Drainage engineer invoice template

How do drainage engineers usually invoice?

Drainage engineers invoice emergency clearances at a fixed call-out price that includes jetting for up to an hour, with CCTV surveys and repairs quoted and invoiced separately once the camera shows the fault. Insurance and home emergency cover work makes up a large share and is invoiced to the insurer or claims handler with their reference, on 30 day terms. Excavation and relining work is quoted per metre and invoiced on completion.

Drainage engineers in this example give the customer 14 days to pay. Hourly rates run from £55 to £95. A full day is typically £380 to £600.

What should a drainage engineer put on an invoice?

Beyond the legal basics, drainage engineers should:

• Reference the CCTV survey report on any repair invoice so the customer can see why the work was needed.
• Insurance work needs the claim number, policyholder name and property address on the invoice.
• Price lining and excavation per metre and state the pipe diameter.
• State whether the call-out fee includes jetting time or is charged on top.

Every UK invoice, whatever the trade, must also show:

• a unique, sequential invoice number
• your business name and address (and company number if you trade as a limited company)
• the client’s name and address
• the invoice date and, for VAT invoices, the date of supply if different
• a clear description of each item of work or goods
• the amount due and when it must be paid
• your VAT number, the VAT rate per line and the VAT total, if you are VAT registered

Do drainage engineers charge VAT?

Construction work for a contractor falls under CIS: the contractor deducts 20% (30% if you are not CIS registered) from the labour element before paying you, so show labour and materials on separate lines. If you are VAT registered and the contractor is too, the domestic reverse charge applies and you charge no VAT; write "Reverse charge: customer to account for VAT" on the invoice. Work for private householders is outside both rules. Below the £90,000 registration threshold you charge no VAT at all.

On the Flat Rate Scheme the sector for drainage engineers is usually “General building or construction services” at 9.5% of VAT-inclusive turnover, with a 1% discount in the first year of registration. If you spend little on goods you may be a limited cost trader and have to use 16.5% instead. The scheme suits businesses with few VAT-able costs; check it against the standard method with the VAT calculator before joining.