Epcon Communities vs Garage Living Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Epcon Communities Franchise
Garage Living Franchise
Investment $887,200 - $4,569,000$236,750 - $313,500
Franchise Fee $50,000$60,000
Royalty Fee 1% to 2%6.5%
Advertising Fee $500/ month6% Local + 2% Nat'l
Year Founded 1986-
Year Franchised 1995-
Term Of Agreement Completion of 1 market area5 years +5+5+5
Term Of Agreement Completion of 1 market area5 years +5+5+5
Renewal Fee $25000-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Epcon Communities Franchise
Garage Living Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • Upper management experience

    • Garage Living franchise owners are not required to have prior construction or remodeling industry experience, but it can be helpful to understand the basics of running a business like ours. In fact, we welcome the opportunity to open a dialogue with existing similar or complementary home improvement businesses who wish to add the Garage Living system to their current operations. In general, we are seeking franchise candidates who have good communications and customer service skills, a strong work ethic, and a dedication to the local community. A solid understanding of business management is also important, and sales skills are also helpful. We expect that franchise owners have adequate capital to invest in the business, and we also expect franchise owners to be directly involved in the daily operations of the franchise business. But regardless of your background, we will provide the training and tools you need to run your Garage Living franchise effectively.


    Financing Options
     
    Epcon Communities Franchise
    Garage Living Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/No-/-
    Equipment No/No-/-
    Inventory No/No-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Epcon Communities Franchise
    Garage Living Franchise
    Training Available at headquarters

    Pre-Opening Training: including classroom and hands-on exercises, plus on-site training with a Garage Living representative at your location.
    Support Toll-free phone line, field consultants, Intranet, marketing, training

    Ongoing Support: including updates, remote assistance, refresher training programs and business planning meetings.
    Marketing Marketing plans, materials, field support

    Marketing Assistance: including a professionally-developed library of project photographs (before and after), customizable marketing materials, online tools, and more.
    Operations

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 4

    Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Epcon Communities Franchise
    Garage Living Franchise
    US Expansion --
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion Yes-

    Company Overviews

    About Epcon Communities

    In 1986, Philip Fankhauser and Edward Bacome founded Epcon Homes & Communities in Columbus, OH when they built their first residential community. Three years later, a local builder who wanted to utilize their successful design and floor plans for a community in a nearby city approached the duo. The partners were hesitant to license their already proven system out to other builders and, at the time, had little interest in expanding outside of the Columbus market. However, their designs and floor plans became so widely popular that others also soon came calling, seeking to build an Epcon Homes & Communities-style development in neighboring cities or in outlying areas of Ohio. Fankhauser and Bacome finally granted the first license to use their successful construction plans and the franchising concept was born. The company began franchising in 1995 and has not looked back. Epcon Communities and its franchisees built over 25,000 homes and established franchises in 30 states.
    Epcon is seeking new franchise units throughout the U.S.
    Epcon's long-term goal is to expand into all 50 states, Canada and Central America.

    "Entrepreneur
    #398 in Franchise 500 for 2020.





    About Garage Living

    Garage Living has established itself as the premier full service, turn-key garage improvement company.
    Garage Living is currently building a franchise network and is looking for a select group of individuals who are passionate about design, construction and customer service. Our system offers our franchisees an opportunity to be your own boss while providing the support to build a successful business.
    Garage Living - a premium home improvement franchiseGarage Living is full-service, single-source solution for any garage remodeling needs. Over the years, we have developed and refined a solid business concept dedicated to helping our clients understand the importance and benefits of organizing and remodeling their garages, with a wide variety of components that are in keeping with the high quality finishes in other areas of their home. As a Garage Living franchise owner, you, too, can provide your clients with specialized, high-end garage solutions that can be customized for their individual spaces and budgets. And, you can do it all with confidence, with full access to all our exclusive tools, resources, programs, and sales techniques to help grow your own business! Picture yourself owning and operating a premium home improvement franchise business in a compelling and growing industry sector, backed by the support of a team of experts that is there for you every step of the way. Contact us today and find out how you can take advantage of an incredible home improvement franchise opportunity - make a difference in the lives of discerning clients in your local area.