As a roofer, you have a lot on your plate. Between working on-site and managing your business, the last thing you want is to spend your time creating complex invoices for your customers.
How to create a roofing invoice (with free template download
What is a roofing invoice?
A roofing invoice is a formal document that outlines the details of services or products provided by a roofing contractor to a client.
Creating a roofing invoice for each client can be time-intensive. A template streamlines this process by allowing you to customise the same structure for different clients. This saves you time and ensures you don’t leave out any essential details, helping you prove your professionalism to potential customers.
Why should I use a roofing invoice template?
A well-planned invoice template will unlock several perks for you. Here are five key benefits to consider.
- Saved time: Your roofing invoice template saves you valuable time and makes it faster to get paid, meaning you can spend more time building your brand.
- Legal protection: A structured invoice template ensures you never miss out on any key details, helping you mitigate risks and reduce the chance of disputes.
- Documentation: Invoices are essential for record-keeping, especially during the tax season. A standardised template will make it easier to find the documents you need whenever you require them.
- Transparency: A clearly defined invoice demonstrates your commitment to transparent communication, fostering client trust.
- Professionalism: An invoice template provides you with a standardised, branded layout, helping you demonstrate your professionalism.
How to create a roofing invoice template step-by-step
Want to create a professional, reliable roofing invoice yourself? Here are the steps you need to follow.
1. Don’t forget the branding
Before you fill out the details, you need to make the invoice your own. Whether you’re a sole trader or running your own small business, start by branding your template. Add your logo, customise the sample with your colour scheme, and choose your preferred font.
The key here is to ensure your invoice is personal to your brand. Doing so will make your document look authentic and professional.
2. Define key client information
Your roofing invoice template should include space for client personal information. Beyond supporting your record-keeping, this makes your invoice feel more personal to the recipient. Leave space for these important details:
- The client’s personal name
- Their business (if applicable) and department (if applicable)
- Their phone number
- Their address
- Their email address
3. Detail the services provided
Provide a detailed description of the service you’ve provided. This could be something as simple as ‘roof replacement’. That said, you may want to break down the costs further so your client knows what they’re paying for. You can itemise the costs into:
- The roofing services you provided.
- How long the project took to complete (and any associated labour costs).
- The cost of materials.
- Any additional fees (e.g. unexpected repair work, clean-up).
4. Provide the costs
Once you’ve created an itemised list, fill out the cost of each product or service you provided. For example, you may specify the price of roof tiles separately from the cost of labour.
Following this, add your total expenses to the cost of your service to arrive at a final price. Don’t forget about sales tax at this stage. In addition, remember to honour any discounts you agreed on; doing so will show that you’re reliable and trustworthy.
5. Insert critical dates
Don’t forget to include important dates in your invoice, such as the date you’re sending the invoice and when payment is due. Make sure these dates are clearly visible, as this will protect you if your invoices go unpaid.
6. Add an invoice number
You’ll also need to include an accurate invoice number for easy record-keeping further down the line. Accounting software like QuickBooks can streamline this process, allowing you to create numbered invoices quickly and efficiently.
7. Remember to add payment methods and terms
Your clients need a reliable way to send you money. Include ways to pay at the bottom of the invoice. Remember to include contact information so your customer can get in touch if an issue arises.
At this stage, you may also wish to add a due date and a late payment policy so your clients know what to expect if they miss an invoice.
Free downloadable roofing invoice example
Looking for some inspiration to get started? Download our free roofing invoice sample and personalise it with your own branding.
QuickBooks: make invoicing headaches a thing of the past
A well-planned invoice template is the key to streamlining your business processes. And, with our roofing invoice sample, you’ll save valuable time, so you can focus on growing your business.
Running your roofing business is challenging. QuickBooks Online is here to make your life easier. With our easy expense tracking and invoicing features, you’ll have more time to work on the projects you love.
