There are franchise operations now that will...

There are franchise operations now that will not only make minor household repairs but also remodel, redecorate and add rooms to homes. A survey published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in its Nation’s Business magazine counted more than 60 of these franchise companies specializing in household services. “This is basically a service-minded society,” said Bill Fisher, president of Spring-Green Lawn Care, based in Naperville, Ill. “We think there is a vast number of services people are willing to purchase.” Fisher’s firm, which has sold more than 100 franchises, offers garden fertilizing and pest control.

In Indianapolis, the chamber reported, Steven Bursten noticed that consumers wanted help remodeling and decorating their homes but could not afford to hire a professional interior decorator. His solution: Cut costs by having franchise holders work out of their own homes.

Mr. Build, founded in Santa Ana five years ago, has more than 500 franchise holders--founded first to do remodeling but more recently taking on household repairs as well.