Franchising is Helping Hardscape Architects and Homeowners
People spend a great deal of money to purchase a home. As a result, they wish to keep the property looking its best at all times. Not only this, but more and more homeowners are wanting to expand their living space by redesigning their yards. At the same time, universities are seeing an increase of graduates from the field of landscape and hardscape architecture. However, many of these young graduates are having a hard time finding jobs right out of school. Outdoor design franchising is a new solution that is helping to connect new hardscape architects with homeowners to get these projects completed. Here are the top five reasons that hardscape franchising is helping both architects and homeowners.
Transferring the Burden
When it comes to landscaping and hardscaping, a great deal of time and planning must go into the process before any work actually begins. Outdoor living areas are complex to design and construct as there are number of systems that need be considered in creating a beautiful design that provides both form and function. Quite a few homeowners head over to the local home improvement store or nursery and purchase the plants, bricks, or water features that catch their eye. Then they wonder why the finished product isn’t what they envisioned. It’s because they failed to plan the landscape and hardscape before doing so.
Franchising is helping both architects and homeowners because it is transferring the burden to those who know the industry best. The planning process is put into the hands of the hardscape architect who has learned how to pair different elements together to create a beautiful space. The hardscaper’s training allows him or her to determine this before any purchases are made. This saves the homeowner both time and money as they are not making repeat trips to the store.
The landscape contractors plans every aspect of the hardscape before any work is done. They take into consideration multiple factors, including the homeowner’s budget, the types of landscape and hardscape desired by the homeowner, and what will provide the greatest curb appeal. When all elements are planned out on paper before any work begins, the entire process takes less time. A great design should flow with the interior spaces of the house and provide beautiful outdoor spaces that can be used for entertainment, relaxation, recreation and other desires. Furthermore, the homeowner finds he or she has less mess to deal with and the hardscaper takes care to leave the property clean and ready to be enjoyed. The homeowner’s only job is to provide input into what is desired and to sit back and enjoy the hardscape once the work is done.
The architect benefits from this process as well because they are partnering with a team of like-minded individuals who have already built quality connections with vendors, suppliers, and contractors. This takes much of the gamble out of the process and allows the architect to save more energy for the actual design process.
Save Time
It takes time to build a brand new business from scratch. There are so many aspects to think about such as planning a good marketing strategy, building a team of competent individuals, finding quality vendors, and acquiring tools. Franchising is allowing architects to skip many of these steps and jump right into the business. Franchisees also have instant access to the best software in the industry which saves time every day by taking care of job tracking, client and vendor relations, finances, and more.
Hardscape architects also work with vendors who are experts in regions and conditions. These professionals are trained to assess a property and make recommendations based on climate, soil conditions, drainage, circulation, space design and more. This can save time and money for both the homeowner and the architect that may have been spent planting plants or shrubs that wouldn’t thrive. Architects can save homeowners a lot of time by recommending hardscape that can save on maintenance in the future and work well with the shape and slope of the property.
At the same time, many homeowners find that teaming up with a hardscape contractor franchise can help get the job done much faster and save time in the long run. Most individuals lack the time and resources to transform their living space by themselves. A design that is planned and executed by a professional will be completed within a shorter space of time which can be a valuable asset for someone who is trying to get a property sold. This is even a benefit for someone who simply wishes to start enjoying their new outdoor space.
Combined with Years of Experience
One of the best benefits of a franchise business model for both the architect and the homeowner is that it is combining fresh ideas with years of business experience. Many hardscape architects are graduating from their university with an enormous amount of talent, fresh ideas, and enthusiasm for the artistic process. Franchise opportunities allow for this enthusiasm and artistic sense to be combined with established connections, business experience, and continued education. This leads to a high level of professionalism as well as finished products that are of a higher quality.
Unlike many home improvement projects, a landscaping job is in the public eye. While a botched kitchen makeover may only be seen by the home’s occupants and those guests invited into the residence by the occupants, an outdoor living space may be viewed by anyone passing by the property. Franchising opportunities ensure that the homeowner is receiving the best and most creative ideas mixed with the best network of contractors and vendors, the best business management, and the best prices.
Increased Property Value and Increased Business
Countless homeowners fail to recognize the importance of their outdoor space when it comes to their property’s value. A person can add tens of thousands of dollars to their property value simply by taking on this task. Not only this, but the initial investment actually grows in value with time.
Interior design trends come and go as do design concepts. Similarly, mechanical systems in the home wear down with time if they don’t become outdated first. But this is rarely an issue when one spends money on the hardscaping of the residence.
Experts state home with a beautiful outdoor living space will sell for anywhere from 5.5 to 12.7 percent more than a home with no hardscaping. This is due to the curb — and backyard — the appeal of the residence. Homeowners want to come home to an attractive property that is welcoming, and the right outdoor living space ensures that they do.
Architects also benefit first and foremost because homeowners love to show off a property that has a beautiful design. This is free advertising for the business. But a franchise owner has unique benefits that are not present with an independent business such as territory protection, business management resources, and instant credibility. This, along with the continual assistance from experienced professionals, leads to a growing and thriving business.
Saving Money for the Homeowner and the Hardscape Architect
Franchising opportunities can save money for both the homeowner and the architect. With this type of system, franchisees are receiving the skills and education to effectively manage and outsource installation, construction, and maintenance tasks through established and trustworthy networks. Franchisees also have access to continued education.
Homeowners, likewise, are getting more for their money through this system. Professional hardscape architects that are part of a reputable brand and system recognize that homeowners must operate with the constraints of a budget. As a result, they have better learned how to take a property owner’s vision and bring this vision to life without breaking the bank. The hardscaper can make recommendations on how to exchange expensive items with affordable alternatives allowing the homeowner to stay within the budget originally established. For example, simply by switching from one type of patio material that is costly to a similar one that is more affordable, the homeowner will often find the landscape and hardscape still provides the desired look and feel without becoming cost-prohibitive.
Another benefit of hiring a professionally networked hardscaping company is that homeowners can obtain suggestions on ways to make the property more energy-efficient. The right trees, fireplace, and shade structures can help to lower heating and cooling costs while keeping the residence comfortable, which the home’s occupants are sure to appreciate.
Franchisees learn how to be creative when taking a property owner’s dream and making it a reality. The years they have spent building their careers, combined with the deep well of shared knowledge and continued education that comes with an established business model, allow them to think outside of the box more than a traditional landscaping business formula. Those who love designing and implementing these designs and want to maximize their professional potential while doing so should consider a Firesky franchise opportunity.
Franchising can be extremely beneficial for both the landscaping architect and the homeowner. It saves time and money, helps connect homeowners with the best talent, and provides both with the stability of established relationships with contractors and vendors. These opportunities result in more businesses being built for franchise owners as well as increased property values for homeowners. The landscape architect franchise model is a revolutionary new process that is transforming the way that outdoor living spaces are designed, created, and enjoyed by homeowners and their community – and the way professionals can impact their communities and their futures.