Labor vs materials
Keep labor and materials on separate lines. Materials are often marked up 10–20%; show the markup in the rate rather than hiding it, especially when the client supplies some materials themselves.
Milestone billing
For jobs over a few weeks, bill milestones: 30% on start (against a deposit invoice), 40% at first fix, 30% on completion. Each milestone gets its own invoice referencing the same job number.
Site and quote references
Put the job site address and the original quote number in the header. When the client's accounts team matches invoice against quote, approvals happen without phone calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I charge sales tax on materials?
In most systems, if you supply materials as part of the job, the whole invoice is taxed; if you are only labor, tax rules vary. Check your local rule — the generator adds one flat tax rate either way.
What is a retention amount?
Construction contracts often hold back 5–10% until a defects period passes. Invoice the retention as its own final line or invoice when released.