Steam Brothers vs UBuildIt Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Steam Brothers Franchise
UBuildIt Franchise
Investment $22,000 - $53,500$113,500 - $223,800
Franchise Fee $16,000$35,000
Royalty Fee 5-6.5%$1,000 monthly
Advertising Fee --
Year Founded 19771988
Year Franchised 19841998
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Term Of Agreement 10 years10 years
Renewal Fee $1K$10K


Business Experience Requirements
 
Steam Brothers Franchise
UBuildIt Franchise
Experience -
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • Sales skills
    		•

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

    Training & Support
     
    Steam Brothers Franchise
    UBuildIt Franchise
    Training -Available at headquarters: 1 week
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations

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

    Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising, Marketing creatives
    Operations Franchise can be run from home.

    2% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 1 - 3

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

    		 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)

    Expansion Plans
     
    Steam Brothers Franchise
    UBuildIt Franchise
    US Expansion YesYes
    Canada Expansion NoNo
    International Expansion NoNo

    Company Overviews

    About Steam Brothers

    After 16 years in the supermarket business, Adam Leier was looking for a way to go into business for himself. He purchased Steam Brothers, an existing cleaning business, in 1977 and began franchising in 1984. Steam Brothers has locations throughout the Midwest and is based in Bismarck, North Dakota.

    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.