Why it matters
Most home service businesses close 40 to 60% of estimates on first contact. The other 40 to 60% don't get a "no" — they just go quiet. Life gets in the way. The homeowner meant to call back, got busy, and forgot. That silence is not a lost job. It's an uncollected one.
Wingman Heating had $700,000 in open estimates followed up manually, which means inconsistently. Zippity Split Plumbing had millions in open estimates they simply weren't following up on. Hometown Heating ran one automated rehash campaign and recovered $157,000 in previously cold estimates. Not from new leads. From revenue already in the pipeline.
How it works — the 3-touch sequence
Day 3 — Soft check-in:
"Hey [Name], just wanted to follow up on the estimate I sent for your [service]. Any questions I can answer?"
Day 7 — Value reminder:
"Still thinking it over? We have a few openings next week if the timing works — happy to help get you on the schedule."
Day 30 — Last touch:
"Hey [Name], I still have your estimate on file. Jobs are booking out [X] weeks — just say the word and I'll get you in."
This sequence runs automatically. No one on your team has to remember to send it.
How CHIIRP handles it
When an estimate is sent in ServiceTitan, Jobber, or HouseCall Pro, CHIIRP detects the open status and triggers the rehash sequence automatically. Messages are personalized with the customer's name and job type. Most contractors see meaningful recovered revenue within the first 60 days.
FAQ
What's a good estimate rehash rate?
A well-run campaign typically recovers 10 to 20% of cold estimates. At a $2,500 average job, recovering 8 to 10 jobs a month from rehash alone is a significant revenue lift with zero new lead spend.
How long before an estimate is dead?
Recoverable within 30 days at highest rates. After 90 days, recovery drops, but for large-ticket jobs (roofing, HVAC replacement), estimates can close 6+ months later with the right follow-up.
What do I say in a rehash text?
Short, conversational, low-pressure. Acknowledge the estimate, offer to answer questions, make it easy to say yes. This is a nudge, not a pitch.
Does estimate rehashing work for roofing?
Especially well. Roofing estimates are large ($8K to $30K+) and homeowners take longer to decide. A 30-day sequence is natural and expected — contractors consistently see high recovery rates in roofing.