Cold Email Templates

Email Templates for Contractors

Professional emails that win bids, keep clients informed, and generate referrals for your contracting business.

In contracting, your reputation is your business. These templates help you communicate like a professional at every stage — from the initial bid to the referral request months later. Good communication doesn't just make clients happy; it wins you more jobs, reduces conflicts, and turns every completed project into a referral machine.

Ready-to-Use Templates

Copy these templates and customize them for your needs. Each includes HTML and plain text versions.

Estimate Follow-Up
Follow up after submitting a bid or estimate
General use
Subject Line

Following up on your {{projectType}} estimate — {{companyName}}

Preview Text

Just checking in on the estimate we sent. Happy to walk through any questions.

Personalization Variables:
Email Preview
Project Milestone Update
Update the client on a project milestone
General use
Subject Line

Project update: {{milestoneName}} complete

Preview Text

Your {{projectType}} project is making great progress. Here's the latest.

Personalization Variables:
Email Preview
Project Completion
Notify the client that the project is complete
General use
Subject Line

Your {{projectType}} is complete — {{companyName}}

Preview Text

Great news — your project is finished. Here's a summary and your warranty information.

Personalization Variables:
Email Preview
Referral Request
Ask a satisfied client for referrals 30 days after completion
General use
Subject Line

Quick favor, {{firstName}}? Know anyone who needs a contractor?

Preview Text

If you were happy with our work, a referral means the world to us.

Personalization Variables:
Email Preview

Best Practices

Follow up on estimates within 48 hours while you're still top of mind

Include a client testimonial in estimate follow-ups for social proof

Send project milestone updates proactively — don't wait for clients to ask

Include progress metrics (percent complete, days remaining) in updates

Wait 30 days after completion before asking for referrals

Always include your license number in every email

Common Mistakes

Not following up on estimates at all — your competitors are

Going silent during a project and only reaching out when there's a problem

Asking for referrals immediately after the job before the client has had time to evaluate

Sending project updates with vague language — be specific about what's done and what's next

Forgetting to include warranty information in the completion email

Subject Line Examples

Timing & Performance

Best Days
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Best Times
9:00 AM, 2:00 PM
Open Rate
25-35%
Click Rate
3-5%

Personalization Tips

The Contractor Communication Advantage

Most contractors compete on price and quality. The ones who win consistently compete on communication too. A professional estimate follow-up, regular project updates, and a thoughtful completion email set you apart from every contractor who does great work but terrible follow-through.

Project Updates That Prevent Problems

The number one source of contractor-client conflict is mismatched expectations. Regular milestone updates — with specific progress percentages, timelines, and next steps — keep clients informed and confident. A client who knows what's happening doesn't need to call and ask, freeing up your time to actually do the work.

Turning Completed Projects Into New Business

Every completed project is a marketing opportunity. A referral request sent 30 days after completion, paired with a meaningful reward, turns satisfied clients into your best salespeople. In contracting, one referral is worth more than any ad you could run because it comes with built-in trust.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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