The short answer
Text the homeowner within a minute of their inquiry, call right after, and keep trying by phone and text for seven days. On the call, confirm the project, the address and the timing, then book a specific time on your calendar before you hang up. Send a reminder before the appointment. A lead nobody reaches in time is a lost lead, no matter how good the ad was.
When a homeowner fills out a form about their bathroom or kitchen, they are interested right now. A day later they are back at work, the kids need dinner, and your lead is one of forty unread texts. Follow-up is not a nice extra on top of marketing. For most remodelers it is the difference between an ad budget that pays for itself and one that does not.
Here is the follow-up plan we run, and why each piece is there.
The first minute: text, then call
Send a short text the moment the inquiry lands. Not a wall of words. Just a human-sounding message that confirms you got it and that you are about to call. For example:
Hi Sarah, it's Mike with Lakeside Remodeling. Got your request about the shower. I'll give you a quick call in a minute from this number. Reply STOP to opt out.
Then call. The text makes the call expected, so they are more likely to pick up a number they do not know. When we checked the timestamps for one client on October 4, 2026, daytime inquiries were getting the automatic first text about 35 seconds after the homeowner submitted. In one case the homeowner texted back within two minutes. Inquiries that arrive overnight should get their first text in the morning, not at 2 AM.
Two rules for the first text. Only text people who asked to hear from you, by checking a consent box on your form. And include "Reply STOP to opt out" in the first message. Phone carriers expect both, and breaking either can get your business number blocked.
The 7-day plan
If they do not answer the first call, keep going. Our standard asks for at least seven contact attempts in the first seven days, spread across calls and texts. Here is a simple version:
- Day 0, first minute: text, then call.
- Day 0, a few hours later: call again. If no answer, a short text: "Tried you again about the shower. What time works for a quick call?"
- Day 1: call in the morning. Text if no answer.
- Day 2: call at a different time of day than before. Evenings often work for homeowners who work days.
- Day 3: a text with something useful: "Most shower replacements we do take two to three days. Happy to walk you through options. Want me to hold Thursday or Friday?"
- Day 5: call one more time.
- Day 7: a polite closing text: "Haven't been able to reach you, so I'll stop here. If you still want to look at the bathroom, just reply and we'll set a time."
That last message is not a trick. It is a clear, respectful end, and people who were simply busy often reply to it.
What to say on the first call
Keep the call short and useful. You are not quoting on the phone. You are checking that this is a real project you want, then booking a visit. Five things to cover:
- The project. "Tell me a little about what you want done."
- The address. "What city is the house in?" Make sure it is inside the area you will drive to.
- Ownership. "Is this your home?" A renter usually cannot approve a remodel.
- Timing. "When are you hoping to get this done?"
- Who decides. "Is there anyone else who should be there when we come out?" If two people make the decision, book a time when both are home.
We go deeper on this in how to qualify a remodeling lead before you drive out.
Book a specific time, on the call
"I'll send you some times" loses people. Offer two specific options: "I have Tuesday at 9 or Wednesday at 4. Which is better?" Put it on the calendar while they are still on the phone, then send a confirmation text with the date, time and address.
Reminders cut no-shows
Send reminders before the appointment, for example two days before, the night before, and about an hour before. Make it easy to reschedule by text. A homeowner who reschedules is still a lead. One who just does not answer the door is not. Even with reminders, some people cancel. Track it, keep the calendar moving, and do not let a cancellation end the conversation.
Check that the automation actually ran
Automatic texts can stop or get delayed without any error message, and you will not know unless you look. We check the touches on every new lead every day: did the text go out, was the call made. If you use any automation, look at the last few leads each morning and make sure each one actually got its first message.
Common questions
How fast should I respond to a remodeling lead?
Within a few minutes. Text first so they know who is calling, then call. The person who reaches them first while they are still thinking about the project has the best chance of booking the visit.
How many times should I follow up with a lead?
At least seven attempts over seven days, mixing calls and texts and changing the time of day. Then send a polite closing text.
Is it legal to text leads?
Text people who gave you permission on your form, include opt-out instructions, and stop the moment someone replies STOP. Never text a bought or scraped list. This is a short summary, not legal advice.
Should I give a price on the first call?
Usually not for a remodel. Every bathroom and kitchen is different. Use the call to book the visit, and quote once you have seen the space.
Want the estimates booked for you?
We run the ads and the follow-up for remodelers. 30 minutes on a call, and you hear the price on the call.