Though most remodelers do not own construction-related franchises, 33% of our respondents have considered purchasing one. Of the owners that purchased a franchise, 70% still own their original company and 67% manage both companies themselves. Those who invested in a franchise cite the desire to diversify for a more steady income as the No. 1 reason for purchase. Other reasons include increasing profitability and volume of work. More
Thinking about purchasing a franchise? There are questions to ask and answer and processes to follow to make finding “the one” all the more successful. More
Some six years after selling its first franchise, Case Handyman Services has expanded rapidly, with 66 partners nationwide. Now, its sister company, Case Design/Remodeling, a Bethesda, Md.ñbased firm that served the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area to the tune of $40 million in 2004, hopes to match that success by franchising full-service remodeling. More
Swingline Windows has been exhibiting at the Pittsburgh Home and Garden show for 17 years. But this past March was the first time the company didn't build a booth but, rather, towed its exhibit onto the show floor. More
One franchise option growing in popularity is the Owens Corning Basement Finishing System (BFS). Introduced in 1998, sales reached $55 million in 2003. Chuck Stein, president of Owens Corning Remodeling, says that signing on with the BFS concept is “a unique opportunity [for remodelers] to expand their existing business.” More
Door glass and decorative window manufacturer ODL is rolling out a national franchise program that will allow remodelers and other independent entrepreneurs to tap into their local markets for upgrading existing steel and fiberglass entry doors by providing on-site door glass installations. Called Entry-Point Door Transformations, the program trains installers in the use of equipment, provides marketing and advertising materials, and supplies a fully mobile workshop housed in a trailer. More
Since being named Big50 in 1994, Pat Nicholson made the move from deck builder to franchise builder. When he decided to build the deck franchise, he had to create one manual of his systems and a separate one for construction details. More
Kumar started in universal design, then formed We Build in San Dimas, Calif., to work with banks on foreclosed properties. Kumar started Handyman Solutions, but he could never equal the volume, or profit, of We Build. More
Like the name of his company, Steve Taylor offers service tailor made for his community. A few years ago, Taylor purchased an Owens Corning basement franchise and became the third largest of the company's 44 nationwide franchisees. More
Portas, Europe's largest remodeling company with approximately 500 franchises in 13 countries, has announced plans to enter the U.S. marketplace.Portas is also working on adapting their window systems to accommodate the differences between European and American windows. More