How to Evaluate a Restoration Franchise Before You Sign
Buying a franchise is one of the most significant financial decisions you'll make. The right one builds long-term wealth. The wrong one costs years of time and capital.
Here's exactly what to look for before you sign anything.
Why Due Diligence Matters More in Franchising Than Any Other Investment
A franchise agreement is a long-term legal commitment. Most run 10 years or more.
The FDD (Franchise Disclosure Document) is your most important tool. Any franchisor operating legally in the US is required to provide it before you sign. If they resist sharing it, walk away.
The Restoration Franchise Due Diligence Checklist
Work through these eight questions with any restoration franchise before you commit.
1. Does the Brand Publish Real Earnings Data?
This is the first filter. Many franchise brands hide behind vague language about "revenue potential." The best ones publish Item 19 of their FDD with full franchisee earnings data.
Ask for it upfront. If they won't share it, that tells you everything.
What to Ask
- Do they publish Item 19 franchisee earnings data?
- Will they share it upfront, before you sign?
2. What Is the Total Investment, Including All Fees?
The franchise fee is just one line item. Get the full picture:
Full Cost Picture
- Initial franchise fee
- Equipment, vehicle outfitting, and technology setup
- Working capital reserve
- Monthly royalties and whether they scale as you grow
- Technology and call center fees
- Recommended local marketing budget
3. Is the Royalty Structure Built to Reward Growth?
A flat royalty rate that never changes punishes success. Look for a sliding scale structure where your royalty percentage decreases as your revenue grows.
That alignment between franchisor incentives and franchisee performance matters over the long run.
4. What Does Territory Protection Actually Mean?
Not all "protected territories" are equal. Get specific answers:
Questions to Ask
- How large is the territory in population?
- Are boundaries legally defined in the agreement?
- Can the franchisor operate competing services inside your territory?
- What happens if you want to expand?
5. What Training & Ongoing Support Is Included?
One-time onboarding is a red flag. Look for:
What to Look For
- Multi-phase training before launch
- Dedicated business coaches post-opening
- Access to a peer network of established franchisees
- Ongoing certification and operational support
6. How Does the Brand Generate Leads in Your Territory?
Your marketing infrastructure on day one matters enormously. Ask:
Marketing Questions
- Is there a national SEO and paid search program active in your market?
- Is there a 24/7 call center capturing emergency inbound jobs?
- Who manages local marketing and what does it cost?
7. Talk to Existing Franchisees
The FDD includes a full list of current and former franchisees. Call them. Ask what they wish they had known before signing, how responsive corporate support is, and whether they would do it again.
This conversation is the most valuable due diligence step available to any franchise buyer.
8. Review the FDD With a Franchise Attorney
A franchise attorney reviews the agreement for clauses that could limit your flexibility, renewal terms, exit conditions, and any obligations that aren't obvious on first read.
The cost of an attorney review is minimal compared to the cost of a problematic agreement.
How 911 Restoration Holds Up Against Every Item on This Checklist
Here is exactly how 911 Restoration answers each item on the checklist above.
Full FDD Item 19 Earnings Data, Published Transparently
- Top 25% of franchisees: $2,432,298 average annual gross revenue
- Top 50% of franchisees: $1,563,318 average annual gross revenue
- All franchisees: $941,753 average annual gross revenue
- Highest single franchisee: $7,348,102 in 2025
Clear, Transparent Investment Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Franchise fee | $55,000 |
| Total investment range | $168,000 to $334,000 |
| Royalties | Sliding scale from 9% down to 5% on restoration revenue as you grow |
| Technology fee | $495/month |
| Call center fee | $195/month |
| Recommended local marketing | $3,500/month |
Built to Reward Growth
A Royalty Structure That Rewards Scale
Our royalties start at 9% and decrease to 5% on restoration revenue as your volume grows. Reconstruction revenue carries a separate 3% royalty. The more you build, the more you keep.
Protected Territories of 300,000 Population
Every franchise comes with a legally defined, exclusive service area of approximately 300,000 people. No internal competition. No overlap.
National Marketing & 24/7 Call Center From Day One
Our national SEO, digital advertising, and brand campaigns are active in your territory from launch. Our 24/7 call center captures every emergency inbound call in your market around the clock.
Two-Phase Training & Dedicated Ongoing Coaching
- Phase 1: Virtual instruction before launch
- Phase 2: Hands-on field training in real job environments
- Dedicated business coaches tracking your growth post-opening
- Direct access to top-performing franchisees in the network
25% Veteran Discount on the Franchise Fee
As an IFA VetFran participant, we offer honorably discharged veterans a 25% discount on the $55,000 franchise fee, saving $13,750 at entry.
Start Your Due Diligence With 911 Restoration Franchise Today
The best way to evaluate us is to request the FDD and get on a call with our franchise development team. With 120+ franchisee owners across the US and Canada and a hard cap under 500, available markets are narrowing. Contact us today to request the full FDD and check territory availability in your market.
