Free Carpenter Invoice Template & Generator

Your invoice needs to show exactly what you built or fixed. Break down materials separately from labor hours because insurance companies and property managers need that split for their records. Include the property address, not just the client's billing address, since they might own multiple buildings. Job dates matter too because warranty periods start from completion.

Most carpenters take a deposit before starting, usually 30-50% for materials and to hold the schedule. For big jobs like deck builds or kitchen remodels, bill at clear stages like framing complete, then final. Smaller repairs get invoiced when done with payment due on completion or net 15. Don't let people stretch you to net 30 unless they're a general contractor you work with regularly.

Take photos of your work before you leave the job site and attach them to the invoice. Clients forget what you actually did, especially on repair jobs where the finished work hides inside a wall. A picture of that sistered joist or rebuilt header jogs their memory and cuts down on payment delays from people who think the bill looks high. It also protects you if quality questions come up later.