Published by ProQuote · October 2, 2026
An estimate describes proposed work and price before billing. An invoice records an amount being billed for work, a deposit, a milestone, or a completed job. Keeping the two connected makes it easier to see how the final billing relates to what the customer approved.
The estimate is where the contractor describes the work, price, assumptions, exclusions, and payment terms the customer is being asked to approve. It can change during the quoting process until the parties agree on the scope.
An invoice is the billing record. Depending on the job, it may bill the full approved amount, a deposit, one milestone, a balance, or other documented charges. Payment status belongs with the invoice ledger rather than being inferred from the estimate.
Re-entering an approved job into a separate invoice creates another place for scope, amounts, or customer details to drift. ProQuote converts approved estimates into invoices and keeps the related records connected so the billing trail starts from the approved work.
Explore the ProQuote workflow for general contractors or continue with a related product page.
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