Posts Categorized: Water Damage Restoration

Restoration Industry Trends

As natural disasters become more and more of a permanent reality, people’s homes become the subject of destructive forces. With an aging infrastructure, the restoration industry is in full bloom. This article will explore some of the pros and cons of restoration trends. 

Better Industry Standards

When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, the southeastern part of the United States incurred never-before-seen levels of destruction, leaving many without homes. As a result, new regulations and standards were developed within the restoration industry to tackle the scope of these disasters better, as mentioned in a Biosque Solutions blog post. These new regulations and standards have increased restoration companies’ overall organization and services while allowing them to better adapt to the increasing frequency of natural disasters that occur worldwide. 

Another outcome of Hurricane Katrina is the reevaluation of the health and safety guidelines of the industry by getting the proper personal protection equipment (PPE).

Overcoming COVID

A global pandemic struck the world in early 2020, and with it, many businesses faced severe impacts from labor shortages, new public health protocols, and supply chain issues. An article from a PODS.com blog post estimates that, among restoration companies, 66% found it challenging to find workers while 45% had trouble retaining their workforce. This situation has led to a push toward better wages and benefits if these companies intend to stay in business. 

The aftermath hasn’t all been negative. However, the pandemic has accelerated the modernization of the industry and made companies more adaptable to changing circumstances. Companies are becoming more flexible in how they provide their services to avoid becoming exclusively reliant on one source of materials and equipment. 

Innovation in Restoration

Emerging technologies in restoration, such as mold detection methods or 3D scanning cameras, have increased the scope of services offered by restoration businesses. Companies are starting to offer more targeted solutions to customers’ restoration problems. As the portfolio of the services provided increases, the industry’s workforce is increasingly specialized, with new certifications becoming available such as the Institute of Inspection and Restoration Certification mentioned in this Biosque Solutions article. Better training programs are starting to emerge, offering practical learning to businesses and employees, ultimately to better quality services.

Better Customer Service

Restoration companies are starting to embrace the digital age and emphasize the quality of their customers’ experiences. Facing the public’s many newfound concerns over health, restoration companies have begun strengthening their protocol strategies and offering more clarity on the definition of their services, with a refined focus on their marketing and communications outreach. While it is essential to focus on the customer, some companies have also reinforced the importance of culture within their business. A more cohesive workforce will lead to a better quality of service and higher customer satisfaction levels.

The restoration industry has undergone significant changes in the past decades due to a more disaster-prone climate and a global pandemic. Most of the changes have enabled more effective restoration strategies to be available while simultaneously delivering an improved customer experience.

Why a Restoration Franchise Is a Good Investment

Entrepreneurs looking for a profitable business opportunity with a lot of growth potential should consider investing in a restoration franchise. Currently, the restoration industry is worth about $210 billion and is expected to grow even more in the coming years due to the increasing demand for restoration services. This article will discuss five of the top reasons restoration franchises are a wise investment choice. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is a Restoration Franchise?

A restoration franchise is a business that specializes in the repair and renovation of damaged property. This can include anything from water damage to fire and wind damage. Restoration franchises typically have a team of trained and certified technicians equipped to handle any restoration job. There are many reasons why entrepreneurs might want to consider investing in a restoration franchise:

The Industry Is Immune to Economic Downturns

One of the biggest benefits of owning a restoration franchise is that it’s generally immune to economic downturns. No matter how bad the economy gets, there will always be a need for these services. Even during economic hardship, people and businesses continue to fall victim to fire, water, or wind damage. This means that entrepreneurs can feel confident investing in a restoration franchise, knowing that it’ll be profitable no matter the economic conditions.

Restoration Franchises Offer Unique Service

Another benefit of investing in a restoration franchise is that it offers a unique service. Not many businesses can say they specialize in repairing and restoring property damage caused by fire, water, or wind. This makes restoration franchises stand out from other business opportunities and gives them a competitive edge.

Affords Entrepreneurs the Opportunity To Help Others

Entrepreneurs motivated by helping others will find this business rewarding and fulfilling, especially during natural calamities such as storms and flooding. When people’s homes or businesses are damaged, they often need help getting things back to normal. As restoration franchise owners, entrepreneurs in the business would be responsible for providing the services that these people need to get their lives back on track.

There’s Room for Growth

Another major benefit of owning a restoration franchise is that entrepreneurs are tapping into an industry that’s growing rapidly. Increases in natural disasters and other catastrophic events are driving this growth. Additionally, restoration franchises offer a good return on investment (ROI). This means that entrepreneurs can expect to see a healthy profit from their franchise over time.

Training and Support

When entrepreneurs invest in a franchise, they’re typically provided with comprehensive training and support from the franchisor. This can help them get their business up and running quickly and avoid some common pitfalls that new business owners face. It can also give them peace of mind knowing that they have someone to turn to for help if needed.

There are many reasons why investing in a restoration franchise can be a wise choice. Entrepreneurs who think they’ve got what it takes to own and run a Steamatic Franchise should contact Steamatic today to learn more about how they can get started in this exciting industry.  

5 Reasons To Own a Restoration Franchise

For those who want to run their own business, there are many potential benefits to opening up a restoration franchise. Besides offering the potential for growth, profit, and success, this franchising opportunity gives business owners the chance to make a difference in customers’ lives. Read on to learn about five reasons to buy a restoration franchise today.

1. Small Initial Investment

While starting any business will require investment, a restoration franchise can help minimize upfront costs. This is because they allow an owner to begin running their business as soon as possible. Unlike other home improvement businesses, restoration only requires minimal machinery and equipment. In many cases, owners can even leave some of the equipment requirements to subcontractors. An owner can start their business with as little as moisture meters, cleaning products, dehumidifiers, air movers, and a service van.

2. Ongoing Support

One of the benefits of buying a restoration franchise is that an owner receives constant support from the parent company. If they have questions or need support, they always have someone to turn to. This can include legal services, marketing materials, software, machinery, or other business necessities. If owners want to run their own business without the risk of going at it alone, a franchise can be a great choice.

3. Growth Potential

Restoration will always be an in-demand business. Unexpected water damage will always be an issue, and restoration companies will always be in high demand. This has led the restoration business to increase in recent years, as it’s worth about $210 billion and is expected to continue growing. If an owner is looking for an opportunity to provide a service that customers will always need, restoration is a good choice. This demand can lead to growth and profit opportunities as an owner expands their business and strengthens their customer base.

4. Rewarding Work

While restoration can be challenging work, it can greatly impact the lives of customers. Whether helping to restore a family’s home or fix a cherished memory, a restoration franchise owner can rest assured their work is making a difference. In many cases, restoration owners feel as if their hard work and dedication are more than worth it to build a company that makes the world a better place, one client at a time. Owners can check out this detailed description of what restoration companies do for customers to understand the positive effects of their work.

5. An Established Name

When an owner starts a franchise relationship with Steamatic, they’re getting the support and name of a long-standing, American-born institution. Owners can enjoy the benefit of established customer relationships based on years of quality service. While it can require hard work to live up to the Steamatic name, franchise owners enter a network of strong, capable restoration providers. This connection can be more valuable than any monetary resource as an owner begins their restoration business journey.

These are just a few of the many potential benefits of buying a restoration franchise. At Steamatic, we want to help any potential owner start the business journey that’s right for them. Contact us today to learn more about our franchising opportunities.

Guide to Funding Your Restoration Franchise

Home restoration has become a popular franchise choice for many individuals with an interest in helping others to rebuild their homes after a natural disaster. The home and restoration market continues to grow, and with that growth comes additional opportunities to break into the industry and eventually scale the business. Here are three steps involved in successfully funding a restoration franchise.

1. Research Available Loans

Many prospective franchisees will be unable to fully fund a franchise on their own, which is why it’s important to meet with a bank or another financial institution to see what loan options are available. Before meeting with a lender, franchisees will need to show them that they’re trustworthy by preparing a resume that includes their personal background and work history. A franchisee’s paperwork might also include financial statements and credit history, in addition to a business plan detailing their plan for running the franchise.

After all the documents are ready, the franchisee can learn more about the loan options available to them. These might include Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, traditional loans, or even loans from online lenders. All loans have different requirements, so it’s important to check over all the stipulations before formally applying.

2. Apply for a Loan

During the loan application process, lenders vet the franchisee they’re planning to grant funds to, in addition to the franchise system as a whole. Typically, franchisees have to fill out an application before the lender can grant them the loan. SBA loans are often a popular choice among franchisees, and these loans require a franchisee to fill out an application form, provide a copy of the signed franchise agreement, hold a business license, provide a copy of any personal or financial statements, and provide any records of previous loans. Other loans may have similar requirements.

3. Consider Alternative Financing Methods

Besides traditional or SBA loans, franchisees often consider a variety of other ways to fund their restoration franchise. In some cases, restoration franchisees seek assistance from close family or friends. Before accepting any financing, it’s important to create an agreement so all parties are fully aware of their obligations. Sometimes, the restoration franchise itself might provide the franchisee with a loan under the condition they stay with the franchise for a certain amount of time and keep profitability up.

Alternative lenders may also offer additional capital to supplement a traditional or SBA loan. These lenders generally have less stringent requirements and offer a wider variety of loan options, depending on the size of the franchise.

Individuals with an interest in buying a restoration franchise should consider all of their available options. Getting a loan can be challenging, but with the right help, it doesn’t have to be. Anyone with an interest in breaking into the home restoration and cleaning industry and owning their own business should consider owning a Steamatic franchise. Learn more about franchise ownership and all that it entails by filling out our contact form or leaving us a message at 817-332-1575. Get started in no time with our vast resources.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Water Restoration

Water damage can be highly destructive to a home or business. Whether from a severe storm, clogged toilet, pipe leak, or another source, it’s crucial to address water damage of any type. The proper response to water restoration makes the difference between a clean, healthy environment and a potentially hazardous situation. It’s essential to understand the following do’s and don’ts in any situation that requires water restoration.

Act Quickly

Time is critical when dealing with water damage. On a damp surface, mold growth can begin in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Mold can cause serious health problems, including headaches, memory loss, skin, and eye irritation, and respiratory symptoms. Home and business owners should begin restoration as quickly as possible. These tasks include:

  • Containing the water when possible.
  • Removing standing water. 
  • Elevating furniture.
  • Removing as many items from the affected area as possible.
  • Wiping down hard surfaces with a disinfectant once dry.
  • Increasing ventilation in the area to help the space dry as quickly as possible. 

Home and business owners should contact a water restoration professional for a thorough cleaning for solutions beyond these DIY tasks.

Look for a Certified Water Restoration Specialist

When selecting a professional for a significant job due to a flood, leak, or other water damage, hiring only well-educated professionals in this industry is crucial. Although water restoration companies do not necessarily have to have certification, this credential is a helpful indicator of experience and knowledge. Homeowners seeking a water restoration specialist should ask about the specialist’s credentials to best evaluate the provider’s reliability.

Don’t Always Use the First Recommended Service Provider

If insurance covers the damage, the insurance company will likely mention some suggested service providers. It’s important to understand that the policyholder is under no obligation to use these providers. The insurance company may have a profitable relationship with them, but it doesn’t mean these companies are the best at the job.

Homeowners should perform independent research to make sure they’re working with a water restoration company with a good reputation and solid service record.

Don’t Handle Dangerous Water Restoration Jobs

Cleaning up after substantial water damage is no small task. This work isn’t something that the average home or business owner should attempt independently. It’s essential to avoid sites that are hazardous to one’s health and safety. Individuals should never perform the following:

  • Work in a space with electrical damage.
  • Clean up an area with structural damage.
  • Clean up sewage.
  • Use electrical equipment of any type on a wet floor.

Leave these dangerous tasks to the professionals. Restoration companies have the equipment and expertise to handle such situations safely, while homeowners can sustain life-threatening injuries or illnesses in these situations.

Working with a skilled water damage restoration professional makes the difference when handling a leak or flood. Those skilled in this specialty can provide the fastest and safest resolution possible for the situation. A water restoration specialist can help families and business owners get back to their regular routines as quickly as possible.

Why You Should Purchase a Franchise in the Restoration Industry

Restoration services help combat the aftermath of disasters, such as floods and fire. Homes exposed to water damage, mold, mildew, and fire require a professional touch. From eliminating the smell of smoke to properly eradicating microbial growths, there’s a great deal for a skilled professional to do in these situations. Franchise owners in the restoration industry can benefit from the growing demand for this type of service.

Increasing Demand for Restoration Services

The damage restoration services industry has seen increased annualized revenue of 0.5% between 2016 and 2021 to a total of $4 billion. The demand for these services is only expected to grow in the coming years. There are many possible reasons for this increase in demand, including:

  • A growing number of billion-dollar disasters. Between 1980 and 2018, the country averaged just 6.2 such events each year. Between 2016 and 2018, this average increased to 15 a year.
  • Higher health and safety standards as a result of COVID-19.
  • More tightly sealed energy-efficient homes where lack of airflow can lead to microbial growth, particularly in harsh winters.
  • A surge in home improvements driven by the growing number of people staying in and working from home.

These events and others have created a notable demand for home restoration solutions that industrious franchisees can capitalize on as they assist their communities.

Greater Organization in the Restoration Industry

The home restoration industry saw some major changes in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Those attempting home restoration fraud made their way into the limelight, and new regulations went into place to help homeowners secure more reliable services and solutions in the wake of a disaster. Organizations like the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification have developed a wealth of resources to help business owners better serve their customers in the critical area of home restoration.

This means that franchise owners in this business have more educational tools at their fingertips than ever before. These same tools and resources make it easier to train employees who are new to the industry as well. This is especially important, as securing and retaining employees is one of the top challenges faced by restoration businesses.

Enhanced Restoration Technologies

The tools and technologies used for home restoration are evolving just as the industry is. Project management technology offers a wealth of benefits to franchise owners. They simplify the process of coordinating multiple jobs and maximizing efficiency and profitability.

It’s easier than ever to measure humidity, temperature, and moisture using compact sensors. These sensors can transmit data off-site so businesses can evaluate the information and remotely control dehumidifiers and other equipment that’s left in place for days at a time. The latest air scrubbers with HEPA technology can trap particles as small as 0.3 microns to remove allergens, irritants, and other hazards from the air.

Those interested in investing in a new franchise may find that the restoration industry is the perfect investment. As the desire for effective and efficient restoration solutions grows, so will the opportunities in this field.

How To Avoid Water Damage

Every year, thousands of homes and businesses experience some type of water damage. Water damage can cause a number of problems for the homeowner or business owner, including the development of mold or bacterial growth. In addition, the building can experience damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and furnishings. The longer water damage sits, the more damage can occur causing further expensive repairs or worse, or a total loss of furniture, flooring, and even artwork. Instead of trying to make repairs after water damage, homeowners and property owners should consider ways to avoid water damage altogether.

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7 Immediate Steps to Take After Water Damage

Water can cause extensive damage to structures and property in a short amount of time. Water damage can result from leaking appliances or plumbing, broken pipes, roof damage, damp bathrooms, basements, and flooding. When water leaks in a home, there are steps to take immediately to minimize damage to the house and contents. It’s important to take care of water problems quickly because mold can grow on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours.

To prevent safety hazards and structural problems, here are seven steps to take immediately after water damage happens to a house:

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