The 7-Day Contractor Follow-Up System That Doubles Your Close Rate

Most contractors follow up once or twice, then give up. Here's the exact 7-day system—with scripts—that turns "I'll think about it" into signed contracts.

7-day contractor follow-up calendar

Why Most Follow-Up Fails

The typical contractor follow-up looks like this:

  1. Send the quote
  2. Call once a few days later
  3. Maybe send a text: "Just checking in on the quote"
  4. Assume they're not interested and move on

The problem: homeowners rarely make big decisions quickly. They need time. They need information. They need to feel confident. Two touch points isn't enough to build that confidence.

80%
of sales require 5+ follow-up contacts to close

The 7-Day Follow-Up System

This system is designed to stay top of mind while adding value—not just "checking in."

Day 0: Send the Quote

Same day as the appointment. Don't wait. Immediate follow-through shows professionalism.

Email template: Hi [Name],

Great meeting you today! Attached is your quote for the [project]. As we discussed, [personalize with something from your conversation].

I'll follow up in a couple days to answer any questions. In the meantime, feel free to call or text me directly at [number].

Looking forward to working with you!
[Your name]

Day 1: Same-Day Text

A quick text confirms the email arrived and keeps communication personal.

Text: Hey [Name]! Just sent over your quote via email. Let me know if you have any questions!

Day 3: First Follow-Up Call

Call to answer questions. If no answer, leave a voicemail and send a text.

Voicemail: Hi [Name], this is [Your name] from [Company]. I wanted to follow up on the quote I sent over and see if you had any questions. Give me a call back when you have a chance—[number]. Talk soon!
Text (if no answer): Hey [Name], tried to reach you about the quote. Happy to answer any questions whenever it's convenient!

Day 5: Value-Add Follow-Up

Don't just ask "have you decided?" Add something useful.

Text or email: Hey [Name]! I was thinking about your project and wanted to share [one of these]:
• A photo of a similar project we just finished
• A link to our reviews
• A financing option that might help
• A quick tip about timing/materials

Let me know if you have any questions!

Day 7: The Soft Close

Create gentle urgency without pressure.

Call or text: Hey [Name], I wanted to check in—we have availability opening up in [timeframe]. Would you like me to hold a spot for you? No pressure—just want to make sure you get the timing you want if you decide to move forward.

Related: Why Homeowners Ghost Contractors (And How to Stop It)

"Follow-up isn't about pressure. It's about persistence and value. The contractor who stays helpful wins."

After Day 7: Long-Term Nurture

If they haven't decided after 7 days, shift to longer-term nurture:

  • Day 14: "Just wanted to see if you're still thinking about [project]. Happy to answer any questions if they've come up."
  • Day 30: "Hi [Name], checking in on your [project]. If timing changed, no problem—I'd be happy to reconnect whenever you're ready."
  • Day 60+: Add to monthly check-in list. A simple "Thinking of you—let me know when you're ready" keeps you in mind.

Automating Your Follow-Up

You don't have to do this manually. A CRM can automate most of this sequence:

  • Automatic email when quote is sent
  • Task reminders for calls on Day 3, 5, 7
  • Automated texts (many CRMs support this)
  • Long-term nurture sequences

Related: The Contractor's CRM Guide: Stop Losing Leads to Chaos

What NOT to Do in Follow-Up

Don't Be Aggressive

"Why aren't you calling me back?" kills deals. Stay professional and helpful.

Don't Just Ask "Have You Decided?"

That question creates pressure without value. Add something useful to each touch.

Don't Give Up After Day 7

Some deals take 30, 60, 90 days. The contractor who stays in touch wins.

Don't Discount Immediately

If they haven't responded, the answer isn't usually "lower your price." It's "stay top of mind until they're ready."

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Measuring Your Follow-Up

Track these metrics to see if your system is working:

  • Contact rate: What % of leads do you actually reach?
  • Response rate to follow-ups: Are they engaging?
  • Time to close: How many days from quote to signature?
  • Close rate by # of touches: Do more touches = more closes?

Most contractors who implement systematic follow-up see 50-100% improvements in close rate on the same leads.

The Bottom Line

Follow-up is where deals are won or lost. The 7-day system:

  1. Day 0: Send quote + email
  2. Day 1: Confirmation text
  3. Day 3: Call + voicemail + text
  4. Day 5: Value-add touchpoint
  5. Day 7: Soft close with urgency
  6. Day 14+: Long-term nurture

Build the system. Work the system. Close more deals.

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