Building a Better Way: How House Doctors Is Changing Home Repair on the Seacoast

Anyone who has owned a home knows the feeling. A growing list of repairs, calls to contractors that go unanswered, and appointments that never happen. For Stephanie and Devon Moore, those frustrations were not occasional inconveniences. They were problems the couple encountered time and time again. Instead of accepting it, they decided to build something better.

Today, their company, House Doctors of the Seacoast, helps homeowners across the Portsmouth area tackle everything from small repairs to larger renovation projects. But before they ever opened their doors, the Moores had to answer the same question many first-time entrepreneurs face. How do you turn a good idea into a real business?

Many of their answers came through with help from the NH SBDC.

From DIY Projects to a Business Vision

Long before launching their company, the Moores spent years repairing their own homes and rental properties. They flipped houses, worked in real estate, and handled countless projects themselves. Along the way, they kept running into the same problem. Dependable home repair services were surprisingly hard to find. Contractors often skipped smaller jobs, communication was inconsistent, and scheduling could be unreliable.

Over time, the couple began to see an opportunity. They believed homeowners deserved a better experience, one built on clear communication, professionalism, and reliable workmanship.

When a franchise coach introduced them to House Doctors, the concept immediately resonated. The franchise offered systems and operational support while allowing the Moores to build a local company rooted in trust.

Still, launching a business for the first time brought plenty of unknowns. To evaluate the opportunity and prepare for ownership, the Moores connected with the NH SBDC.

Finding a Trusted Advisor

In 2025, Stephanie and Devon began working with NH SBDC business advisor Warren Daniel. For two entrepreneurs stepping into business ownership for the first time, having an experienced advisor quickly became invaluable.

Stephanie recalls that the advising sessions gave them a space to think through decisions and pressure test their ideas. “We had someone that we could bounce our ideas off of, to kind of help catch us before we fell,” she said.

Through regular conversations, Warren helped the Moores evaluate the franchise model, review financial projections, and plan for the realities of running a business. They discussed territory considerations, hiring strategies, and ways to build efficient operations from the beginning.

Warren remembers that the Moores approached each meeting thoughtfully and came prepared with questions. They were determined to understand the areas where they had the most to learn. That preparation helped them build a strong framework for launching their company.

Building the Right Foundation

As part of their work with the NH SBDC, the Moores also participated in the SBDC’s LeAF program, which connects small business owners with legal, accounting, or professional financial services at no cost.

Through the program, they worked with an attorney to establish their operating agreement and complete key legal documentation. For entrepreneurs launching their first business, access to that level of expertise can make a major difference.

Stephanie later described the experience as incredibly helpful, explaining that they had many questions and appreciated having an expert guide them through every step.

With their legal structure, financial planning, and advising support in place, the Moores were ready to move forward.

A Business Built on Reliability

House Doctors of the Seacoast quickly developed a reputation for tackling the jobs many contractors overlook. The company handles punch lists, minor repairs, and single fixes while also managing larger renovation projects, aging-in-place assessments, and coordinating with specialty contractors.

Demand came quickly. Within the first few months, the pace of growth surprised even the Moores. Stephanie later joked that the experience felt like “building the car while it was already moving.”

Growing With Confidence

As the business accelerated, the Moores continued working with Warren and the NH SBDC to navigate the challenges of early growth.

Hiring and building a reliable team quickly became a priority. During advising sessions, Warren often walked the couple through possible scenarios and challenges they might encounter as the business expanded.

Stephanie says those conversations helped them feel more prepared as they made decisions about staffing and operations. Devon also found Warren’s professional network valuable and noted that a recommendation from a trusted advisor can often be more useful than searching online.

Looking Ahead

Today, House Doctors of the Seacoast is preparing for a busy spring season. The Moores are refining procedures, strengthening their team, and exploring ways to expand services for real estate professionals and property owners. In the future, they hope to help buyers complete inspection punch lists and assist landlords with apartment turnovers.

Their professional backgrounds continue to shape how they run the business. Devon previously worked in banking, while Stephanie built a career in product development. Those experiences now help guide the company’s strategy and operations.

Looking back, the Moores say the guidance they received through the NH SBDC helped them move forward with confidence as they built their company. Having an experienced advisor gave them a place to test ideas, ask questions, and prepare for challenges before they happened.