Practical guide

Groundworks invoice template UK 2026

Copy a UK groundworks invoice template for 2026 with measured quantities, plant, haulage, daywork, variations, retention, VAT and CIS.

Published 8 September 2026

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?

Sendinvo turns the agreed valuation into a CIS or reverse-charge invoice and records the amount due. Start free.

Send the invoice while the job is still fresh.

Create quotes and invoices with CIS, VAT, deposits, stage payments and reminders already built in.