Guides

How to invoice as a handyman or contractor

Updated October 15, 2026

Contractors have more to bill than most: labor, materials, and sometimes a job that takes weeks. Landlords and property managers also tend to pay slowly. A clear invoice protects you.

What to put on it

• The job address and the date or dates of the work
• Labor as one line (hours and rate, or a flat price)
• Materials as separate lines, with what you're charging for each
• Any change from the original quote, written down
• A due date, and a PO or work order number if the customer gave you one
• One sentence on the late fee

Bigger jobs: bill in stages

For a job that takes weeks, ask for a deposit before you start, then bill at points you agree on, and keep the last payment for when it's finished. That way you're never out a whole job's cost.

Landlords and property managers

These customers often pay on terms and need the PO or work order number to approve the bill. Put it on the invoice from the start.

How Dunn helps

Dunn's New invoice form lets you add labor and materials as separate lines (hours × rate, quantities), pick repeat items from your saved list, add the PO or work order number and a late fee, and send it with a pay button. Dunn then reminds the customer before the due date and records every step.

Quick answers

Should I charge for materials separately?
Yes. It's clearer, and it protects you if prices change.

Do I need a deposit?
For anything big, yes. For a quick repair, usually not.

What if the customer wants changes mid-job?
Write the change down and add it to the invoice as its own line.