Free Builder Purchase Order Generator — Australia
Create a professional purchase order tailored for builder businesses in Australia. Generate purchase orders to formalise orders with suppliers.
Create Your Purchase Order Now →Common Purchase Order Line Items for Builders
Here are typical items you might include on a builder purchase order:
| 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 Purchase Order
Follow these steps to put together a builder purchase order with our free generator:
- Enter your business details and the supplier's details, then assign a unique purchase order number.
- List each item or service being ordered with quantity and agreed unit price.
- Add the required delivery date and any special terms (e.g. delivery address, quality requirements).
- Download the purchase order as a PDF and send it to the supplier for confirmation before work begins.
What to Include on a Builder Purchase Order
A builder purchase order should cover these fields, plus a few billing norms specific to how builders typically operate in Australia.
Fields to include
- PO number: A unique reference number lets the supplier's invoice and your delivery docket be matched back to this order.
- Agreed pricing: Lock in the unit price and quantity so there is no dispute if supplier pricing changes later.
- Delivery terms: State the required delivery date and address so the supplier knows exactly what is expected.
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 purchase order:
- Not assigning a PO number, which makes matching invoices to orders slower and error-prone.
- Leaving pricing verbal rather than written, which weakens your position if a supplier later changes the price.
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 purchase order legally binding?
A purchase order becomes a binding contract once the supplier accepts it. Until acceptance, it is an offer to buy goods or services at stated terms.
Should I put a PO number on the purchase order?
Yes — a unique PO number lets both you and the supplier match the order to the eventual invoice and delivery docket, which speeds up accounts payable.
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