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Guides and taxes4 min readUpdated April 2026

General Contractor Invoice Template Canada — Free Example + Generator

Free general contractor invoice template Canada. Includes samples for rénovations, additions, and larger projects with deposits, progress, change orders, and correct taxes. Instant PDF generator.

Last updated: April 2026Written by a Canadian developer for trades businesses.
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Free PDF template

Download a blank invoice template to fill by hand

Print the PDF and use it as many times as you want. It works well for job sites, clients without email, or quick handwritten invoices.

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General contractors and renovators handle a wider range of work than specialized trades: project management, multiple subs, change orders, client selections, and often higher-value contracts. Invoices need to be clear enough for homeowners, clear enough for accountants and lenders, and structured for cash flow on jobs that span weeks or months.

This page provides practical Canadian GC invoice examples (including progress and change order formats), tax notes, and the fastest way to generate professional PDFs tailored to your business and province.

Sample GC / Renovation Invoice (progress Draw)

Business

Riverside Rénovations Ltd.

900 River Road, Unit 12, Ottawa, ON K1G 3N8

613-555-4400 | riversiderenos.ca

HST #: 223344556RT0001

Bill To

The Patel Family

67 Maple Grove Crescent

Ottawa, ON K1G 4P2

613-555-8811

Project ref: 2026-03-Patel (Kitchen + Main Bath Reno)

Invoice #: GC-1182 (Progress Draw 2)

Date: April 17, 2026

Terms: Net 10 per contract

DescriptionQtyRateAmount
Progress Draw 2 — Framing, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in complete per quote Q-881 dated Feb 10, 2026112,800.0012,800.00
Change Order #2 — upgraded quartz counters (client selection Mar 22) — materials + install premium11,450.001,450.00

Subtotal (this draw) 14,250.00

HST 13% 1,852.50

Total due this draw 16,102.50

Less deposit received (INV-GC-1101, Feb 12): $9,500.00

Less Progress Draw 1 (INV-GC-1144, Mar 15): $11,400.00

Net amount due this invoice: $16,102.50 (no further prior credits)

Payment

E-transfer to accounting@riversiderenos.ca | 613-555-4400

Card payment link available for amounts over $5,000.

Reference GC-1182 / Patel project.

Thank you. All work per contract and approved change orders.

Notes

Original contract value: $38,500 + HST. Current approved total incl. changes: $41,200 + HST. Next milestone: drywall + insulation (est. 10 days).

Typical GC Line Items & Structures

  • Deposit / mobilization (30-40%)
  • Demo & disposal
  • Framing / structural
  • Mechanical rough-ins (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) — often grouped or separate
  • Insulation, vapour barrier, drywall
  • Interior finishes (flooring, trim, painting, cabinets, counters)
  • Exterior (siding, roofing if part of scope, decks)
  • Change orders (always separate and referenced)
  • Project management / coordination fee (if you charge one)
  • Final cleanup & walkthrough

Tax for General Contractors

  • Most renovation and addition work is fully taxable at the provincial rate (HST 13% in Ontario example above, TPS+TVQ in Québec, GST+PST in BC, etc.).
  • Show tax on the progress value each time.
  • If you are also acting as "builder" for new homes or substantial renovations, different GST/HST rules or rebates may apply — confirm with CRA/Revenu Québec.
  • Keep detailed records of tax paid to subs and suppliers for ITC claims.

Change Orders on the Invoice

Always reference the change order number, date of approval, and description. Clients and their accountants appreciate the paper trail. Never bury extras in vague "additional labour" lines.

Deposits & Multiple Draws

See the dedicated Progress Billing Canada and Construction Invoicing pages for full structures, holdback wording, and lien considerations. The example above shows how to display previous payments clearly so the client always knows the running total and remaining contract balance.

Create your GC Invoices Fast

Use the free generator. Select your province for correct taxes, save common packages (demo, framing packages, finish carpentry, etc.), add clients with project references, and generate clean multi-line PDFs. For larger jobs, create the deposit invoice, then later invoices referencing prior payments.

Premium ($8/mo) removes the 2-invoice/month limit, adds your logo and branding, email sending from the app, and client card payments with no platform cut on top of Stripe fees.

Related Pages for Gcs and Renovators

Frequently Asked Questions

How many progress invoices is too many?

A: For a 4-8 week reno, 3-5 total invoices (deposit + 2-3 draws + final) is common and keeps cash flow healthy without overwhelming the client. Tie them to clear, visible milestones.

Should I invoice the full contract amount and credit payments, or separate invoices per stage?

A: Both work. Many GCs prefer separate stage invoices for clarity. The key is showing previous payments and the net due on every document.

Do I charge tax on the deposit?

A: In most cases yes for taxable renovation work. Confirm with your accountant for your specific contracts.

How do I handle client-supplied materials or allowances?

A: Show them as a credit or separate line ("Client-supplied appliances — allowance $2,800 — no charge") so the contract value and your scope stay clear.

Check taxes before you send

Use the calculators and generator to validate amounts before sending the invoice.