Roofing Franchise:  What You Can Expect and What You Should Do

An Excellent Business

Looking for a roofing franchise?  That could be the beginning of an excellent business, provided you know what to look for.  Here's how to choose one that will be a perfect fit for you.

Roofing franchises are popping up in many places, thanks to a rising population, robust economy and friendly housing market.  The more people there are, the more housing they will need.  And where there's housing, there's a need for roofing whether it's for installation, maintenance or repair.  If a roofing franchise is your choice of business, here are some things you'll need to know:

Roofing Franchises Can Be Profitable

The need for roofing services will always be around, unless homeowners learn to do the job themselves and until someone invents a really tough, durable roofing material that can last hundreds of years.  You can expect a lot of opportunity especially in an area with bustling housing communities.

A Roofing Franchise Can Be A Good Reason To Leave Your Office

More and more people drop their office jobs to go into business.  They get to enjoy the independence and challenges and also reap the rewards when their business succeeds.  If you're tired of your day job and want a change and you know the industry well, a roofing franchise can be an excellent opportunity for you, provided you weigh the risks against the benefits.

A Roofing Franchise Offers More Than Just Roofing Installation Services

If you're getting a roofing franchise, expect to be doing several businesses at once, all related to roofing.  Your business model will vary but most franchise offers include: installation, inspection, maintenance and repair or re-roofing services.  Installation, inspection and maintenance of downspouts and gutters are also often included in a roofing franchise.  Offering just one type of service is just not a practical solution.  Besides, why would you want to refuse an opportunity when it's there?

A Roofing Franchise Offers Economy Of Scale

A roofing franchise business is often a great choice because you are backed by the experience of a much larger company.  Not only that, you have access to materials that are bought by volume so you keep your costs down.  This means you can offer very competitive pricing to your clients and win more contracts.

A Roofing Franchise Can Be Tough

Yes, it's profitable but it's also a cutthroat industry.  More and more homeowners are educated about their needs so expect them to know more and demand more.  There is also the slew of competitors nipping at your heels and top that with the innovations in the industry that appear just when you've just implemented the latest. 

In the roofing services business, you have to be on your toes all the time in order to keep up.  New products, methods and technologies become available every day and if you don’t stay current, you won't remain competitive for long.

A Roofing Franchise's Success Will Also Depend On The Location

Even if you have the best business model, no franchisor will probably consider your proposal if your location is not conducive to business.  You have to be within a reasonable distance from possible clients.  If your team has to travel too far or if the location is too difficult to reach, you'll lose valuable time, resources and yes, money.

No Two Roofing Franchises Are Created Equal

There's one that will be a perfect fit for you.  Talk to the people selling you the franchise and don’t be afraid to ask questions.  Find out how long they have been in business, what their other franchises' success rate is, how many franchises they have at the moment and how many they have lost.  This will give you an idea of how stable the business model is.

More importantly, ask what type of control the franchisor will have over your business.  Some exert too much while others give too little.  Find out what kind of training and support you can expect, especially during the critical stages of the start up and during the initial phase.

You Have A Choice

Don’t be shy about talking to more than just one franchisor.  Find other roofing franchises and talk to them so you can compare.  If you know owners of franchises to a roofing business you're eyeing, ask them about their business.  Remember, it's your investment and while you will be buying somebody else's idea, you will be the one managing it.

What Do You Need To Be To Become A Roofing Franchise Owner?

First, you need to have the capital.  Roofing franchises cost money – you'll be buying the brand, business model and company support.  Second, you must have some sort of exposure to the trade at least.  As the owner, you probably won't be lifting so much as a nail during project work but if you want to manage your business effectively, you must have a knowledge and understanding of the industry.

A roofing franchise will also require that you have excellent customer service skills.  You will be working with a lot of different people with different personalities, tastes and needs.  They will be asking a lot of questions so be prepared to have an answer to every one of them.  You should have the patience of a saint, especially if you'll be dealing with really tough clients.