Home Services Franchise Cost in the USA?
As homeownership continues to rise and homeowners seek reliable help with repairs, maintenance, and upgrades, the demand for home services has exploded. In 2025, the U.S. home services market is expected to exceed $657 billion, driven by increased spending on home improvements, aging properties, and the growing demand for convenience.
From plumbing and painting to handyman services and landscaping, home services franchises offer recession-resistant business opportunities with moderate startup costs, recurring customers, and scalable growth potential.
In this 3,000-word guide, we’ll explore:
- Home services market trends
- Categories of home service franchises
- Cost breakdown and investment ranges
- Top franchise brands in 2025
- Profitability and revenue insights
- Franchisee qualifications and approvals
- Funding options
- Industry risks and emerging trends
- Franchise comparison chart
- Final thoughts for potential investors
1. Home Services Industry Trends (2025)
- Market Size: $657B U.S. home services market (projected 2025)
- Growth Rate: 6.4% CAGR
- Drivers:
- 77% of U.S. homes are over 20 years old
- Rise in remote work = more home maintenance
- Aging population outsourcing tasks
- Desire for reliable, branded service providers
2. Categories of Home Service Franchises
- Handyman Services: General repairs, assembly, installations (e.g., Mr. Handyman)
- Painting Services: Residential and commercial (e.g., CertaPro Painters)
- Plumbing & HVAC: Repairs, inspections, upgrades (e.g., Benjamin Franklin Plumbing)
- Cleaning & Restoration: Disaster recovery, mold, deep cleaning (e.g., 1-800 WATER DAMAGE)
- Landscaping & Lawn Care: Maintenance, hardscaping, design (e.g., The Grounds Guys)
3. Startup Costs for Home Service Franchises
| Expense Category | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $25,000 – $60,000 |
| Equipment & Tools | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Vehicle & Branding | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Insurance & Licensing | $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Office or Storage Space | $5,000 – $25,000 |
| Training & Marketing | $5,000 – $20,000 |
| Working Capital | $25,000 – $75,000 |
| Total Estimate | $100,000 – $300,000+ |
4. Top Home Services Franchises in 2025
1. Mr. Handyman (Part of Neighborly)
- Startup Cost: $117K – $149K
- Franchise Fee: $59,900
- Royalty: 6% + 2% marketing
- Services: General repairs, drywall, tile, carpentry
2. The Grounds Guys
- Startup Cost: $85K – $200K
- Franchise Fee: $35,000
- Royalty: 6% + 2% marketing
- Services: Landscaping, lawn care, seasonal maintenance
3. CertaPro Painters
- Startup Cost: $135K – $225K
- Franchise Fee: $57,500
- Royalty: 5% + 3% marketing
- Services: Interior and exterior painting
4. 1-800 WATER DAMAGE
- Startup Cost: $78K – $190K
- Franchise Fee: $59,000
- Royalty: 8% + 1% marketing
- Services: Water/fire damage restoration, mold, sewage
5. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
- Startup Cost: $150K – $300K
- Franchise Fee: $43,000
- Royalty: 6% + 2% marketing
- USP: Emergency plumbing + maintenance plans
5. Profitability Benchmarks
| Franchise | Avg Revenue/Unit | Net Profit Margin | Break-Even Period |
| Mr. Handyman | $750K – $1.1M | 18–25% | 18–30 months |
| The Grounds Guys | $400K – $800K | 15–22% | 18–30 months |
| CertaPro Painters | $1.2M – $2M | 20–25% | 24–36 months |
| 1-800 WATER DAMAGE | $600K – $1.2M | 18–22% | 24–36 months |
| Benjamin Franklin Plumbing | $1.5M – $2.5M | 20–30% | 24–36 months |
6. Franchisee Requirements
- Net Worth: $150K – $500K
- Liquid Capital: $50K – $150K
- Experience: Helpful but not always required
- Owner Role: Owner-operator or semi-absentee (depending on model)
7. Funding Options
- SBA 7(a) Loans: Low rates, long-term repayment
- Franchisor Lenders: Brands like Neighborly and Home Franchise Concepts offer financing help
- ROBS: Use retirement funds tax-free
- Equipment Leasing: Helps reduce upfront capital
8. Risks & Trends in Home Services
Risks:
- Labor shortages in skilled trades
- Licensing and regional code compliance
- Seasonality in landscaping, painting
Trends:
- Smart home integration services
- Eco-friendly solutions (e.g., water-saving landscaping)
- Subscription-based home maintenance plans
- Aging-in-place modifications (ramps, bathroom retrofits)
9. Franchise Comparison Table
| Franchise | Startup Cost | Franchise Fee | Avg Revenue | Breakeven |
| Mr. Handyman | $117K – $149K | $59,900 | $1M | 18–30 months |
| The Grounds Guys | $85K – $200K | $35,000 | $600K | 18–30 months |
| CertaPro Painters | $135K – $225K | $57,500 | $1.5M | 24–36 months |
| 1-800 WATER DAMAGE | $78K – $190K | $59,000 | $900K | 24–36 months |
| Benjamin Franklin Plumbing | $150K – $300K | $43,000 | $2M | 24–36 months |
10. Final Thoughts
A home services franchise can offer steady cash flow, high local demand, and community trust—especially when backed by a recognizable brand.
Before choosing:
- Analyze your territory’s demographics and real estate mix
- Understand licensing and insurance requirements
- Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
- Interview active franchisees about support and ROI
If you want a scalable, service-driven business with solid margins, home services franchises deliver both income potential and long-term equity.
