UBuildIt vs CRATE Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of UBuildIt vs CRATE including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
UBuildIt Franchise
CRATE Franchise
Investment $113,500 - $223,800$100,424 - $177,999
Franchise Fee $35,000$22,000 - $46,000
Royalty Fee $1,000 monthly2%-4%
Advertising Fee -$38,500 - $42,000 annually
Year Founded 19882011
Year Franchised 19982015
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Term Of Agreement 10 years-
Renewal Fee $10K-


Business Experience Requirements
 
UBuildIt Franchise
CRATE Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Sales skills

    • We're looking to partner with motivated entrepreneurs who have liquid funds amounting to at least 150% of the figures listed in Item 7 of CRATE's Franchise Disclosure Document, and proper licensing.

    Financing Options
     
    UBuildIt Franchise
    CRATE Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support
     
    UBuildIt Franchise
    CRATE Franchise
    Training Available at headquarters: 1 week

    Ongoing
    Support

    Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives, Annual convention

    CRATE franchisees receive ongoing training and support with everything from lead screening, marketing, sales, project management, field implementation, and security/safety procedures. CRATE's 24/7 support team offers contractors the benefit of warmed up leads and setting up initial walk-throughs.
    Marketing

    Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising, Marketing creatives

    		-
    Operations 10% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 2

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    Our time-tested business model equips contractors with the necessary tools to offer a residential construction business which offers affordable remodeling for kitchens and bathrooms to customers wishing to implement a high-end renovation to an existing kitchen or bathroom layout. Our system is designed to maximized efficiency, as well as profit-per-workday.

    Expansion Plans
     
    UBuildIt Franchise
    CRATE Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion No-

    Company Overviews

    About UBuildIt

    Prosper in construction consulting while reducing your workload and liability. By adding the UBuildIt consulting system to your business, you will find an easier way to build homes and regain extra time and money in the process. Instead of contracting to build; you are coaching homeowners. You’re offering a service that allows you to diversify and stand out from the pack! You’re using first-class marketing materials, Internet tools, and a complete business system backed with professional support. Imagine taking less risk - and having more time to golf, swim, and see your kids.

    Our UBuildIt Franchisees are doing it. Why not you?
    Here is what makes UBuildIt unique in the market place: 1. We are the number one Owner Builder Company in the United States! We were founded in 1988 and: have built over 14,000 homes with this system You would be joining a world class organization that has earned its top spot! 2. We partner with builders to give them a broader offering - something that other builders do not have! Use UBuildIt for fantastic lead generation and be able to truly serve your clients with whatever product best fits their needs! 3. We also partner with entrepreneurs who are interested in the building industry and who see the potential for success in UBuildIt as a sales and marketing tool. Such partners are often the most successful franchise but their cost tend to be higher as they do have the added expense of hiring an experienced project manager or general contractor to handle the onsite reviews with the clients during construction. Don't be afraid to research if you're not a qualified builder; hiring is not difficult as a rule but it does increase your initial overhead. 4. We have proven examples of what can be achieved with a manageable marketing campaign. A quality marketing campaign can be even more effective as local offices band together giving the opportunity for a huge impact. The UBuildIt system is home building, your way. Our proven system allows you to build your own home exactly the way you want. That is why we say it is home building, your way. Unlike other ways to build your own home, with the UBuildIt system, we provide expert guidance that will help make your home building project a success. Our expert construction consultants are with you all the way through the home building process - including up to 23 on-site consultations. This level of customer service provides assurance that your house construction project will stay on track.UBuildIt was founded in 1988 by Chuck Warrender and has been franchising since 1998. UBuildIt helps customers who want to do their own building or remodeling projects but aren't sure where to start. Franchisees assist customers in the planning and construction process with tasks such as obtaining plans, permits, subcontractors, financing and site inspections. The company is based in Edmond, Oklahoma.
    We offer 10% off the initial franchise fee to Veterans.

    About CRATE

    CRATE Franchise Systems -- the franchisor of kitchenCRATE and bathCRATE -- offers home improvement specialists industry-leading solutions in lead generation and maximizing profit-per-workday while helping them deliver organized, efficient remodeling services. Each signature crate, an 8' x 16' x 8' tall container, includes all the necessary tools and materials contractors need to complete a quality remodel in as little as seven days. CRATE Franchise Systems is now expanding through a targeted franchise program. Immediate opportunities are available in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Oregon.