Building invoices that keep pace with the job
For builders, WhizInvoice quotes the renovation, takes the deposit, then invoices each stage and every variation as it happens. Your client always knows what is paid, what is owed and why.
What makes invoicing a build hard
A renovation runs for months and the price moves as the job does. WhizInvoice keeps every part of it on the record.
Deposits before materials
Timber, joinery and windows are ordered weeks ahead. Take a deposit when the client accepts your quote online, so you are not funding their kitchen from your own account.
An invoice at each stage
Invoice the frame, the closed in stage and the fit out as you reach them, all under the same client. Record part payments as they arrive, and nothing slips between stages.
Variations in writing
The client asks for an extra window after the frame is up. Add it as its own line with a clear description, so the change and its price are written down before the next invoice.
One statement for the whole job
A customer statement lists every open invoice for the client and how long each has been owing. It answers the question of what is left before they have to ask.
The office runs the money
On Business, give your office manager their own login and role, so invoices and reminders go out while you are on site. Up to 15 team members are included.
From a renovation enquiry to the final invoice
The enquiry arrives with the brief
A homeowner fills in your website form about a kitchen and dining extension. Their name, suburb and description of the job land in your enquiry list, ready for a site visit.
Quote, then deposit
Send the quote from the enquiry. When the client accepts it online, raise the deposit invoice in the same place and order materials once it is paid.
Invoice as the job moves
Each stage and each agreed variation gets its own invoice, with GST at 15% worked out every time. Reminders go out before and after the due date if a payment runs late.
Finish with a clear balance
The final invoice takes off the deposit, and the statement shows the client exactly where the money stands. You watch each invoice move from sent to opened to paid.
An example stage invoice for a builder
Stage two of a four stage extension, plus two variations the client agreed on site. GST is 15% and the GST number appears on the invoice, as Inland Revenue requires from registered businesses.
Example only, with a fictional business and customer. Your invoices use your own details, tax settings and design.
| Description | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 of 4: framing and roof structure complete, quote Q-0412 | 1 | $18,400.00 | $18,400.00 |
| Variation 1: extra window to bedroom 2, supply and install | 1 | $1,260.00 | $1,260.00 |
| Variation 2: extra dwangs for kitchen wall cabinets | 1 | $340.00 | $340.00 |
| Second skip bin | 1 | $480.00 | $480.00 |
Further reading for builders
Building in New Zealand? See how GST and GST numbers are set up on our New Zealand page.
Want a layout to price your next renovation from? Our quote template is a good place to begin.
Good to know
Can I invoice a building job in stages?
Yes. Create an invoice for each stage as you reach it, all under the same client, and record part payments as they land. The customer statement shows the running balance.
How do I bill a variation?
Add it as its own line on the next stage invoice, or send it on its own invoice straight away. GST is worked out either way.
Can I take a deposit when the quote is accepted?
Yes. From the Solo plan up, the client accepts the quote online, you invoice the deposit for materials, and the final invoice deducts it.
Will large invoices show GST correctly?
With New Zealand as your country, every invoice shows the amount before GST, GST at 15% and the total, along with your GST number. When a quote turns into an invoice, GST is never added a second time.
Can I bring my client list over from another app?
Yes. On Solo and above you can import customers and prices from a CSV file, and export everything the same way whenever you like.
Keep every stage of the build paid up
Start free, then move to Solo for quotes with online accept, deposits and customer statements.
Free plan forever. No card needed to start.