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.
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| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Labor (framing & finish) | 80 | $55.00 | $4,400.00 |
| Materials & fixtures | 1 | $4,200.00 | $4,200.00 |
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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.
How to make a general contractor invoice in 7 steps
Open the invoice with the fields already set up
Start from this page so the invoice loads with line items and wording used for general contractor work. Creating and previewing needs no account.
Add your details and the client
Enter your business name, address and contact details, then the client name and billing address exactly as they should appear on the record.
Give the invoice a number and dates
Use a unique invoice number in one unbroken run, then set the issue date and the due date so the payment term is unambiguous.
Replace the sample lines with the work you did
Swap the example lines for the real job. Describe the unit you are billing, whether that is hours, visits, or units, and put the rate on the same line. The starting lines here open with labor (framing & finish).
Check the totals and any tax
Totals calculate as you type. Confirm the quantities, rates and any tax line against your own records, since sales tax rules and what is taxable differ by jurisdiction.
State how and when to pay
Add the payment terms, the methods you accept and any late fee your agreement allows, so the client has no reason to wait for clarification.
Preview, then download the PDF
Read the finished invoice before you send it. Preview is free; a PDF download costs $4.99, or is included with Unlimited.
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.
More documents for general contractor work
Use the right document before and after the invoice.