Love is in the air!

It's that magical day of the year, when hopeless love is everywhere around us. In the Valentine's Day spirit we wanted to share some fantastic home remodeling inspiration with romance in mind. We came across this fantastic article on houzz.com, that showcases some of the most beautiful homes we've seen to date. Take a look at these beauties and let them conjure up images of what your next remodel could mean for you and that special someone. Click here for the entire article, and Happy Valentines Day!

'I'm With Cupid' — 10 Spaces That Shoot for Romance With the Roman God

By: Mitchell Parker

What's with Cupid anyway? And how did he (it's a he, right?) become such a prominent symbol of Valentine's Day recognition? Yeah, yeah, Roman god of desire — we get it. Just tighten that sash, would you? Perhaps even more intriguing: The seminude, bow-and-arrow-toting, horn-blowing figure seems to pop up in home decor almost as often as on Hallmark cards in February. Cupids are depicted as wall art, in statues and even in the garden. Sometimes they're large and commanding; sometimes they're subtler. See if you can spot them all here.

Mediterranean Living Room design by Santa Barbara Architect J. Grant Design Studio

Click here for the entire article.

House Doctors CEO Sees Industry Uptick, Seizes Opportunity to Buy Own Company

Over the last few years, less new homes have been built so existing homes have taken up the slack. There is a huge shift in property needs taking place as the “baby boomers” become the “seniors of tomorrow.” Smaller homes with bathrooms on the ground level are becoming more popular. “Aging in place” modifications to existing homes is the fastest growth part of the remodeling industry at the moment.

This “aging in place” remodeling trend helped create an uptick in the home improvement sector, according to Milford, OH-based House Doctors, a 17-year-old, 90-plus-unit professional handyman service. Company executives cite an increase in average jobs throughout the country and record franchise owner sales growth quarter over quarter. In fact, it was the reason CEO Jim Hunter purchased the House Doctors company himself.

Since September 2007, Hunter has been CEO and president of House Doctors (also known as House Medic in some areas). A veteran of the franchising industry from both the franchisor and franchisee perspective, Hunter performed exceedingly well since being recruited by Paul Spires, Jr., who founded House Doctors in 1995. Spires launched the company while still in his early 20s, but sought Hunter's franchising experience and knowledge to increase House Doctors' brand awareness and foster its growth.

Now, Jim Hunter has invested into the home sector by choosing to own the brand he ran as its CEO. House Doctors has enjoyed system-wide sales and growth success and will continue use its success and new ownership to expand more throughout the country.

It's a Colorful Life Inside Your Home

How to liven up your home with color

The summer months are all about color. From flowers in bloom to vibrant beach towels and colorful dresses, summer brings with it a multitude of hues. As you look around, you might start to feel like your home is a little, well, blah. If so, just adding a little pop of color into your home can help.

Once you have an idea of the color direction you are heading for your home, the fun begins. Start by thinking about the colors you want to add, where color can make the most impact, and just how much you need to give your home a fresh look.

Here are a few tips to get you started on your adventure in color.

Explore color
More than likely, you already have a favorite color in mind and would be OK seeing more of it in your home. Or, maybe a little inspiration from the season's hottest hues would help. Either way, the first step is to explore color. Take a visit to your favorite clothing boutique, stop in at a paint store or flip through home design magazines. Choose the looks you are most drawn to or the colors that evoke a feeling of happiness or calm. These colors reflect your personal style and will make you feel most comfortable in your home.

Start small
After picking a color palette, don't go out and paint your whole house with it, start small. Just changing your accent pillows, throws, lampshades or accessories can make a big impact when you are first incorporating a new color. Remember to make sure the color flows well throughout the entire space, especially if your home has an open floor plan with rooms easily visible from one to another.

Accent with artwork
Another easy way to bring color to your home is by updating artwork and wall decor. Simply moving artwork from one room to another can give your home a refreshing look, and adding some newly purchased pieces to other spaces can breathe new life into your home.

Be brave
If you're ready to go all out with color, it's OK to make a dramatic change. The kitchen is a great place to go big with color and is usually the gathering place in the home. One of the best ways to bring bold color in the kitchen and set a tone for your entire home is to change your cabinetry. In addition to traditional wood-toned cabinetry styles, there is also a growing selection of on-trend paint and stain colors like KraftMaid's new Slate and Midnight finishes. Take it a step further by choosing glass front doors and adding a contrasting back panel inside the cabinet in colors like KraftMaid's serene Aegean or energetic Envy. Cabinetry colors can bring whimsy and personality to the kitchen.

"Colorful cabinetry can be a big commitment, but it also can set your kitchen apart in a sea of design sameness," says Sarah Reep, director of designer relations and education at KraftMaid Cabinetry. "This year's cabinetry trends are colorful yet timeless and work with just about any design style. The KraftMaid Style Finder on KraftMaid.com is a great way to see what cabinetry colors might work best for you."

The beauty of adding hints of color into your home is that with just a few thoughtful touches, it can feel as though your home has been completely made over. Be sure to carry elements of the color from room to room for maximum effect.

The Heat Is On Outside, Keep Cool Inside

As summer heats up, air conditioning bills can rapidly rise. As homeowners feel the heat, many are looking for ways to save and stay cool.

Many U.S. consumers strive to conserve energy at home. Forty-seven percent of Americans say they try to conserve energy all or most of the time, according to researchers at Iconoculture.

One way to help lower utility bills in the summer and year-round is to replace drafty or leaky old windows with new, energy-efficient products.

According to ENERGY STAR, replacing single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR qualified windows can save up to $126 to $501 a year on utility bills depending on your location.

For example, the Pella 350 Series vinyl windows provide durable, triple-pane insulating glass window options. These highly energy-efficient windows help keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Vince Iturbe from Salt Lake City replaced a westward-facing kitchen window and immediately noticed a difference in the temperature inside his home.

"The window faces the sun the better part of the day, and it was just plain miserable during the summer," he says. "I'm so glad to be done with the heat."

Cool tips
Once energy-efficient windows are properly installed in your home, try these inexpensive, easy ways to help keep your house cool.

• Provide shade for east and west windows.
• When possible, delay heat-generating activities like baking or dishwashing until the evening on hot days.
• Use ceiling fans to circulate air to help make the house more comfortable without over-using the air conditioning. Seal air conditioning ducts and insulate ducts that run through unheated basements, crawl spaces and attics.
• Install white window shades or mini-blinds. Mini-blinds can reduce solar heat gain by 40 to 50 percent, according to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.
• If you like energy savings, but dread cleaning blinds, consider windows and doors with optional between-the-glass blinds or shades. Since they're between glass, they accumulate less dust and dirt than traditional roomside window treatments. Plus, they can be closed when you are away to keep the heat out and opened when you are home to let the light in. With their outstanding energy-efficiency and built-in window treatments, it's a winning combination.

Top Seven Home Improvements

These projects are proven winners, but be in the know before you get started. Which home improvements give you the most bang for your buck, come selling time? The answer has to do with the term "ROI," or "Return on Investment."

In other words, what you will get out of what you put in. ROI is important because you want to recoup at least the same amount of money you put into your home when you sell it, or as close as possible. But it's not a simple equation to work out how to best maximize your payoff.

The Seven Best Home Improvements

According to Remodeling Online's 2006 survey of nearly 2,200 real estate professionals in 60 cities across the country, the home improvement with the highest return nationwide is a mid-range siding replacement. Other top projects include replacing your windows with either wood or vinyl one, both major and minor kitchen renovations, a bathroom remodel and a two-story addition. These are nationally averaged prices and percentages.

Watch Out for "Over-Improving"

Before you start tackling that high-yield improvement, know that there's a chance you could "over-improve" your home. That might sound crazy, but it happens most often when the project just doesn't fit the neighborhood or the home's value. For example, if you own a $125,000 home in a neighborhood full of three-bedroom, two-bath homes, and you decide to add on another garage or another floor, you might never recoup the cost of that work.

Why? If the project costs you from $25,000 on up, then you'd have to sell your home for at least $150,000 or more just to break even. Are like homes in your neighborhood selling for that? If not, you're out of luck, because your expensively remodeled home might not fit in with the value of other homes in the surrounding area. Thus it may not be as valuable to potential buyers, since house prices are often ruled by location, and who's to say they might not inherit your quandary when it's time for them to sell? Drop That Toolbox

You might be willing and able to do just about any home improvement project around your house, but before you tackle any major work, consider two things. First, ask yourself if you can do the job right. Saving money is one thing, but are you knowledgeable enough about the task at hand so you don't encounter major (and costly) problems?

Second—and perhaps more importantly—put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer, even if you're not likely to sell for years. You might be proud of all your home improvements, but the homebuyer may ask lots of questions about the work. Like it or not, there is an inherent skepticism about homegrown handymen, no matter your talents. Professionally done work, on the other hand, tends to have a certain "seal of approval" that assures the job was done properly. Plus, most pros guarantee their work for an extended time, which gives buyers even more confidence.

Location, Location, Location

When looking at the numbers, you might find that they seem either too high or low for your given area. Remodeling Online attributes that to the leveling effect of averaging. "High demand for remodeling services in some parts of a given metro area may drive prices up, but this is often countered by lower demand—and lower prices—in another part of the same city," the report says.

Quality and differences in size and scope also account for differences in a project's cost. This is why, especially if you know you'll be selling your home within a year or two, it pays to consult a REALTOR® before you pick up a hammer.

The 24-hour kitchen facelift: Renovations that don't have to be a pricy, prolonged pain

(ARA) - Is your kitchen looking a little worn? Or maybe you've grown tired of your decor? No need to call in the remodeling crew. Instead, turn your Saturday into Satur-DIY, and with a few simple updates you can spruce up your kitchen - and spirits - in no time at all.

According to a recent Kitchen and Bath Business survey, 22 percent of U.S. homeowners are planning to remodel, but may be holding off for budgetary reasons. Small changes don't have to come with a hefty price tag. Here are a few ideas that don't take much time or money for a 24-hour kitchen facelift.

Fabulous fixtures
As the workhorse of the kitchen, start by upgrading your faucet - especially since an old or broken faucet can age your kitchen by decades. Pulldown faucets have become one of the most popular choices for their convenience and high-arc styling, and the new Benton pulldown kitchen faucet from Moen is a great example. The Benton faucet offers exquisite styling in today's most popular finishes - but it's what's inside that counts. Featuring Moen's unique Reflex pulldown system, Benton pulldown faucets offer smooth operation, easy movement and secure docking to keep the spray wand in place. Available at The Home Depot from between $199 and $219, you can make a big splash - even with a small price tag - at the kitchen sink.

Walls that say "wow"
Are your current kitchen walls blah or boring? Spice them up with a bold new hue that will make your kitchen decor pop. Not sure where to get inspiration? Take a cue from the color experts and designers at Pratt & Lambert paints, who just released their 2012 color trends with a palette titled "Echo" that features classic, bold colors.

Luxurious lighting
New lighting can add life to any room - kitchens included. Shed new light on your kitchen by forgoing the fluorescent and replacing with stylish and functional pendant-style fixtures above task areas, such as the kitchen island or countertops. Chandeliers can be an ideal addition above table areas to create a focus point and dress up the entire room's decor.

Add storage and style with shelves
Installing shelves in your kitchen is a great way to add more space, as well as create a new look. Install shelves over your sink or around the perimeter of your kitchen to hold items such as small appliances, knick knacks, cookbooks or framed photos to keep countertops clear and uncluttered.

Customized cabinets
No need to splurge on new cabinets when you can very easily customize your own. With just a few materials and hours, you can refinish or reface your kitchen cabinets. The process is quite simple, just remove the old finish by sanding the fronts of the cabinets and then either stain or repaint them to achieve your desired look. Or, for another option, replace wood panels with glass inserts for custom-looking doors that will show off your favorite dinnerware pieces.

Update appliance appearances
A stainless steel finish can instantly transform and upgrade the look of your kitchen. If purchasing new kitchen appliances isn't in the budget, a coat of paint may be just what the doctor ordered. Krylon offers a stainless steel spray paint with real flecks of metal to offer an authentic match for an upscale look. Remember to remove handles from the appliance and place masking tape over areas you do not want painted, and the end result is a new look that tailors to your kitchen's color scheme.

While it may seem like a daunting task at first, these easy, one-day kitchen picker-uppers can provide a refreshing expression that you - and your family - are sure to love.

Quick Tips for Sprucing Up a Kitchen in Need

Kitchens are no longer just for serving meals. For many families, this area of the home serves as a social spot for family gatherings, a home office or a study area for their children. Unfortunately, kitchens can also be the most expensive spot in your house to remodel. With that in mind, we have suggested some simple projects that you can do to spruce up your kitchen, without breaking the bank.

Add a little color and light
Add some flair to your kitchen by replacing your light fixtures with a stylish new chandelier or ceiling fan. This will help you update your kitchen, without spending a lot of money. Another way you can liven up your kitchen is with a new coat of paint. With so many new colors out there, you’re bound to find one that fits your style perfectly.

While you’re at it, consider replacing your light switches and vent covers – this will help freshen up your walls’ overall appearance.

Jazz-up your Kitchen Cabinets with some fun new accessories
Your cabinets are the focal point of your kitchen, so you need to make sure they’re always looking their best. An easy way to do this is by changing your cabinets’ hardware. Many hardware stores offer a variety of styles and colors, so you can easily find a set that embellishes your overall décor.

Give your windows a well deserved makeover
Over time, dust and dirt can collect on your window treatments causing them to look dingy and dull. By replacing your blinds or draperies with new ones, you’ll help rejuvenate your windows and enhance your kitchen’s look.

Pointers for prepping your deck and backyard for summer fun

Pointers for prepping your deck and backyard for summer fun

Warm weather is here to stay, which means people everywhere are spending more time outdoors. If the sunshine, gentle breeze and chirping birds are calling your family outside to enjoy some fresh air, it's time to get your outdoor space ready for fun activities. With some smart home improvements, you can easily prep your patio and deck for a full season of enjoyment.

1: Tricks for properly cleaning patio furniture

Today's patio furniture can be as comfortable and stylish as indoor options, and similarly, it needs to be periodically cleaned. Resin, resin wicker or metal furniture can typically be cleaned with mild soap, water and a sponge or nonabrasive brush. Metal pieces can be polished with a light coat of car wax to bring back shine and protect it from rusting. Insider tip: If you live in an area with a lot of pollen, you may want to wait to clean outdoor furniture until it is done dropping.

Wood pieces can benefit from a quick cleaning also. For finished wood, use an oil-based soap and a soft brush or cloth. If you have a treated wood deck, picnic table or Adirondack chairs, use a pressure washer and deck cleaner to remove dirt. Remember to use the low-pressure tip so you don't damage the wood. If you have questions, visit www.lowescreativeideas.com for educational articles, videos and additional tips.

2: Get the grill ready for a season of tasty treats

Every warm day is better when you enjoy the succulent flavors of food cooked on the grill, but to keep the food tasting its best, the grill needs to be kept clean. At the start of the season, it's wise to do a thorough, deep cleaning on your grill. If you have a gas grill, remove the propane tank, flame guards and disconnect the igniter wires, removing the igniters. Move the grill over a drop cloth and clean the inside with dish soap, water and a scrub brush. Grates may need to soak in a bucket before getting scrubbed. Once dry, reassemble and get cooking.

In addition to the deep cleaning, remember each time you cook to scrape the grates to get rid of any food residue from previous uses. Simply light the grill and after a few minutes, the heat will have loosened the residue and you can do a quick scraping with a wire brush before putting on your tasty meats and vegetables.

3. Prep the deck in half the time

Staining and sealing your deck is an important maintenance step so its beauty and integrity last for many years, but it's also something most homeowners dread because it can be a lot of work. The good news is there are some new innovations that are making the process much easier. Before you start this project, look for new products that both stain and seal at the same time, simplifying the project and saving you a lot of time. Staining and sealing simultaneously waterproofs, protects and beautifies your wood. Plus, if you do encounter unplanned precipitation in the middle of the project, your deck is still protected. 4. How to grow beautiful plants to enhance your space

With your deck prepped and your patio furniture and grill clean, now it's time to dress the area up with some plants. You can easily incorporate splashes of color by adding containers full of your favorite varieties. Why not make it a family activity and visit your local Lowe's nursery to pick out plants and supplies together? When shopping, keep in mind the color of your deck and furniture and pick plants in a complementary color scheme. You might also want to plant some fruits, vegetables or herbs for your own family garden. Ask a Lowe's garden specialist for advice on what varieties thrive in a container environment.

Once home, spread out your supplies and let your entire family's green thumb come alive. After your plants are nestled into pots and containers, place around your outdoor living space in clusters which provide a better visual look than a single plant standing alone. Remember to water regularly and monitor sun exposure so the plants aren't getting too much or too little.

These few steps can help get your deck or patio ready and beautiful for months of enjoyment. From playing outdoor games to grilling traditional summer fare to relaxing as the sun sets, you'll get a lot of use out of your outdoor space.

Courtesy of ARA Content

This New House: Less Housing Turnover Leads to More Home Repairs

Though most Americans aren’t buying new houses these days, they’re working harder than ever to preserve the homes they live in. Currently, the two largest home repair trends are going green and aging in place, according to the National Home Builders Association.

Handyman franchise House Doctors is seeing these trends unfold firsthand. Launched in 1996, the company’s 90 locations have witnessed the rise of the green movement, and, in response, have developed best-practice methods for helping homeowners reduce their utility costs and do their part to protect the environment.

“There are a lot of simple upgrades we make to our customers’ homes to help them improve their energy efficiency,” said Jim Hunter, House Doctors’ Chief Executive and President. “We install highly-efficient shower-heads and faucets, shrink and seal window kits to eliminate draft through window panes, change light bulbs and light fixtures, and fit outlet caps all to help homeowners become more environmentally friendly.”

While green retrofits are important and responsible, aging baby boomers need home improvements like ground floor bedrooms, hand rails, slip-resistant flooring, ramps, and wheelchair access now.

Every 7.7 seconds an American baby boomer turns 60. This aging populating will soon face a myriad of health problems that will require them to either leave their homes, or make immediate improvements to enable them to age in place and with dignity. Since many boomers lost a significant portion of their retirement savings in the recent economic downturn, they’re looking to stay in their current residences as long as possible, rather than selling in a down market and having to search for a new home.

“What’s unique about House Doctors’ handymen is that we build a relationship with our customers, so they know they can call on us for any task, no matter how small or large,” Hunter said. “Particularly for the aging seniors, we’re available for everything from light bulb changes to extensive renovations.”

House Doctors looks for franchisees that share its vision of bringing professionalism to the often fragmented and unreliable handymen industry. Ideal candidates should have some business or management experience, be comfortable managing a team of handyman, and have access to roughly $80,000 of start-up capital for the initial franchisee fee, company vans, and local marketing.

“This is an exciting time for us,” said Hunter. “The downturn in the housing market opened a window of opportunity in the home repair industry. Aging homes and homeowners have an increasing number of repair needs, and we’re prepared to help our customers meet these demands in a timely and professional manner.”

In addition to an affordable start-up cost, House Doctors is also differentiating itself from franchisor competition with its profit margin, of about 20 percent.

“We have strategically prepared our concept for any economic situation,” Hunter said. “This positioning has increased interest among would-be entrepreneurs and has maintained our growth even in a down economy.”

House Doctors featured in Time Leader

House Doctors was recently featured in an article in the Times Leader, titled “Father, sons mix work, family: Shoeners share special bond, talented and advice.” In the article, Scranton-area franchisees, Ed and Bill Shoener, discussed their father/son business dynamic. Bill Shoener, who worked as a handyman while in college earning two degrees, asked his dad for business assistance when he decided to go into business for himself. The two decided to open a franchise location of House Doctors, and now service portions of Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wyoming, Susquehanna, Wayne, Pike and Monroe counties. The article discusses how working with family has allowed both father and son to develop a deep appreciation for one another. Click here to view the full article!

Father, sons mix work, family
By Andrew M. Seder

F ather’s Day for many dads out there arrives on Sunday. For Ed Shoener, every day is Father’s Day. The 56-year-old Minooka resident owns one business, where he employs his eldest son, Rob, and helps his youngest son, Bill, run his own business. While Ed admits the father-son relationship can be strained when the employer-employee factor is thrown into the mix, he said that for the most part it’s been a rewarding experience. “It’s good to see them mature and succeed,” Ed said. And his sons are appreciative of his helping hand, too.

Ed has operated his own business, Shoener Environmental in Dickson City, for 15 years. The firm also has an office in Portage and San Diego. His son Rob, 30, was working as an engineer at another firm in the San Diego area, but when the economy soured he was looking for work. He joined his dad’s firm in 2007 and in the future will likely become a part owner.

(Read More)

House Doctors featured in G.I. Jobs

House Doctors was featured in GI Jobs in a cover story titled “Franchises that Fit, Why Home-based franchises are ideal for America’s Returning Veterans”, that tells military readers all about House Doctors, and the success of one of its many military franchisees. The article highlights five brands that are a perfect match for military veterans. Jarrod Kossen is also quoted on why House Doctors is a great business for other military veterans to get involved with. Read the full story below:

Summertime Surge Offers Prime Time to Enter Handyman Business

As temperatures begin to rise across the country and homeowners are venturing out of their living spaces more often, they are finding that home improvement needs are piling up. Whether it’s a basement the homeowner wants to ensure will not get flooded during the impending flood season, a pet door installation for easy access to the backyard, or a new play set for the children, summertime is swamped with phone calls for House Doctors’ handyman services.

At this time of year many homeowners are seeking a professional handyman to help them with their to-do lists that have grown during the winter months. As the seasons change, the effects of a harsh winter on a home becomes apparent. Now that spring is here and summer on the horizon, homeowners are thinking about the needed repairs and improvements to prepare their homes for the months ahead. With that in mind, now is the time that more and more people are calling upon House Doctors to help them with those growing to-do lists.

For entrepreneurs interested in growing a business from day one, there isn’t any better time to get into the handyman trade. Not only are home improvements on the minds of potential customers, but with the economy picking back up, people now have more money to spend on such services. Franchisees entering the House Doctors system from now through the end of the summer will be coming in at the perfect time to ramp up business.

Many House Doctors franchisees who opened their businesses in the height of the home improvement season have been able to sustain exceptional relationships with customers, since they were there for them during the time their services were most needed. Summertime also brings many opportunities for commercial repairs, since commercial real estate owners are looking to make their businesses as presentable as possible after the wear and tear that occurs after a harsh winter.

Franchisee Bio: Erik and Christina Reichelt of Delaware

Date Opened: 2008
Location: State of Delaware

Q: Where are you originally from?
A: I am from Delaware and Christina is from Maryland.

Q: Are you a first time business owner?
A: Yes. Previously Christina was a stay at home mom and before that worked in insurance. She now manages the office duties and logistics of the business. Now I am the estimator on all the projects and pull in the appropriate handymen for the job.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?
A: I was doing research on franchising for a colleague who was interested in owning a franchise. I had never looked into it before, but when I got started I became very interested. I had never been in home improvement prior to House Doctors; however, I figured that although the economy was going south, people would still need home repairs. I was right.

Q: Why was this brand the right fit for you?
A: House Doctors gives me a lot of flexibility in the type of business I take on. I am able to branch out and take on new challenges. I saw this as a major benefit as I was considering joining and have continued to enjoy this benefit over my two years as a franchisee.

Q: What have been some career milestones for you/your business?
A: The sky’s the limit. I want to keep growing as much as we did this year. We doubled our gross sales. We are consistently ranked in House Doctors' 10 top franchises.

House Doctors featured in Tacoma Business Examiner

House Doctors was featured in the Tacoma Business Examiner in an article entitled “Franchises looking to military for owners,” which published front and center on the February 7 edition. The article discusses that House Doctors fully engages military vets as they have a numerous vets as franchisees already. He also notes that House Doctors matches new veteran owners with mentors to give them more tools for success. House Doctors also plans to open eight locations to the Seattle/Tacoma area in the near future. The full article is embedded below:

House Doctors Goes to Clearwater Beach

Annual Convention Hosts Top Franchisees; Introduces New Strategies and Tactics

By Greg Haskett, VP of Shared Services

Every year, our House Doctors franchisees get together to celebrate another great year of business and discuss hot topics and what's new for the year ahead. This year we met in Clearwater Beach, FL. Themed Chart Your Course, we had several sessions, large and small, where franchisees gathered together to discuss all aspects of their businesses. As an industry leader in the home improvement segment, this convention in particular was special as we introduced several new items that our franchisees can use moving forward, including:

1. A new and improved online software that will put us ahead of the competition. Cloud computing is the way of the future and our franchise owners can now respond quicker than their competition with better data.

2. New financial benchmarks and tools specifically designed to maximize the profit of each franchise owner which gives them a unique tool to hit their personal income goals.

3. A strategic rollout of social media efforts that will broaden the reach of the House Doctors brand and meet our current & future customers where they are.

4. Lastly, and the best part of any gathering like this, is when the attendees can spend time together. We included extended breaks, franchisee-only meetings, and very successful role-playing sessions where franchise owners from across North America interacted with each and discussed their shared interests in building the House Doctors name.

Overall this year's convention was the best one yet. We received some very positive feedback from our franchisees.

• "As a new franchisee, I was very impressed that House Doctors is spending incredible amounts of effort to see us succeed on the bottom-line profits. The tools they are developing, such as ServiceCeo, are going to increase our efficiency, provide better monitoring of our business practices and trends, and improve our quality of life." Jim Kraeling, Savannah, GA
• "I thought it was a great convention. Learned lots by talking to other franchisees, both old and new." Steve Boriss, Chesterfield, MO
• "I thought Jim's presentations were spot on! I especially like when he laid down the 'model' speech, informing us how we should conform to the proven procedures. Heck, I'm new, I'm going to try it that way, for sure." Dave Mauldin, Austin, TX
• "What a great convention! The HD staff did a great job mixing some fun with the work. I always come away recognizing some areas that I need to focus on and make changes in to the way I do business." Steve Cranford, High Point, NC

Top 100 Remodeling Markets for 2011 Provided by Remodeling Magazine

Though the economy has been tough on the real estate market, House Doctors is poised for growth in 2011 by continuing to provide customers with great service and a professional finished product in a timely manner. In addition, while the real estate market may still be far from recovery, the remodeling industry is expecting to see an upswing this year and House Doctors has remained the market leader in the professional handyman segment and expect to see an increase in business this year.

In the article, Remodeling Magazine breaks down the top 100 remodeling markets. A portion of the article is included below and it can be read in its entirety by clicking here.


Top 100 Markets
Our first annual forecast of the 100 hottest remodeling markets
By:Sal Alfano

While new-home construction is still in the doldrums, there is evidence that remodeling has hit bottom and is poised for an upswing in the coming year. But remodeling activity is mainly a local phenomenon, and although the overall remodeling market responds to global and national economic trends, some markets are likely to rebound faster than others. The question is, which ones? Our Top 100 Markets list provides the first real answer.

The Top 100 Markets list is based on the Residential Remodeling Index (RRI), a unique new metric designed to provide insights into and forecasts of remodeling activity by market. (The RRI was created by Hanley Wood Market Intelligence, a division of the company that publishes this magazine.)

Issued quarterly and seasonally adjusted, the RRI “Composite Index” measures the overall level of remodeling activity nationally and in 366 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). The index essentially benchmarks the current level of remodeling activity, both nationally and in a given market, against activity in 2007, the baseline year. A number above 100 indicates a level of remodeling activity higher than the level of activity in first-quarter 2007, which was the peak of remodeling activity nationally in the prior decade.

(Read More)

House Doctors featured in Washington Examiner

House Doctors was recently featured in an article in The Washington Examiner entitled, “There are still a lot of properties available to rehabilitate – but finding them can be a challenge.” The article discusses the difficulty of finding a “fixer-upper” to live in or fix up and then resell, and gives advice to first-time home buyers looking to avoid bad investments. Hugh Sutherland weighs in as owner/operator of House Doctors in Northern Virginia and an investor in rehab properties, explaining that foreclosures and short sales need love and attention in order to become liveable for families on a budget. He explains the drop in house-flippers and investors like himself, and says that instead, families are moving into these homes. This article will provide some great exposure for House Doctors in metro DC, and should generate some local interest in fixing up homes, and who to call when one wants to take on these kinds of projects. A portion of the article is included below and it can be read in its entirety by clicking here.

There are still a lot of properties available to rehabilitate – but finding them can be a challenge
By: Deborah Huso

Finding a fixer-upper to flip, or to live in for a time and then resell later for a profit, is not as easy as scanning the real estate listings.

“Some properties may fit fixer-upper categories in the buyer’s eye, but not be listed that way by the seller,” said Jonathan Hill, president of RealEstate Business Intelligence in Rockville, a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Regional Information Systems.

The seller or the seller’s agent may want to avoid what they perceive as a negative moniker.

That said, it is not surprising there are more of these properties on the market in the D.C. metro area these days — and that more of them are selling. RBI’s figures from April to September this year show 997 fixer homes sold in the District and surrounding areas, including the cities of Alexandria and Falls Church, Arlington and Fairfax counties in Virginia, and Montgomery and Prince George’s counties in Maryland. That’s a jump from the 650 to 750 sold during the same periods from 2005 to 2008.

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House Doctors featured in Atlanta Home Improvement

House Doctors' Jarid Kossen was recently featured in Atlanta Home Improvement’s Expert Q&A in October. The Q&A is over the topic of winterizing the home and Jarid give’s some tips on how homeowners can do simple things to make sure their home is weatherized for the winter. The article can be seen in PDF format below:

HouseDoctors.AtlantaHomeImprovement.10.01.10

House Doctors tells MainStreet.com how to winterize homes

House Doctors was featured in an article and slideshow on MainStreet.com entitled, “How to Winterize Your Home.” The article discusses different ways to winterize your home and provided very useful tips for people at home looking to make these changes and cut costs. Check out a portion of the article below or read the full story here.

How to Winterize Your Home
By Jeanine Skowronski

With Halloween approaching and Thanksgiving not far behind, homeowners need to start preparing their houses for winter weather. After all, advance preparations can save money, preserve energy and increase safety as you transition into the winter months.To help you and your home weather the inevitable storms, MainStreet consulted the experts to find out what homeowners should do before the temperature drops drastically.

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