Although there is some crossover between restoration and renovation (upgrading a property to enhance appeal), restoration focuses on restoring properties to their original state. The restoration industry includes surface and emergency repairs, heritage roofing, painting, cleaning, disaster response, decorative and landscaping services.

With over 65% of Americans owning their own property in 2019, and owning a home still high on the American Dream wish-list, there is a growing need for restoration services. After the 2020 health pandemic, which led to many people spending longer in their homes, the industry saw an increase in the number of people noticing and taking time to repair and restore their properties.

Companies such as Servpro and Restoration 1 specialize in disaster restoration for home and business owners including fires, floods and storm damage, whereas Cre8stone specializes in a more eco-friendly approach to restoring stone floors. The restoration industry is a diverse but interesting sector in which to franchise.

Restoration Industry Analysis

With more homeowners looking to repair and restore their homes but lacking the specialist skills required, the restoration sector is a healthy market to enter. Consumers are naturally protective of their homes and tend to look for brand familiarity and experience before investing in costly renovations. This is where a franchise can support those new to the industry.

Most typically a renovation franchisee will not deliver the services directly, rather they will manage on-site workers. Franchisees can benefit from working from home opportunities but will need excellent communication skills and business management to ensure that the consumer and on-site workers are all satisfied.

Franchisees need to be aware of the need for flexibility in their working hours and the ability to work well under pressure - especially for those offering 24-hour emergency call-out services for disaster response. The restoration sector is varied and, for those franchisees who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, this is a lucrative market in which to work.