🔨 Trades
Free Contractor Invoice Template
Professional invoices for general contractors and tradespeople - labor, materials, deposits, and change orders.
No credit card required. Free forever for unlimited invoices.
What to include
What goes on a Contractor invoice?
🧰
Labor and materials, separated
List labor (hours × rate or a flat amount) and materials as distinct line items. Clients want to see what they are paying for the work versus what is passing through at cost, and it makes tax time easier for you.
💵
Deposit and balance
Show the deposit or draw already collected, the date it was received, and the remaining balance due. For larger jobs, reference your draw schedule so the client knows which milestone this invoice covers.
📝
Change orders
Any work beyond the original scope should appear as its own line with a change-order number. Never bury extras inside other items - documented change orders are what protect you in a dispute.
🪪
License and insurance details
Include your contractor license number and a note that you are insured. It reassures clients, satisfies some municipalities, and reinforces that you run a legitimate operation.
Pro tips
Contractor invoicing tips that get you paid faster
Collect a deposit of 30-50% before starting any job to cover initial materials and protect your time.
Use a draw schedule on larger projects - bill at defined milestones (e.g. rough-in, drywall, completion) instead of one invoice at the end.
Get every change order approved in writing before doing the work, then invoice it as a separate line item.
Itemize materials at cost and labor separately so clients can see the breakdown and you avoid markup disputes.
Set Net 14 terms and turn on automatic reminders so final balances do not slip after the job is done.
FAQs
Common questions about contractor invoices
What should a contractor invoice include?
A contractor invoice should include your business name, license number, the client and job address, separated labor and materials line items, any approved change orders, the deposit already paid, the remaining balance, and clear payment terms.
Should contractors charge a deposit?
Yes. Most contractors collect a 30-50% deposit before starting to cover materials and secure the booking. Show the deposit and its date on the final invoice and subtract it from the balance due.
How do I handle change orders on an invoice?
List each change order as its own line item with a reference number and a short description. Always get written approval before performing the extra work so the charge is not disputed later.
What payment terms do contractors usually use?
Net 14 is common for residential jobs, with Net 30 on larger commercial projects. Many contractors also use progress billing and hold final payment until a walkthrough is complete.
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Billed To
R. Patel
rpatel@email.com
Notes
40% deposit ($2,114) received at project start on May 1, 2026. Balance due within 14 days of completion. Change orders are billed separately as approved. License #GC-44821, fully insured.
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