Free Contractor Invoice Template
Contractor invoices are often larger and more detailed than freelance invoices: clients want to see labour and materials separated, deposits deducted and extra work explained. A clear invoice prevents most payment disputes.
Typical line items
- Labour (hours × hourly rate, or a fixed price per job)
- Materials, itemised or as one line with receipts available
- Equipment hire and skip or waste disposal
- Change orders: work added after the original quote, with the date it was agreed
- Less: deposit already paid (as a negative line)
Deposits and progress billing
For longer jobs, invoice in stages, for example 30% upfront, 40% at a milestone and 30% on completion. Reference the quote or contract number on each invoice and show what has already been billed, so the client can see the remaining balance.
Country notes
- UK: Construction work may fall under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), where the contractor deducts tax from subcontractor payments, and the VAT domestic reverse charge for building services between VAT-registered businesses.
- EU: Several countries apply reverse charge to construction services between businesses. Check your national rules.
- Australia: Quote your ABN and issue a tax invoice if you are GST registered.
Tips
- Add the site address if it is different from the client's billing address.
- Put warranty terms and your payment due date in the notes.
- Send the invoice the day the work is done, while it is fresh in the client's mind.
FAQ
Should I list materials separately from labour?
Yes. Separate lines make the invoice easier to approve and are useful when materials and labour are taxed differently.
How do I show a deposit on an invoice?
Add a line such as 'Less deposit paid on 1 Oct' with a negative amount, so the total shows the remaining balance.
Can I charge for extra work not in the quote?
Yes, if the client agreed to it. List it as a separate change-order line with a short description and the date it was approved.
Related: How to write an invoice · Payment terms · Cleaning invoice template