Comments on: I have an idea for a new business, do you think it is a good idea.

By: constantworker

constantworker — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

You need to keep asking whether there is a market for that.

By: steve g

steve g — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

good, a fresh eye is all many houses need. I could do with you.

By: GillJay

GillJay — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

I think it’s a good idea for busy people who haven’t the time, inclination or knowledge. Good Luck.

By: sunflora

sunflora — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Just a thought but I wouldn’t offer a free consultation because you tell them what needs doing and they do it themselves. however, if you do an initial free consultation, advising if you think you could help them (without giving too much away) and then they pay say £250 up front for a full consultation, you could then knock this off the final works invoice/bill should they decide to use you for the work

By: Peilthetraveler

Peilthetraveler — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Of course its a good idea, although its already been thought of. Its called Home staging. Do a search on yahoo and you will see a ton of companies that do this.

By: Big Bad Ben

Big Bad Ben — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Great. but it’s not a new idea. People have been doing this for decades, sorry.

Why don’t you try selling the house you’re in now, buying a sh*t heap somewhere as cheap as possible, fix it up, sell it for a profit, and so on. not a new idea, but plenty of people are making a decent living from doing it.

By: bill757051

bill757051 — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Sounds interesting. Two comments:
1) make sure you don’t give away too much during the ‘free’ consultation - otherwise the client may do it themselves. You might want to offer 2 levels of service:
a) free consult with paid implementation; or
b) paid consultation with written report with an optional implementation (offering a ‘discount’)

2) make sure the estate agent will back up the increased value that your service can add

Good luck.

By: Bandit

Bandit — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

In the US, it would require a contractor’s license I think. It sounds like a fabulous business if you can get the clients I made more money part time refurbishing houses for resale than my full time job. However it required substantial capital to buy the properties and then the materials. Good luck.

By: Brian Blue

Brian Blue — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Depends on how good you are, it is not a unique idea but opportunities do exist,

By: ANF

ANF — Tue, 30 Nov 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Sounds quite good but people will be unlikely to employ and pay you to do this work unless they are well heeled. Why not first start up a painting, decorating and general repairs service and then as your name get known expand into your House Doctor idea. Best of luck.