Guides for contractors

Short, practical guides on the paperwork around a job: estimates, invoices and daily site reports. They are general guidance, not legal or tax advice, and the rules differ by country and trade.

• How to write a contractor estimate

  A step-by-step guide to writing a contractor estimate: scope, labor and materials, margin versus markup, tax and discounts, terms and a clean PDF.

• Estimate vs invoice: what is the difference?

  Estimate or invoice? See how they differ, what each document should contain, how to keep the totals identical and who keeps track of payments.

• What to include in a daily site report

  What to put in a daily site report: weather, crew, work completed, issues, deliveries and photos, plus tips for a clear record on every job.