Free Builder Quote Generator — Australia
Create a professional quote tailored for builder businesses in Australia. Generate professional quotes with validity dates, terms, and line item breakdowns.
Create Your Quote Now →Common Quote Line Items for Builders
Here are typical items you might include on a builder quote:
| Description | Unit |
|---|---|
| Labour — carpenter | hour |
| Labour — labourer | hour |
| Concrete supply and pour | m³ |
| Timber framing | lot |
| Roofing materials and install | m² |
| Scaffolding hire | week |
| Skip bin hire | each |
| Site supervision | day |
Typical Builder Pricing in Australia
Rates vary by state and job complexity, but these are the kinds of ranges builders commonly charge:
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Labour — carpenter | $70–$110 per hour |
| Concrete supply and pour | $180–$300 per m³ |
| Roofing materials and install | $60–$150 per m² |
| Scaffolding hire | $150–$400 per week |
| Skip bin hire | $300–$700 per bin |
Compliance Tips for Builders
- State building licence number must appear on contracts and invoices.
- Home building compensation (HBC) insurance is required for residential work over the relevant state threshold.
- GST registration is mandatory at $75,000 turnover.
- Taxable payments annual report (TPAR) must be lodged if you pay subcontractors for building services.
How to Create a Builder Quote
Follow these steps to put together a builder quote with our free generator:
- Add your business details and logo, then set a validity period (e.g. 30 days) so the client knows how long the price stands.
- List each item of work as a line item with a clear description, quantity, and unit price.
- State your payment terms and any conditions (e.g. deposit required, price subject to site inspection) in the notes field.
- Download the quote as a PDF and send it before starting any work.
What to Include on a Builder Quote
A builder quote should cover these fields, plus a few billing norms specific to how builders typically operate in Australia.
Fields to include
- Validity period: State how long the quoted price is guaranteed for — this protects you from rising material or labour costs.
- Scope of work: Describe exactly what is and is not included, so the client cannot assume extra work is covered.
- GST treatment: Show whether the total is GST-inclusive or exclusive so there is no dispute when the invoice is issued.
- Acceptance method: State how the client should accept the quote (signature, email reply, or deposit payment) to create a clear record.
How Builders typically bill
- Larger builds are billed via progress payments at agreed milestones (e.g. slab, frame, lock-up, completion), each with its own tax invoice.
- Quotes are broken into sections (demolition, structural, fit-out, finishes) so clients can see cost allocation clearly.
- A variations clause is standard, since unexpected site conditions are common in construction.
- Subcontractor and supplier purchase orders are kept on file to reconcile against progress claims.
Builders must show their state licence number and ABN on invoices and quotes, register for GST at $75,000 turnover, and lodge a Taxable Payments Annual Report for any payments made to subcontractors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Watch out for these common errors when preparing a builder quote:
- Quoting a fixed price with no validity period, then honouring it months later at a loss.
- Leaving the scope vague, which invites scope creep once the job starts.
- Forgetting to note whether the price is GST-inclusive, causing disputes when the invoice arrives.
Frequently asked questions
What are progress payments and how should a builder invoice them?
Progress payments are partial payments made at defined project milestones (e.g., slab, frame, lock-up, completion). Issue a separate tax invoice at each milestone referencing the stage and contract amount.
Does a builder need to be licensed to invoice?
In most states, builders must hold a current licence to carry out residential building work over a certain value. The licence number should appear on all invoices and contracts.
How should a builder handle variations?
Document every variation with a written instruction, revised quote, and client approval before starting the extra work. Invoice variations separately or as a clearly labelled line item on the next progress claim.
Is a quote legally binding in Australia?
A quote is generally not legally binding unless it is accepted in writing and forms part of a contract. However, a quote that is accepted may create an obligation to perform the work at the quoted price.
How long should a quote be valid?
Standard practice is 30 days, but this depends on the industry. Construction quotes often specify 14–28 days due to material price fluctuations.
Should a quote show GST separately?
Yes — clients need to know whether the figure you have given is GST-inclusive or exclusive before they accept, so it is worth showing both the subtotal and the GST amount on the quote.
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