Free Construction Invoice Template: Sample, Line Items, and Payment Terms
Create a clear contractor invoice for labor, materials, equipment, progress payments, change orders, and retainage.
Create Construction Invoice FreeConstruction invoice template answer
A construction invoice connects every charge to the project, completed scope, and current payment due.
Start with the project and job-site details, then itemize labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor costs, and approved change orders. For progress billing, also show percent complete, prior payments, retainage, and the amount due for this period.
Completed Construction Invoice Sample
This sample uses progress billing for a kitchen remodel. It shows the current value of completed work and deducts retainage before calculating the payment request.
| Invoice number | CON-2026-018 |
|---|---|
| Project | Riverside kitchen remodel |
| Job site | 125 Oak Street, Austin, TX |
| Billing period | September 1-15, 2026 |
| Invoice date | September 16, 2026 |
| Payment due | September 30, 2026 |
| Completed work | Scheduled value | Complete | Earned this period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demolition and disposal | $2,400.00 | 100% | $2,400.00 |
| Electrical rough-in | $3,600.00 | 100% | $3,600.00 |
| Cabinet installation | $8,000.00 | 50% | $4,000.00 |
| Current work subtotal | $10,000.00 | ||
| Less 5% retainage | -$500.00 | ||
| Current amount due | $9,500.00 | ||
Illustrative first progress bill: no prior billing or payments, tax, or change orders are included. The 5% retainage is an example, not a required rate.
Download sample (TXT)What to Include on a Contractor Invoice
Contractor business name, address, and contact details
Customer details, project name, and job-site address
Unique invoice number, invoice date, and billing period
Labor, materials, equipment, subcontractor, and permit line items
Approved change orders shown separately from the original scope
Subtotal, applicable tax, retainage, previous payments, and amount due
Payment terms, exact due date, accepted methods, and payment instructions
Choose the Right Construction Billing Format
Use the billing format named in the contract. The template fields should change with the way the project is priced and approved.
| Billing method | Best for | Show on the invoice |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed price | Small projects with a defined scope | Agreed project or phase amount |
| Progress billing | Long projects billed by completion | Contract value, percent complete, prior billing, retainage |
| Time and materials | Repairs or work with changing scope | Labor hours, rates, materials, equipment, markup |
| Milestone billing | Projects divided into clear phases | Completed milestone and approved payment amount |
For a deeper explanation of progress billing, milestones, AIA applications, and retainage, read how to bill for construction work.
How to Create a Construction Invoice
Add the contractor, customer, project, and job-site details.
Enter a unique invoice number, billing period, invoice date, and exact due date.
Itemize completed labor, materials, equipment, and approved change orders.
Calculate subtotal, applicable tax, retainage, previous payments, and current amount due.
Add payment instructions, review the scope against the contract, and send the invoice to the billing contact.
Match the contract
Use the same scope names, rates, milestones, and retainage terms approved in the contract.
Identify the job site
Keep the project name and physical job-site address visible on every invoice.
Use exact dates
Show the billing period and calendar due date instead of relying on payment terms alone.
Construction Invoice Template FAQ
What should a construction invoice template include?
Include contractor and customer details, project and job-site information, invoice number, billing period, labor and material line items, approved change orders, subtotal, applicable tax, retainage, previous payments, amount due, and payment terms.
How do contractors describe labor and materials on an invoice?
Separate labor and materials into clear line items. For labor, show the trade, hours, and rate or the agreed phase amount. For materials, identify the item or category, quantity, unit cost, and any contract-approved markup.
What is the difference between a construction estimate and an invoice?
An estimate forecasts the expected scope and price before work begins. An invoice requests payment for work performed, materials supplied, or a completed milestone under the approved contract.
How do I show retainage on a construction invoice?
Show the gross amount earned for the billing period, the retainage percentage and amount withheld, previous payments, and the current payment due. Keep cumulative retainage visible so both parties can reconcile the final release.
Can I use this template for a subcontractor invoice?
Yes. Add the general contractor as the customer, identify the project and subcontract number, itemize the completed trade work, include approved change orders, and follow any required progress-billing or lien-waiver process.
Related construction documents
Create a professional construction invoice
Add your project, completed work, labor, materials, deductions, and due date to create a client-ready invoice.
Create Construction Invoice Free