Businesses offering home repair services have to spend some time focusing on administration processes upfront, even if it’s not their favorite thing to do. This is because you’ll have a tough time sorting clients and invoice structures when you’re busy dealing with leaky roofs, malfunctioning motors, and damaged water lines.
To give you a head start, we’ve shared some basics of a home repair contractor invoice in this post. Browse through the article, jot down some notes, and take the necessary steps to set up efficient administrative processes for your business.
If you don’t want to read through the entire post, simply head to our website and use our invoice templates for handyman businesses to save time.
Features of a Home Repair Contractor Invoice
When creating a home repair services invoice, here are some elements you should include:
- Invoice number: A unique code used to identify each invoice (e.g., MP-1, 120223, JAN2301, etc.)
- Issue date: Date the invoice was generated and sent to the client
- Due date: Date after which the client will have to pay a late fee
- Company details: Your company logo, name, and address (if you’re an independent contractor, you can use your name, home address, or PO Box number)
- Customer details: Client’s name and address
- Description of services: Itemization of the home repair services provided, such as bathroom tile repair, foundation repair, or roof repair
- Materials and supplies: As a home repair contractor, you have to purchase materials for your client, which are then installed in their home. Keep in mind that this does not include the equipment required to complete a job. For example, if you’re repairing a damaged section of drywall, you’ll purchase drywall tape, joint compound, and drywall. You’ll also need equipment such as a saw, drill, and drywall knife to get the job done. However, you can only charge your client for the material you purchased for their home, not the equipment you use.
- Labor costs: Your hourly rate, the number of hours worked, overtime pay, and additional expenses such as hazard pay
- Amount due: Total amount due, including any service charges, state or federal taxes, and overtime fees
- Payment terms: Description of how to make payments and what happens in the event a dispute arises
- Payment Information: Your preferred payment methods, such as credit card, check, or wire transfer, along with your ABA routing number and other details
How to Create a Home Repair Contractor Invoice
There are two ways to create a home repair contractor invoice:
- Create Your Own
You can use a word processing or spreadsheet program like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Microsoft Excel to create a personalized invoice.
Although this option allows you to design your invoice from scratch and tailor it to your specific needs, such as creating a home AC repair invoice, it is time-consuming. Plus, you have to download invoices to your device and email them to clients individually, which can become tedious over time.
- Use Templates
You can find simple or creative handyman services invoice templates on the Invoice Ninja website. Just download the one you like, enter your details, customize it to your liking, and send it to your clients. It’s that easy.
You can save even more time by signing up for Invoice Ninja, setting up automatic invoicing, and linking your accounting software to the platform to take invoice automation to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re just getting started in your business, here are answers to some questions you may have before you start billing clients.
What Tax Is Applicable to Home Repair Services?
As a home repair contractor, you have to pay tax on the materials you purchase. You should also charge your client sales tax. Check your state’s rules and regulations on taxation for service-based businesses or contractors.
How Should Contractors Bill?
Contractors should bill by milestones. This reduces the risk of misunderstandings about the amounts owed for services rendered. However, you may be able to get some or all of your payment upfront if it’s a small project (e.g., below $200). Other billing options include weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly payments.
In Conclusion
Creating a professional and well-organized invoice is crucial to getting paid on time and maintaining a positive relationship with your clients. By following the above tips and using a predesigned template, you can simplify the invoicing process and save time.
Remember, you don’t have to let the paperwork bog you down and distract you from your passion for home repairs. Take charge of your business operations and keep your focus on delivering excellent service to your clients!
