CountBricks AIA-Style Invoice Guide for Residential Builders

Why Residential Contractors Need an AIA-Style Invoice

For residential contractors, adopting an AIA-style invoice can significantly streamline billing processes. This format, originating from commercial contracting, is now favored for its detailed breakdown of costs, tracking of completion percentages, and documentation of stored materials. While homeowners may not demand this level of detail, banks and inspectors often do. By using CountBricks' voice-driven estimating, contractors can automatically generate AIA-style invoices, enhancing professionalism without increasing administrative workload.

Core Components of an AIA-Style Invoice

• Schedule of values: A categorized list of every task and material, each with its own allocated budget.
• Percentage complete: A running tally of work finished in the current draw request.
• Current payment due: The amount expected for the current billing cycle.
• Previously billed: Cumulative totals from earlier draws.
• Balance to finish: Remaining funds, aiding in cash flow forecasting.

How CountBricks Automates the Process

1. Speak your estimate into the CountBricks smartphone app.
2. AI converts your words into a detailed schedule of values.
3. Select “Generate AIA-style invoice” when ready to bill.
4. CountBricks fills percentage complete from daily field logs.
5. Export a branded PDF or share a client-visible link.

Advantages for Residential Construction Teams

• Faster draws: Structured invoices align with original contracts, speeding lender approvals.
• Fewer disputes: Homeowners see exactly what phase they are paying for, reducing communication issues.
• Streamlined change orders: Approved extras are inserted as new cost codes.
• Accurate job costing: Invoices mirror estimates, keeping project metrics in sync.

Building the Schedule of Values in CountBricks

Creating an AIA-style schedule of values manually can be cumbersome. CountBricks automates this by importing blueprint quantities, regional material costs, and labor rates. The platform consolidates tasks into logical divisions, allowing contractors to customize and lock schedules to meet bank requirements.

Pro Tips for Structuring Residential Codes

• Keep the number of lines under 30 to prevent lender overload.
• Group small trades into one division if the total value is under 10% of the contract.
• Separate allowances for easy reconciliation.
• Add a “General Conditions” code for overhead protection.
• Use homeowner-friendly language for code labels.

Filling Out the AIA-Style Invoice Each Month

Daily tracking is essential for fast-moving residential sites. Field superintendents can record progress using the CountBricks app, which updates stored materials and alerts accounting when a new draw is ready. On invoice day, review each line for accuracy, sign digitally, and send. CountBricks attaches necessary documents automatically, simplifying the process.

Common Mistakes and How CountBricks Prevents Them

• Misaligned percentages: AI cross-checks labor hours versus claimed completion.
• Missing change orders: The system flags unbilled extras.
• Over-billing: CountBricks enforces retainage rules.
• Manual math errors: Real-time calculations eliminate spreadsheet risks.

Integrating Retainage and Stored Materials

Banks often hold 5-10% retainage until project close-out. CountBricks tracks these amounts and releases them upon substantial completion. For stored materials, scanning the supplier packing slip allows AI to match the PO to your schedule of values, shifting costs from “Materials Stored” to “Installed” once used.

From Estimate to Final Invoice—A Seamless Workflow

• Estimate: Voice capture and blueprint takeoff build a detailed schedule of values.
• Contract: CountBricks generates an owner-ready agreement.
• Progress billing: One-click AIA-style invoice saves time.
• Close-out: Final invoice auto-releases retainage and produces warranty documents.

Case Study: Skyline Custom Homes

Skyline, a high-end residential builder, reduced draw approval time from ten days to three by adopting CountBricks invoicing. Accurate AIA-style invoices improved cash flow, enabling them to take on additional projects. Explore more success stories at CountBricks.com.

Getting Started with CountBricks AIA-Style Invoicing

1. Book a demo at CountBricks.com.
2. Upload a recent estimate or speak a new one into the app.
3. Customize your schedule of values and retainage settings.
4. Send your first AIA-style invoice and watch approvals accelerate.

Conclusion

An AIA-style invoice is no longer just for skyscrapers. With CountBricks automating the paperwork, residential contractors gain transparent billing, stronger lender relationships, and healthier cash flow—all from the same voice commands used in the field.

Beyond Billing: How AIA-Style Data Powers Job-Site Decisions

The beauty of an AIA-style invoice inside CountBricks is that the data never lives in a silo. Each line item drives real-time dashboards so superintendents, project managers, and owners all work from the same truth.

Live Cost-to-Complete Forecasts

• Updating percentage complete on an invoice draft recalculates projected final cost and margin.
• If material prices spike mid-project, the system highlights codes at risk and suggests contingency transfers.

Change Order Negotiation Strength

• A tight schedule of values allows pinpointing the exact impact of design tweaks.
• CountBricks generates side-by-side comparisons for clients to understand additional funding requirements.

Field Productivity Insights

• Labor hours logged in the app feed directly into each cost code, identifying inefficiencies early.
• Crews appreciate transparent targets, boosting morale and accountability.

Warranty & Service Preparation

• Upon project completion, CountBricks compiles cost codes into a warranty binder, simplifying future service calls.

Small Team, Big Impact

You do not need a full accounting department to look like a national builder. With CountBricks’ AIA-style invoicing, a two-person residential firm can:

• Issue professional progress billings in under ten minutes.
• Provide lenders with compliance docs without printing a single sheet.
• Spend evenings winning new work instead of reconciling spreadsheets.

Ready to Elevate Your Billing?

Schedule a walkthrough at CountBricks.com and experience how easy it is to create your first AIA-style invoice. Let CountBricks handle the math so you can focus on building dream homes.