Guides for Contractors

Short, practical guides to the paperwork contractors and trades deal with every week, with checklists, examples and links to the free templates.

• How to Write a Job EstimateA step-by-step guide to writing a clear job estimate: scope, line items, pricing, tax, deposit, expiry date and terms, with a worked example.
• What to Include on a Contractor InvoiceA checklist of everything a contractor invoice should show, from invoice number and payment terms to deposits, change orders and payment details.
• Estimate vs Quote vs Bid: What's the Difference?An estimate is an approximate price, a quote is a fixed price for a set scope, and a bid is a price offered to win a job against others. When to use each.
• What Is a Work Order?A work order is a document that authorizes and records a job. What a work order is, how it differs from an estimate and invoice, and what to include.
• What Is a Purchase Order and How Should You Number POs?A purchase order is the buyer's written order to a vendor. What a PO includes, how it fits with invoices, and simple PO numbering systems for small businesses.
• Payment Terms Explained: Deposits, Due on Receipt, Net 15 and Net 30What due on receipt, Net 15, Net 30, deposits, progress payments and 2/10 Net 30 mean, how to work out the due date, and how to show terms on an invoice.