The two things that sink self-builds: losing track of the budget, and losing
the VAT.
THE BUDGET
Eight stages, from pre-construction fees through to external works and
contingency. For every line: budgeted, actual, variance and status. So you
know which stage is drifting while there's still time to do something.
THE VAT RECLAIM LOG
Built for the DIY Housebuilders Scheme. One row per invoice:
• Date, supplier, supplier VAT number, invoice number
• Description and category
• Eligible? — yes or no
• Net, VAT, gross, and reclaimable VAT
THE ELIGIBILITY GUIDE
A plain list of what's typically reclaimable and what isn't. Insulation,
windows, roofing, wiring, boilers, sanitaryware — usually yes. Free-standing
white goods, carpets, most fitted wardrobes, professional fees, tool hire,
furniture — usually no. New-build contractor labour is already zero-rated,
so there's nothing to reclaim.
THE DASHBOARD
Overall budget, total spent, remaining, % of budget spent, VAT reclaimable,
spend by stage, and the reclaimable/non-reclaimable split.
The scheme has a claim deadline. Keeping the log as you go is the difference
between a reclaim and a shrug.
Excel (.xlsx). Works in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Instant download.
Educational tool only. Not tax advice. Check current DIY Housebuilders
Scheme rules with HMRC. Correct as of July 2026.
The two things that sink self-builds: losing track of the budget, and losing
the VAT.
THE BUDGET
Eight stages, from pre-construction fees through to external works and
contingency. For every line: budgeted, actual, variance and status. So you
know which stage is drifting while there's still time to do something.
THE VAT RECLAIM LOG
Built for the DIY Housebuilders Scheme. One row per invoice:
• Date, supplier, supplier VAT number, invoice number
• Description and category
• Eligible? — yes or no
• Net, VAT, gross, and reclaimable VAT
THE ELIGIBILITY GUIDE
A plain list of what's typically reclaimable and what isn't. Insulation,
windows, roofing, wiring, boilers, sanitaryware — usually yes. Free-standing
white goods, carpets, most fitted wardrobes, professional fees, tool hire,
furniture — usually no. New-build contractor labour is already zero-rated,
so there's nothing to reclaim.
THE DASHBOARD
Overall budget, total spent, remaining, % of budget spent, VAT reclaimable,
spend by stage, and the reclaimable/non-reclaimable split.
The scheme has a claim deadline. Keeping the log as you go is the difference
between a reclaim and a shrug.
Excel (.xlsx). Works in Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Instant download.
Educational tool only. Not tax advice. Check current DIY Housebuilders
Scheme rules with HMRC. Correct as of July 2026.
