Business Franchise Australia

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Special Feature – Building Franchises – Issue 2#6

This article appeared in Issue 2#6 (September/October 2008) of Business Franchise Australia & New Zealand

BUILD A BETTER FUTURE WITH A FRANCHISE

New homes and large commercial developments seem to be continually increasing, especially in outer suburban areas.  The lure of renovating remains very popular for many existing home owners, as an alternative to building from scratch.  Then there are others who are keen to improve the value of their properties by adding a room, a swimming pool or spa, or fencing.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) states that construction has a major influence on everyone:  it provides the homes in which we live, the places in which most of us work and play, our schools and hospitals, and infrastructure.

The building industry engages in three broad areas of activity – residential building (houses, flats, etc); non-residential building (offices, shops, hotels, etc); and engineering construction (roads, bridges, water, sewerage, etc).

Engaged in all three categories is the private sector, which includes franchising.  The ABS has indicated that for the quarter ended March 2008, the value of these three groups was around $30 million.

As an accessory to the three building types, the increase in public awareness of climate change has enhanced the demand for more energy saving products and systems.  This has included pressure on all government levels, resulting in various funding grants for technological advancement within the building and construction industry.

The Housing Industry of Australia (HIA) confirms that consumers are asking a lot more questions these days, in relation to energy efficient building options.  HIA Branch Manager Nick Proud explains:  “Energy efficient homes are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people look for ways to incorporate sustainability into their daily lives.”

Whether it is a demand for building, renovating or improving, several businesses are busy enjoying financial success, and many of these are members of a franchised business.  Here is just a selection of franchises in Australia and/or New Zealand that provide products and services within the building sector.

AllSafe Energy Efficient Products is striving to become the market leader in providing builders and home owners with energy efficient product solutions, such as skylights, heat pumps, ventilation systems, solar hot water and photo-voltaic panels, and insulation.  Demand for energy efficient products continues to grow substantially, due to both government encouragement and community concern for climate change.

Prospective franchisees should be interested in energy efficiency, and be enthusiastic and determined.  To help make the Allsafe franchise network successful, the royalty payment is lower than industry average, to further enhance the opportunity for success.

All Stripped removes ceramic, marble, slate, terracotta and vinyl tiles, as well as carpets, timber and cork flooring, and walls.  From domestic jobs to commercial and industrial strip-outs, All Stripped staff also assists with kitchen and bathroom renovations, and concrete floor grinding.

All Stripped understand its successful franchisees make a successful company, and have invested heavily in marketing, operating systems, processes and equipment.  Currently the largest tile removal company in WA, All Stripped is looking to add to its growing number of franchisees throughout Australia, especially the east coast and Adelaide.

Amazing Fencing has been successfully trading since 1989 and has developed into one of the largest fencing installation companies in Sydney.  Amazing Fencing also operates from Yatala in South East Queensland and recently opened in Dandenong, Victoria, servicing the Melbourne market.  Supplying and installing treated pine timber fencing, Coloursealed Smartfence (metal fencing), aluminium pool and garden fencing, Amazing also offers a full range of pergola, landscaping, retaining wall and decking materials.

A highly motivated and dedicated team of franchisees has attributed to Amazing Fencing’s success.  Prospective franchisees should be passionate and determined individuals that can develop a good rapport with potential customers.  Franchisees are provided with intensive training, systems and procedures.  Successful applicants may have the opportunity to become master/territory franchisees.

Appliance Tagging Services has been protecting Australians, through appliance testing and tagging, for well over 10 years with their expert knowledge of electrical safety and fleet of highly trained staff.  Potential franchisees require no prior electrical experience but should be motivated and passionate, with a strong work ethic.

Comprehensive on and off-site training in the inspection, testing and tagging of portable electrical equipment in accordance with AS/NZS 3760:2003 is provided, along with training on the associated OH&S regulations. Franchisees work from their home and conduct their testing and tagging business via a well appointed, easily recognisable and distinctively sign-written van.

Bathroom Werx is a National Franchise System specialising in on-site re-enamelling of baths, basins, showers and all sanitary ware fixtures and fittings. With franchisees located throughout Australia, Bathroom Werx is nearly three times older than its 7 year guarantee! Bathroom makeovers are a popular alternative to expensive bathroom renovations.  Most homes have two bathrooms, but potential customers also include hotels, apartments and office buildings.

Franchisees earn money while learning a new trade, being paid during the 8-week training program.  Get into business for yourself and grow your own multi-van operation, while enjoying the sales, marketing, operational support and backup of an experienced and proven team, such as a National Call Centre that looks after all bookings.

Catmax Clearnet is the perfect solution for cats that love playing outdoors but are not always safe from danger or kind to the environment.  Clearnet enclosures are ideal for patios, balconies or backyards and are custom-designed to suit tastes, available space and budgets.  A range of freestanding, easy-to-move Caboodle enclosures are also available. 

Successful Catmax franchisees are fun, team players and hard working people, have an easy manner, a background in handyman/construction and problem solving, love talking to people and advising them on what solutions they can provide.  With 25% of Australian homes now owning a cat, there is enormous financial potential.

David Reid Homes has been raising the standard and leading the way for 15 years in design, innovation, quality and service in building Architect Designed Homes.  With 44 franchises throughout Australia and New Zealand, it applies the same philosophy when selecting a potential franchisee.  As the continued success of David Reid Homes is based around key people and relationships, certain criteria is paramount when choosing the right franchisees as its partners.

A David Reid Homes franchisee does not require specific industry experience, just the passion to drive a business to success.  David Reid Homes are currently expanding further and looking for leaders who share the company’s values, have previous business experience and are passionate about property and design.

Dial A Digger offers a comprehensive range of machines and services that complement most tradesmen.  Their fleet comprises of a range of mini-excavators, Bobcats and tip trucks, combination vehicles, as well as access to various attachments, boring machines and concrete cutting equipment.  Operators are currently strategically placed and are highly experienced in all types of trenching work.  Currently throughout metropolitan Adelaide and South Australia, Dial a Digger has imminent plans to expand nationally, by offering master franchises.

The franchise system has been developed over 25 years of successful trading, maximising the earning capabilities of franchisees.  Franchisees are provided with work and the full support of head office.  Dial a Digger are responsible for all administration, including marketing, quoting, distribution of work, invoicing and account collections.  Franchisees can concentrate on servicing the needs of valued customers while earning a good living.

G.J. Gardner Homes convert small builders into bigger builders.  With 25 years of building experience, G.J. Gardner has helped builders previously building 2-5 homes per year, to grow their business up to 50–70 homes per year!  Their systems are designed to help franchisees become successful quality builders, but still maintain a balanced lifestyle.  Many franchises are building 5 houses per month and making excellent profits despite the competitive nature of the market. 

Committed to leading the housing market with innovative design styles and quality, G.J. are looking for builders, partnerships and/or husband and wife teams – any individuals who are interested in developing a professional building business and to increase their earnings by using their local building experience, together with shared systems and marketing.  There are currently 80 franchises operating throughout Australia and New Zealand, Germany, South Africa and America, supported by 10 Master Franchises.

The Goop Guys are leaders in temporary surface protection and nanotechnology self-cleaning coatings.  Their environmentally friendly products protect windows, aluminium window joinery, benchtops, bathtubs, floors, stainless steel, and other non-porous substrates.  Goop products are utilised by some of Australia and New Zealand’s quality conscious building companies, to protect their clients’ assets during construction.

Goop Guys are offering the opportunity for customer service focused individuals to join their successful team of franchisees in Australia and New Zealand.  Individuals should have a passion for quality and be committed to customer satisfaction.  With an easy to apply one coat application system, an exclusive area of operation, and a Head Office dedicated to having the most superior products in the marketplace, Goop Guys franchisees are successful in all areas. 

Hotondo Homes is the largest franchised network builder for new home constructions in Australia.  Franchisee training is ongoing and is aimed at enhancing builder behaviour.  A Business Development Manager is also assigned to each franchisee.  This proven franchise system enables builders to improve efficiency, reduce costs, train staff, create business systems and generate ongoing sales.

Small builders can struggle by themselves.  Hotondo offers an impressive network, including national purchasing agreements, sales and marketing programs, and national and locating training, to enable its builders to stand out from the crowd.  There are currently over 100 independent franchisees enjoying an improved and successful business.

Narellan Pools build pools and spas like they build their reputation … to last and to outlast the competition!  Established in 1971, Narellan Pools has grown to become Australia’s premier supplier and installer of fibreglass-reinforced resin pools.  With an extensive franchise network and large manufacturing plant in NSW, QLD and VIC, Narellan also export to Europe, Asia and the Pacific.

Franchisees are assisted by a Franchise Support Team, continually improving internal systems and the customer experience.  Training covers all aspects including sales techniques, pool installation, marketing and promotions, administration, OH&S, local council requirements and Australian Standards.  Narellan franchisees enjoy network advantages, such as television, newspaper and radio advertising.

Outdoor Livings Designs by Mr Carports is one of the largest retailers of high quality outdoor structures including carports, patios, pergolas, verandahs, gazebos, decking and pool and spa enclosures.  Successfully trading as “Mr Carports” since 1991, the name change was prompted by an increase in demand for outdoor entertaining areas.

There are now over 30 franchises across Australia, with a turnover of around $7 million.  Outdoor Living Designs offers franchisees an attractive training package including a week in Adelaide, ongoing mentoring and support, monthly meetings and a DVD series. 

Roof Seal has been associated with the roof restoration and replacement industry for over 20 years.  It is part of the Seal Group of Companies, which encompasses eight different products, including quality roof restorations and re-roofing, decorative concrete resurfacing, roller shutters, insulation, guttering and heat reflective roof coatings.

Identifying master franchising as the way forward, Roof Seal is now offering exclusive geographical regions throughout Australia.  Roof Seal customers telephone the 1300 number and are automatically transferred to the master franchisee in the customer’s area.  Individuals interested in a franchise need not be trade professionals, as Head Office conducts extensive on and off-site training.

SafetyQuip is a new concept in workplace health and safety, selling a vast range of safety equipment and protective clothing throughout Australia.  It has the strength of a national network with franchised, on the ground, mobile services supported by local Safety Shops.  SafetyQuip are interested in hearing from prospective franchisees in both Australia & New Zealand.

A developed SafetyQuip franchise has a counter-sales base anchoring a fleet of mobile units, providing customers with the range and pricing of a big player, yet the personal service of a local business. It’s a potent combination, enabling motivated franchisees to build businesses of considerable value.  No prior safety experience is necessary as training is intensive, professional indemnity standard and expert technical advice on call. 

Smith & Sons Renovations & Extensions is a world class renovation and extension company, which has been developed by the same people who established G.J. Gardner Homes.  Smith & Sons are keen to expand across Australia and New Zealand, and master franchises have been secured.

Smith & Son’s buying power, marketing and advertising, business systems and constructions systems have been developed over many years of real life experience, and have made many smaller builders turn their business into major building companies.

Spanline Home Additions has been operating for over 20 years and currently has 37 franchised outlets across Australia.  As the first company to produce a fully engineered all steel roll formed roofing product, Spanline is ideally suited for the construction of carports, patios, verandas, gazebos, sliding roofs, screen rooms and glass rooms.

A Spanline franchise area, with or without manufacturing capacity, is an exclusive area for the marketing, sales and construction of Spanline Home Additions.  Franchisees are required to have a suitable Display Centre and, depending upon which type of franchise, a factory area, sales and office areas.

Stone Homes is a company that retails genuine sandstone kit homes at a very affordable price to customers throughout Australia.  Urgently seeking distributors of their kit homes, a Stone Homes distributor will only be required to sell the kit home.  All other arrangements such as finalising the contract, sourcing the components for the kit home, storing and delivering the kit home to the customer will be solely handled by Stone Homes.

Stone Homes will pay a 10% commission to the distributor for each kit home sold.  The initial outlay primarily involves an entry fee paid to Stone Homes and, in addition to purchasing the right to sell a Stone Home, the distributor will receive free of charge a Nepean-style genuine sandstone kit home, able to serve both as a display centre and a place of residence for the distributor. 

Tile Mart is the number one supplier of tiles for many leading home builders and tradesmen.  Since commencing business in 1984, Tile Mart has become renowned for offering a huge range of tiles at great value for money.

As one of Victoria’s largest tile retailers, Tile Mart is offering franchise opportunities in regional and metropolitan Victoria, for people who want to run their own business with a proven franchise system.

Tile Rescue has developed superior tile restoration procedures that can be taught to potential entrepreneurs from all types of employment backgrounds.  Tile Rescue provides hands on training and complete support, including the comprehensive Tile Rescue® Franchisee Kit and various Manuals.

Owning a Tile Rescue business gives people the best of both worlds:  personal and professional lifestyle satisfaction without the risk of being on your own.  Potential franchisees should be motivated and enthusiastic, who enjoy meeting people while earning a lucrative income.

Totalspan Garages & Sheds is part of the Versatile Buildings group, the largest manufacturer of steel buildings in Australia and New Zealand.  Their extensive range of steel buildings is available through a national network of franchisees who are dedicated to making building experiences hassle-free for customers.

Prospective franchisees should enjoy being challenged and working hard to attain goals.  Totalspan’s proven business systems, friendly teams of specialist support personnel and helpful Business Development Managers make it easier for franchisees to take control of their future, achieve financial security and enjoy a more rewarding life.