Contractor Call Script: Exactly What to Say (Word-for-Word)

Bottom line: a good contractor call takes under 10 minutes. Lead with a 30-second brief, ask for an itemized written estimate, and end with a clear "I'll decide by [day]" — never commit on the call itself. Copy the script below.

The 30-second opening

"Hi, my name is ___. I have a [symptom — e.g., gas water heater leaking from the bottom] at my home in [area]. I'm collecting a few written estimates this week. Can I give you the details in about a minute, and could you email me an itemized estimate?"

Why this works:

• "Collecting a few estimates" keeps pricing honest without being hostile.
• "About a minute" respects their time — contractors answer these calls between jobs.
• "Itemized estimate" sets the deliverable up front, so you're not chasing it later.

The middle: give the brief, then ask

Give the same four facts to every contractor (this is what makes quotes comparable): the symptom, photos ("I can text them"), the address, and your timing.

Then ask, minimum:

"What's your rough range for a job like this?" "What could make it cost more once you're on site?" "How soon could you start?" "And just for my notes — your license number, and you carry liability insurance?"

If the license/insurance question feels awkward, say it exactly like that — "just for my notes." Pros hear it daily. Only unlicensed operators mind.

Two exit lines that always work

To end positively without committing:

"This was really helpful — please email the itemized quote, and I'll get back to you either way by [day]."

To end a call that's going badly (pressure, vagueness, no license):

"I've got what I need for now — I'll follow up if it's a fit. Thanks for your time."

If you hear "this price is only good today", that's information about the contractor, not the price. A fair bid survives a week.

What a full quote hunt actually costs you

Multiply this call by five contractors, add the voicemails, callbacks at bad times, and re-explaining the same story — that's the real price of getting comparable quotes, and it's measured in evenings.

Fixa runs this exact script for you: same brief, same questions, every contractor, in parallel — and sends back organized quotes, typically within 48 hours. You keep the decision; skip the dialing.