Masonry Invoice Template - New Zealand

Most masonry services in New Zealand are fully taxable supplies subject to 15% GST. You must show the GST amount separately on your invoice if you're registered. This includes brickwork, stonework, concrete block installation, pointing, and restoration services. If you're GST-registered, you'll calculate GST on the total service fees and add it to reach your invoice total. Always include your GST number and clearly label the GST amount as a separate line item so clients can clearly see the breakdown and the total amount due.

Yes, separating materials from labor provides transparency and helps clients understand where costs originate. List materials with quantities and unit costs, then labor as distinct line items. This breakdown is particularly useful for larger projects like retaining walls or stone cladding where material expenses are substantial. Clients appreciate seeing the itemization, and it protects you during disputes about pricing. For example, specify 'Imported natural stone – 20 m² at $150/m²' separately from 'Stone installation labor – 40 hours at $85/hour'. Clear separation also simplifies progress invoicing if the project spans multiple phases.

Invoicing by project phase protects cash flow and aligns billing with completed work. Break the project into clear stages: foundation work, main construction, finishing, and final inspection. Issue invoices at project milestones rather than waiting until completion. For example, invoice for concrete block foundation once laid, then brick facade once completed. This approach ensures you're paid for work already finished and reduces payment disputes. Always clarify milestone-based payment terms upfront in your quote so clients expect multiple invoices rather than one final bill.

Requesting a deposit before starting is standard practice in NZ masonry contracting, particularly for projects exceeding $5,000. A 30–50% deposit covers material costs and demonstrates client commitment, while the balance is invoiced on completion or by milestone. Clearly state your deposit policy in the initial quote and specify payment terms for the remaining balance. This protects your cash flow, especially for large stonework or cladding jobs where materials must be sourced and ordered. Document all deposit payments on your invoice and reference them when issuing the final billing.

Retention clauses are common in NZ construction contracts, where the client holds back 5–10% of invoice value until project completion and inspection. If your contract includes retention, state the holdback percentage clearly on each progress invoice and specify when it will be released (typically 4–6 weeks after project completion or final inspection). Show the full value of work completed, subtract the retention amount, and invoice for the balance. A separate line noting 'Retention held: $X (5%)' makes this transparent. Confirm retention terms in your initial proposal to avoid payment confusion.

Standard payment terms for masonry work in NZ are typically Net 7 (payment within 7 days) or Net 14 (payment within 14 days) from invoice date, with Net 30 less common. The faster terms reflect the materials-heavy nature of masonry work and the cash required to proceed with subsequent phases. Specify your payment terms clearly on every invoice, including your preferred payment method and bank account details. For larger commercial projects, confirm terms with the client beforehand since some property developers may have different requirements. Shorter payment terms help maintain steady cash flow for your business.

Your masonry invoice must include your business name, address, and GST number (if registered), the client's name and address, invoice number and date, detailed service descriptions (brickwork, stonework, cladding, etc.), quantities and rates for each item, subtotal, GST amount (15%), total amount due, and payment terms. Include reference to the project location or quote number for traceability. For masonry work, specify unit measurements clearly—square meters for cladding or wall area, linear meters for pointing, and hours for specialized labor. Your bank account details and preferred payment method should also be included to facilitate faster payment processing.

When unforeseen issues arise (hidden structural damage, extra pointing needed, or additional stonework), document the additional work separately before proceeding. Take photos and provide a written quote or variation order specifying the extra work, materials, and labor cost. Once approved by the client, issue an invoice for the additional work as a separate line item or supplementary invoice. Reference the original project invoice number and clearly state 'Additional work – Site variation' to distinguish it from the original scope. Always get written approval before invoicing for extras to avoid disputes and payment delays.