Exact words for the review ask at the final walkthrough
The walkthrough is the best moment to ask a remodel client for a Google review. The words to use in person, the text to send that evening, and the reminder.
You just spent eight weeks in someone's kitchen. They are standing in it, happy, running a hand over the new counter. And most contractors say "thanks, call us if anything comes up" and walk out without asking for the one thing that brings in the next project.
The final walkthrough is the best review moment you will ever get. Here are the exact words for it, plus the follow-up text and the one reminder.
Why the walkthrough matters so much
Remodeling has fewer jobs per year than most trades. A handyman finishes a few jobs a day. You might finish a few a month. That means every missed ask hurts more.
Across the 116,602 general contractor and remodeler listings in our data, the median has 9 Google reviews and 51.3% have fewer than ten. Getting into the top quarter takes about 31. If you finish two or three projects a month and ask at every walkthrough, you can get there in a year or so. The full spread is on the benchmarks page.
The in-person ask
Wait until the punch list is signed off and the client has said something good. Then say this, nearly word for word:
"I am really glad you like how it turned out. Can I ask you a favor? Most of our work comes from people reading reviews on Google. If you would be willing to write a few sentences about the project, it helps us more than anything else. I will text you the link tonight so it is easy."
Three things make this work. You ask for a favor, which people like to grant. You explain why, so it does not feel like a form. And you tell them exactly what happens next, so they do not have to remember anything.
If they say yes right there, thank them and move on. Do not hand them your phone and stand over them while they type.
What to say if they bring up a problem
Sometimes the walkthrough turns up a door that sticks or a scratch on a panel. Do not ask for the review until it is fixed.
"Let us get that door sorted first. I will have someone out on Thursday. Once you are completely happy, I would love to ask you for a quick review."
Then actually ask, after the fix. Clients whose small problem was handled quickly often write the most detailed reviews of all.
The text that evening
Send it the same day, while the kitchen still smells like new paint.
"Hi Karen, it was great to finish your kitchen today. Here is the link I mentioned: [your review link]. A few sentences about the project and how the crew was to work with would mean a lot. Thank you for trusting us with your home."
Use their first name. Name the room. Keep it to three sentences. Get your link from your Google Business Profile by tapping "Ask for reviews," and save it in your phone so you never have to look for it. The reviews guide covers the link, the timing and what a healthy review pace looks like for a remodeler.
The one reminder
If nothing shows up in five days, send one reminder. Only one.
"Hi Karen, just a gentle nudge on the review if you have a minute this week. No pressure at all. Hope you are enjoying the kitchen."
After that, let it go. Two asks is helpful. Three is pestering, and it can turn a happy client into an annoyed one.
What a good review looks like, and how to help
The best remodel reviews name the project, the town and something specific about the experience. "They redid our primary bath in Plano. The crew cleaned up every day and the project finished on the date they gave us." That review helps the next homeowner who is nervous about letting a crew into their house for six weeks.
You can nudge toward that without scripting it. In the text, say "a few sentences about the project and how the crew was to work with." That prompt alone gets you more detail than "leave us a review."
Never offer a discount or gift for a review. It is against Google's rules, and it can get reviews removed.
Answer every review within a week
When a review comes in, reply. Thank them by first name, mention the project, and keep it short. "Thank you, Karen. Your kitchen was one of our favorite projects this year. Enjoy the holidays in it." Future clients read the replies too.
This whole process takes about five minutes per project. On a remodel worth tens of thousands of dollars, it is the cheapest marketing you will do all year. If you are not sure where your profile stands beyond reviews, the Google profile guide is a good next read.
If you would like any one service handled for you, the free 14-day trial needs no card. See the free trial page or text or call (385) 899-2246.
Steven has spent the last several years running growth campaigns for local service businesses, general contractors and remodelers among them, and builds the benchmark datasets on this site from public Google listings. About the editor