Free General Contractor Invoice Template & Generator
Bill homeowners and clients for full build and remodel jobs — labor, materials, subcontractors, and permits — on one clear invoice. Track deposits and progress payments, then download a professional PDF.
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor (framing & finish) | 80 | $55.00 | $4,400.00 |
| Materials & fixtures | 1 | $4,200.00 | $4,200.00 |
General contractor invoicing, by the numbers
On multi-week build and remodel projects, invoicing is really cash-flow management: you are fronting materials and subcontractor costs long before the client pays. That makes late payment especially painful — 56% of US small businesses are owed money on unpaid invoices, averaging about $17,500 each, per the Intuit QuickBooks 2025 US Small Business Late Payments Report. Clear, itemized invoices with online payment options help you collect faster; invoices that offer convenient online payment get paid up to twice as fast, according to Xero (2024).
How to structure a progress-payment invoice
Large jobs are rarely billed in one lump sum. Set a schedule of values that ties payments to milestones — deposit, rough-in, drywall, final — and invoice each stage as it completes. Separate labor, materials, and subcontractor lines so clients see exactly what they are paying for, list the deposit as a credit, and reference the contract or change orders. Keep a retainage line if your contract holds back a percentage until final approval.
Frequently asked questions
How do I invoice for a construction progress payment?
Bill the percentage of the contract that matches the completed milestone. Add a line for the milestone (e.g. "Rough-in complete — 30% of contract"), subtract any deposit or prior payments as credits, and show the remaining balance. Number invoices in sequence so the client can track the full project.
Should a general contractor charge tax on materials?
It depends on your state and how it treats improvements to real property. In many states the contractor pays tax on materials at purchase and does not re-charge the customer; in others you charge tax on the full contract. Confirm the rule with your state revenue department and apply it correctly on the invoice.