Get your free Renovation Invoice Template - New Zealand designed specifically for Kiwi contractors and builders. This professional template includes GST calculations, standard New Zealand invoice formatting, and covers all renovation services from kitchen upgrades to bathroom remodels. Perfect for tradespeople, renovation companies, and DIY contractors who need compliant invoicing for their renovation projects across New Zealand.
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Frequently Asked Questions
GST should be added separately from your quoted price. In New Zealand, GST is charged at 15% on top of your service charges. Your renovation invoice should show line items at GST-exclusive prices, then add the 15% GST amount at the bottom. This clarity helps clients understand costs and ensures you're collecting the correct amount to remit to Inland Revenue.
Your renovation invoice must include your business name, address, and IRD number (if registered); the client's name and address; an invoice number and date; a clear description of all work performed (kitchen cabinet installation, tiling, painting, etc.); the amount charged (excluding GST) for each item; GST amount and total payable; and payment terms. Including a project address or location helps clients identify which property the invoice covers.
Yes. Separating materials from labor on your renovation invoice provides transparency and helps clients track costs for their records. List each element separately—for example, "Bathroom tiles: $675" and "Labor—tile installation: $450"—rather than combining them into one line. This detailed breakdown is particularly useful if clients are providing materials themselves or comparing quotes from multiple contractors for different aspects of the work.
Use progress invoices (also called interim invoices) for phased renovations. Issue an invoice at each project milestone—for example, "Kitchen renovation—stage 1 complete" with the costs for that stage. Clearly reference the overall project name or address and which phase each invoice covers. This approach helps your cash flow, keeps clients informed of the work completed, and reduces disputes over what's been paid.
Standard payment terms for NZ renovation work typically range from 7 to 30 days, with many contractors using 14 days as standard. Some high-value projects use a deposit (often 20–30%) with the balance due upon completion. State your terms clearly: "Payment due within 14 days of invoice date." Include your bank details, and consider mentioning late payment consequences to encourage timely settlement.
Break down the invoice by trade or work type rather than mixing everything together. Use line items like "Plumbing—new fixtures and installation," "Electrical—power point installation," and "Interior painting." This clarity helps the client understand what each trade contributed and simplifies dispute resolution if questions arise about specific work. It's also useful for their own accounting if they're tracking costs by trade.
Yes, retention (holdback) is common in NZ renovation contracts. Your invoice should show the full value of work completed, but specify how much is subject to retention—typically 5–10%—and when it will be released (usually 30–60 days after project completion or when a completion certificate is issued). Clearly state the retention amount separately so the client knows exactly how much they need to pay now versus what will be held back.
If the client provides materials, you have two invoicing options. You can invoice only for labor and clearly note which materials were client-supplied. Alternatively, you can invoice the full value and show materials separately as "Client-supplied" at $0 cost. The first approach is simpler and prevents confusion. Ensure your quote and invoice clearly state what materials you're providing versus what the client supplies to avoid disputes.