Free Scaffolder Invoice Template

What is a Scaffolder invoice?

A scaffolder invoice covers the erection, modification, hire, and dismantling of scaffolding systems used to provide safe access for construction, maintenance, painting, roofing, and restoration work. Scaffolding is typically priced as an all-in package: erection, hire for a defined period, and dismantling. Additional hire weeks are charged separately if the scaffold is retained beyond the original hire period. Invoices should specify the scaffold type (putlog, independent, system scaffold, mobile tower), the configuration, and the agreed hire period. Scaffolding companies must ensure their equipment meets BS EN 12811 standards, and operatives should hold the appropriate CISRS (Construction Industry Scaffolding Record Scheme) card. For commercial projects, design calculations may be required for complex scaffold configurations.

What to include on a Scaffolder invoice

• Site address and scaffold description
• Scaffold type and configuration
• Erection date and dismantling date
• Hire period (weeks)
• Additional hire weeks (if overrun)
• Scaffolding design drawings reference (if required)
• Public liability for third-party risk
• Inspection frequency and records
• CIS deduction if applicable
• Payment terms
• Hire period start/end dates and the agreed minimum term (so extended-hire weeks are unambiguous)
• Site address and specific structure/elevation covered (e.g. rear elevation, chimney, sidewalk shed)
• Inspection / scafftag reference and competent-person name and date
• Permit number and expiry for pavement/right-of-way scaffolds (pass-through)

Common scaffolder invoice line items

Setting your scaffolder rates

Scaffolding is priced per project/section as a supply-erect-dismantle package plus a recurring weekly hire, not a simple hourly job; large or elevation-heavy jobs are quoted per square foot of face ($4-6/sqft). Rates swing widely by scaffold type (frame vs system vs suspended), height, region, and distance from the yard, with weekly hire typically 20-40% cheaper per day than day-rate.

Payment terms

Deposit or full erection charge up front (or on completion of erect), weekly hire billed in advance for the contracted period, extensions billed weekly. Net 30 is common with commercial GCs but staged/progress billing and hire-in-advance protect cash flow on long jobs.

Billing pitfalls to avoid

• Extended-hire creep: the quote assumes a hire period (commonly a 6-8 week minimum), but when the main contractor overruns the scaffold sits longer and every extra week is billable, often 10-15% of the base per week. Bill standing hire in advance and put the overrun rate in the quote.
• Standing time and weather: crews mobilized but unable to erect (high winds, site not ready) still cost money, and OSHA requires re-inspection after any weather event that could affect structural integrity, so who pays for stand-downs and post-storm re-inspections must be nailed down up front.
• Adaptation and re-inspection after alteration: when other trades need the scaffold modified (extra lift, boards moved, guardrail removed), that alteration plus the mandatory competent-person re-inspection and new tag is extra work that is easy to do for free if not itemized.
• Damaged, lost, or unreturned components: boards, couplers, ties and fittings that go missing or are damaged on a long hire are a real cost; without a signed count at handover and strike you eat the loss.
• Permit / sidewalk-shed pass-through: pavement scaffolds and sidewalk sheds over the public right of way need a municipal permit (e.g. NYC DOB + DOT), and those fees plus renewals should be passed through to the client, not absorbed.

Tax notes

Equipment rental and construction labor are often taxed differently: many US states levy sales/rental tax on the scaffold-hire (equipment rental) portion while erection/dismantle labor on real property may be exempt, so split hire from labor on the invoice. Sales-tax treatment of construction contracts varies by state (lump-sum vs time-and-material rules), so verify the state and consider resale/exemption certificates on commercial jobs.

This is general guidance, not tax advice. Tax rules vary by country, state, and situation, so confirm with a qualified accountant before relying on it.

How to invoice as a scaffolder

Invoice erection on completion. Invoice hire weekly or for the agreed period. Invoice dismantling on completion. Provide a handover certificate with each invoice confirming the scaffold is safe for use (SG4 or BS EN 12811 compliant). If the hire period overruns, issue additional hire invoices promptly.