How to reply to a contractor's quote email

Updated November 12, 2026

Reply within a few days. Read the quote for scope, materials, timeline, payment terms and what's not included. Then accept, ask questions, or decline politely. Don't pay a big deposit before you have a written agreement, and check license and insurance rules where you live. Getting two or three quotes is normal and contractors expect it.

Reply

Within 3 to 5 days. Quotes often expire and good contractors book out weeks ahead. A prompt reply keeps your place in their schedule or lets them move on.

What your reply should say

1. Thank them and name the job and quote number or date.
2. State your decision, or the questions you still need answered first.
3. Ask about start date, how long it will take and what could change the price.
4. Request a written contract with payment terms before you sign or pay a deposit.

3 replies you can copy

Pick the one that matches what you want to say, copy it, and change everything in [brackets].

Hi [Contractor's name],

Thank you for the quote of [amount] for [job]. I'd like to go ahead.

Could you send a written contract that lists the scope, materials, schedule and payment terms? I'd like to confirm your start date of [date] and how you'd handle any changes to the work. I'll sign once I have it.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Hi [Contractor's name],

Thank you for the quote for [job]. I have a few questions before I decide.

Does the price include materials, cleanup and permits? What could change the total? And how long will the work take? If you can break the cost down by item, that would help me compare it fairly.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Hi [Contractor's name],

Thank you for the time you spent on the quote for [job]. I've decided to go with another option, so I won't move forward.

I appreciate your quick, clear response, and I'll keep you in mind for future work. Best wishes.

If your schedule opens up or you have a smaller job in mind, I'm happy to hear from you.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Already late? Send this instead

For when you are a week late or more. Own the delay in one line, then do the job.

Hi [Contractor's name],

I'm sorry for the slow reply on your quote for [job]. I wanted to compare options.

Is the quote of [amount] still valid, and do you have openings in [month]? If the price or the schedule has changed, tell me, and I'll let you know my decision quickly.

Thanks,
[Your name]

Mistakes to avoid

• Paying a large deposit before you have a signed contract with scope, schedule and payment terms.
• Accepting the lowest quote without checking what it leaves out.
• Skipping license or insurance questions; ask for proof if it matters in your area.
• Agreeing to changes during the work by phone only; ask for written change orders.

Questions people ask

How much deposit is normal?

It varies by job and place, and some places limit it by law. Be careful with a large upfront payment. A common approach is to pay in steps tied to progress. Ask for the schedule in the contract and check local rules.

Is it okay to get other quotes?

Yes, it's normal, and good contractors expect it. Give each one the same description of the job so quotes are comparable. You don't have to tell them who else you've asked, but be honest if they ask directly. Fair, polite and normal.

More reply guides

• How to reply to a complaint from a neighbor
• How to reply to an HOA violation notice
• How to reply to an insurance claim email asking for more information
• How to reply to a customer service reply that didn't solve your problem
• How to reply to an email someone sent you by mistake
• How to reply to a condolence email

How this page was made

Written by Westward, who make Orbit, as starting points you edit before sending. The replies use placeholders, not real people or real mail. Nothing here is legal, tax or medical advice; for contracts, money or health, check the document or ask a professional. All reply guides.