Special Feature

Industry Profile - Home Improvement Franchises

19th 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.

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