Special Feature

Industry Profile - Home Improvement Franchises

18th March 2009

There has never been a better time to start a home improvement franchise, with the housing market experiencing its biggest slump in over a decade, property owners are turning increasingly to home improvement instead!

If you are a homeowner then you’ve almost certainly watched the bad news pour in over the past 18 months as your home value and the value of all the homes in your area dipped as the results of banks issuing sub prime mortgages slowly take their toll.

With house prices dropping on average by £2000 between February and March *Rightmove House Price Index March 2009* many homeowners are finding themselves being forced to stay put, as house sales fall to record lows. 

However, research carried out by TotalFranchise has highlighted that the number of enquiries for home improvements have dramatically increased as homeowners find ways to improve their property.

With credit harder to obtain, Furniture Clinic who specialise in leather cleaning, repairing and restoration have had dramatic levels of interest from customers who want their leather products renovated, and who found it hard to secure the usually abundant 'interest free' offers associated with new soft furnishings.

A report from Lloyds TSB indicate that homeowner loans are up by 20% with many requested on the basis of home improvements. Dreamdoors who are the UK’s number 1 franchised kitchen door replacement company, are delighted to report that interest from customers has been higher recently than in the previous months, with an increase in visits to customer properties also.

Mr Electric who provide electrical services to a variety of customers have reported higher levels of enquiries through their national sales centre (who distribute the enquiries to the franchisees), with many customers understanding the importance of having electrical works carried out by a qualified electriction, 

Andy Cheetham, Franchise Recruitment Manager, has found that the dip in the property market has had a positive impact on their related franchises. "As the housing market cools we have found the “improve - don’t move” market has fuelled demand for our services. Our business ethos combines the integrity and professionalism of a large brand with the convenience of a small local firm. This has meant that our reputation is being carried throughout the local community, and enquiries have increased dramatically over recent months".  

Similarly Fit-Ex who are a provider of soft furnishing solutions with a national reputation have received higher levels of enquiries, with many potential customers realising that new blinds and curtains change the complete look and feel of a room.   

The home improvements market has seen an increase of over 12% *Home Improvement Research Institute* which is also down to adverse weather conditions, with franchises such as Aspray and Spettro able to capitalize by providing a claims management solution. Tony Smith, director for Spettro comments, "Spettro franchisees offer a unique and totally free service to the home or business owner to project manage the whole claim on their behalf including arranging for emergency repairs. Spettro franchisees sort it all out following a structured and efficient process.”

A combination of market forces are coming together to help make this a great time for planning out those large home improvement projects. The slowing housing market make it a definite buyer’s market for anyone who is thinking about improving or adding onto their home in the upcoming year and as a result has generated high levels of enquiries for franchises within this sector.

For more information on all Home Improvements franchises, visit our Home Improvements Franchises page.

Total Franchise Group Special Features

SPRING INTO STEP AT THE BRITISH & INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE EXHIBITION
16th March 2010
Gay Turner from GTPR looks at Franchise Exhibitions and how to gain the most from visiting an exhibition.

NEW YEAR, NEW DECADE, NEW START! - By Gay Turner, MCIPR
9th February 2010
The New Year brings about many changes including those seeking a fresh work challenge. Find out the benefits and disadvantages of...

Events - FRANCHISING CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE And make your dreams come true!
15th September 2009
Gay Turner provides exclusive features for Totalfranchise, to aid new franchisees in launching their business. Gay Turner runs GTPR and...

Opportunities, not problems! By Gay Turner, MCIPR
2nd June 2009
You could have the best business in the world but it won’t grow and prosper if you keep its success to yourself. Many believe that...

2009 Budget - How Does It Affect You?
4th May 2009
On the 22nd April, Alistair Darling presented the 2009 Budget. But how does The Budget affect businesses within the UK, will much change?...

Exposure – and why it’s important!
2nd March 2009
As everyone is only too well aware, the current economic climate has forced businesses to cut back on many items of expenditure and to...

Starting a Franchise - HOW WILL YOU PROMOTE YOUR NEW BUSINESS?
1st February 2009
If you are one of the thousands of potential franchisees who will be flocking to the Birmingham franchise show in October, you will...

Events - Franchising becomes a hot topic for Wales’ top business event.
3rd June 2008
Ideal Business Show Wales Business Survival, Profit & Growth Conference and Exhibition   Ideal Business Show Wales is...

Business Information - FRANCHISING OUTSTRIPS UK ECONOMIC GROWTH FIVE TIMES OVER
7th April 2008
Despite an uncertain economic backdrop, the growth of Franchising continues to gain momentum, as the latest NatWest / bfa survey today...

Events - How to get the most out of Franchise Exhibitions
29th March 2008
A really handy guide to making the most out of Franchise Exhibitions - So much information, so little time, and so much to take in! Help...

Events - Totalfranchise exclusive franchise section at Invest 07
10th July 2007
Totalfranchise.co.uk is delighted to have been appointed as the exclusive franchise partner for the major Invest 07 Exhibition, to be...

Events - Totalfranchise.co.uk to exhibit at Business Start-up Exhibition
25th June 2007
Totalfranchise.co.uk is proud to announce it will be exhibiting at the Business Start-up exhibition at Olympia in November. With...

Events - Totalfranchise.co.uk - Official Show Partner of the East Midlands Franchise Show
22nd May 2007
Totalfranchise.co.uk, sister-site of Whitecollarfranchise.co.uk has been announced as the Official Show Partner of the East Midlands...

Website Information - Champagne & Discounts!!
3rd May 2007
Registering with whitecollarfranchise.co.uk is simply, easy and safe, plus there are some incredible discounts and additional services to...

Special Feature Archive

Page 1 23