delivery notes and material costs. The CIS materials guide explains the evidence.
VAT and reverse charge
Groundworks under a construction subcontract can fall within CIS and may meet reverse-charge conditions. Apply each rule separately and show the net cash due.
Final check
- Are drawings, site and phase referenced?
- Are quantities and rates supported?
- Are plant and haulage separate?
- Are daywork sheets signed?
- Are variations instructed?
- Are retention and previous values deducted?
- Are VAT and CIS correct?
- Is the due date shown?
In Sendinvo you put the agreed valuation on the invoice as lines, each marked labour or materials, with units such as m³, tonne or day. With CIS switched on in Company, the invoice shows the deduction on the labour, the reverse-charge wording where it applies, and the net due. Start free.