The quote app for builders
Updated 1 October 2026 · UK rules · Not tax advice: check anything unusual with your accountant.
Extensions, refurbishments and structural work mean long quotes with labour, materials and a lot of VAT and CIS rules. BrewQuote keeps it all straight so you can quote on site.
Quote a builder job by voice
Say something like this into BrewQuote:
🎙 “Single-storey rear extension, groundworks and foundations, blockwork to plate, steel beam supply and fit, and labour for a team of three for ten days.”
And it writes a quote like this, using the prices in your own price list:
| Line | Type | Qty | Price | VAT | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Groundworks and foundations | labour | 1 | £4,800.00 | 20% | £4,800.00 |
| Blockwork to plate | labour | 1 | £5,600.00 | 20% | £5,600.00 |
| Steel beam, supply and fit | materials | 1 | £1,350.00 | 20% | £1,350.00 |
| Labour, 3 people × 10 days | labour | 30 | £230.00 | 20% | £6,900.00 |
| Subtotal | £18,650.00 | ||||
| VAT | £3,730.00 | ||||
| Total for a VAT-registered builder | £22,380.00 | ||||
Example prices for illustration only. BrewQuote uses your own rates.
VAT, reverse charge and CIS for builders
Building a new home is usually zero-rated for VAT, and converting a non-residential building into a home, or renovating one that's been empty for two years or more, can qualify for 5%. Most other work on existing homes is 20%. BrewQuote lets you set the rate per line.
When you subcontract to a VAT and CIS-registered contractor, the domestic reverse charge usually applies. When you're the main contractor, your own subcontractors may need to reverse charge you.
CIS deductions apply to labour, not materials, so BrewQuote keeps them separate and shows the amount due after deduction.
More detail: how to show CIS on an invoice, the construction reverse charge, or try the CIS and VAT calculator.
Why builders use BrewQuote
- Quote before you leave the drive. Talk through the job and send it in about a minute.
- Signed online. Customers accept, sign and agree to your terms on their phone.
- No more chasing. Customers can ask for a change or reject with a reason, so you know where you stand.
- Every job in one place. See what needs you, what's open, what's won and what's been paid.
Frequently asked questions
Can BrewQuote handle staged payments?
You can record deposits, part payments and payment in full against an accepted quote and see what's still owed. Full staged invoicing is on the roadmap.
How does the 5% disregard work?
If reverse-charge work is 5% or less of the contract value and you and the contractor agree, you can treat the whole contract normally. BrewQuote has a switch for it.
Can clients sign a large quote online?
Yes. They read the full quote, agree to your terms and sign. You get a signed copy with a record of the time and date.
Quote it in a minute with BrewQuote
Talk through the job, send a branded quote with VAT and CIS done, and get it signed online. Coming to iPhone and Android.