FAQ & glossary of construction quotes and invoices
The questions that come up most often, and a glossary of the terms used in construction quotes and invoices. Keep it handy.
FAQ — frequently asked questions
Is a quote mandatory? Yes, in writing above €1,500 incl. VAT, for troubleshooting/repairs, and as soon as the client requests one.
What is the validity period of a quote? You set it (often 1 to 3 months). Always state it: beyond that, you are no longer bound by the price.
When can I ask for a deposit? When the quote provides for it. A 30 % deposit on order is common; it is formalised by a deposit invoice (facture d'acompte).
What is the retention of guarantee (retenue de garantie)? A portion of the amount (often 5 %) that the client may keep temporarily to cover any reservations, returned once the reservations are lifted.
How do I number my invoices? With a continuous series and no gaps (e.g. 2026-001, 2026-002, etc.).
Which VAT rate should I apply? 20 % (new build), 10 % (improvement of a dwelling more than 2 years old), 5.5 % (eligible energy renovation). (See the VAT guide.)
Can I change a quote that has already been signed? Not without the client's agreement: a signed quote serves as a contract. Issue an amendment (avenant) for any change.
Do I have to switch to electronic invoicing? Yes, progressively: receiving from Sept. 2026, issuing for TPE/SMEs from Sept. 2027. (See the electronic invoicing guide.)
Construction glossary — quotes & invoices
- Acompte (deposit) — sum paid on order, before the works; gives rise to a deposit invoice.
- Avenant (amendment) — a document modifying a quote/contract that has already been accepted (addition or change of service).
- Bon pour accord (approved for agreement) — the handwritten mention by which the client accepts the quote.
- Décennale (garantie) (ten-year warranty) — insurance covering serious damage to the works for 10 years. Mandatory.
- Facture d'acompte (deposit invoice) — invoice issued when a deposit is paid.
- Facturation électronique (electronic invoicing) — an invoice in a structured format (e.g. Factur-X) transmitted via an approved platform.
- Factur-X — a hybrid format (PDF + structured data) for an electronic invoice.
- Franchise en base de TVA (VAT exemption) — a scheme with no VAT charged (mention "TVA non applicable, art. 293 B du CGI").
- HT / TTC — excl. VAT / incl. VAT (excl. VAT + VAT).
- Mentions obligatoires (mandatory mentions) — the legal information that must appear on the quote/invoice.
- Pénalités de retard (late-payment penalties) — a sum due in the event of late payment; to be stated on the invoice.
- Retenue de garantie (retention of guarantee) — a portion of the price kept temporarily (often 5 %) to cover any reservations.
- Situation de travaux (interim works billing) — interim invoicing according to the progress of a job.
- SIRET — the establishment's identification number, mandatory on documents.
The simplest option: let the tool handle compliance
All of these rules — mentions, VAT, numbering, deposits — are built in by default in Zoplee. You describe the job, and the compliant document is generated in 30 seconds.
Related articles (coming soon): How to write a construction quote · Construction VAT · Construction e-invoicing 2026 · Assurance décennale.