1-800 WATER DAMAGE has shown incredible growth with almost 200 locations delivering exceptional service to clients across the country. The restoration experts treat water, mold and fire damage, and they have the support of an industry giant. By Nancy E. Williams
1-800 WATER DAMAGE has shown incredible growth with almost 200 locations delivering exceptional service to clients across the country. The restoration experts treat water, mold and fire damage, and they have the support of an industry giant. The parent company, BELFOR, is the world’s largest property restoration company, with offices in over 30 countries around the world.
BELFOR ensures that franchise owners have access to top-of-the-line vehicles, equipment and training. New franchisees attend a 12-day training program, which helps them acquire technical and business skills. Unlike other restoration companies, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE’s training center is a real house with plumbing and electrical, and the brand’s support doesn’t end there.
“Every year, BEFLOR goes down to areas that have been hit by major hurricanes. Our franchisees at 1-800 WATER DAMAGE are encouraged to come down and we give them work,” said Ken Osness, vice president of the BELFOR Franchise Group. “It is one thing to have great training for what could come your way one day, but it’s another thing to have on-the-job, real-life opportunities to apply that training.”
In addition to the support and built-in network from its parent company, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE is appealing to many prospective franchisees because the brand does not require experience in the industry, and investment costs are comparatively low. With a total investment of $170,000 to $295,000, which includes an equipment package and service vehicle, franchisees can start a recession-proof restoration business. And if you are nervous about investing all of your cash up front, Osness has a solution: “We offer significant financing to new franchisees. We can finance up to 60% of the initial investment.”
Nancy E. Williams