1-800 WATER DAMAGE Franchise – Costs, Fees, Investment & Opportunity

1-800 WATER DAMAGE Franchise Overview

Founded	2015
Headquarters	Ann Arbor, Michigan
Franchising Since	2016
Total Units	178
Industry Category	Restoration services
Initial Investment Range	$220,803 – $315,448

Why You May Choose 1-800 WATER DAMAGE? / Franchise Highlights

With a strong foothold in the property restoration industry, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE is rapidly expanding its presence across the United States. The franchise offers expert services in water and flood damage restoration, mold remediation, fire and smoke damage restoration, and sewage cleanup. Some locations also provide specialized services like biohazard and trauma clean-up and reconstruction, ensuring comprehensive solutions for varied property restoration needs. As their franchise network continues to grow, the team of dedicated professionals remains committed to restoring properties and peace of mind to homeowners and business owners nationwide.

Supported by the well-regarded BELFOR Franchise Group, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE focuses on delivering high-quality services paired with exceptional customer experiences. Their mission is straightforward: start with empathy and finish with expertise. This approach positions the local owners and crews as the dependable choice in times of crisis, offering services that stand out for their quality and dedication. Available 24/7, each franchise owner enhances their community's safety and resilience with consistent, high-standard property restoration.

As Austin Dushane, a 1-800 WATER DAMAGE franchisee in Harrisburg and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, notes, "[1-800 WATER DAMAGE] encourages growth and supports you even if you're having a bad week. The focus is on helping you get where you need to be, with the amount of support tailored to your needs. If you require more sales training, more marketing help, or assistance with the nuances of business, there's a regional coach available to help. They offer both structured systems and tailored support."

1-800 WATER DAMAGE has been consistently recognized by Entrepreneur magazine, claiming spots in the Top 200 Franchises and being lauded among the Top Franchises for Veterans—a testament to their commitment to excellence and franchisee satisfaction.

The franchise offers a tested system backed by years of strategic business planning. Their state-of-the-art training facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is pivotal to franchisee success, offering top-notch educational resources to help new owners master their businesses. Equipped with technology-enhanced classrooms, an on-site flood house for practical training, and guidance from industry experts, they ensure their franchisees are well-prepared to become trusted experts in their communities.

Joining 1-800 WATER DAMAGE means stepping into an industry-leading franchise system that removes the uncertainties of business startups. “We never forget that our franchisees leave their careers to pursue the dream of owning a business,” says Tim Fagan, President of 1-800 WATER DAMAGE. “This is why we have one of the best training platforms in the industry, and it is why we’re so committed to giving our franchisees the tools and resources to help them succeed."

This level of commitment empowers franchise owners to restore properties and lives with confidence and support every step of the way.

Financial Requirements

• Liquid Capital Required: $100,000
• Net Worth Requirement: $300,000
• Special Discounts: A 20% veteran discount on the initial franchise fee

Training & Support

• Onboarding: With decades of experience backing their business strategies, they've eliminated the uncertainties of launching your own enterprise by providing a proven franchise system. Both the managing owner and any appointed manager are required to successfully finish the Jumpstart Training Program within two months of signing the Franchise Agreement. This must occur before attending the Business Manager and Technical Operations Training, as well as prior to opening the 1-800 WATER DAMAGE franchise.
• Initial Training: 1-800 WATER DAMAGE ensures franchise owners receive a thorough grounding in their cutting-edge systems and equipment. Over the course of approximately 12 days, participants engage in both classroom and practical field training at the advanced facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This immersive environment is tailored to hone your expertise in managing your new business. Featuring tech-enabled classrooms and a real-world flood house, the training provides practical, hands-on learning experiences. With the guidance of industry experts, you are equipped with comprehensive resources to establish yourself as a reliable authority in your community.
• Ongoing Training and Support: Franchisees benefit from the online learning center, offering numerous tools and resources to help them reach personal milestones. Attendance at the annual 1-800 WATER DAMAGE Convention is required. Franchisees are also expected to participate in periodic refresher training sessions and conferences, limited to one per year, conducted at times and locations determined by the franchisor.
• Marketing and Brand Support: Effective marketing is crucial to the success of any business, which is why you are equipped with proven strategies and tools to expand your reach. As part of the BELFOR Franchise Group, franchise owners benefit from comprehensive marketing guidance and support from the corporate headquarters. This includes assistance in enhancing your digital presence, expert coaching on lead generation, building and managing your social media profiles, and oversight of online review platforms. Moreover, you are supplied with marketing materials to effectively promote your business.

Territory & Operations

• Territory Model: Protected territory with opportunities for expansion, but not exclusive. Territories are typically sized to encompass 350,000 people. These territories are delineated by political boundaries, such as county or city lines, or by ZIP codes, all of which are subject to change.
• Operating and Compliance Guidelines: Franchisees are required to follow specific advertising and operational rules within their assigned territories. They must fully commit their time and consistently give their best effort each day to manage the business. Due to the urgent nature of the services offered, franchisees must be accessible around the clock, every day of the week, to attend to service calls. Non-compliance with these guidelines could lead to penalties or the loss of specific corporate program benefits.

History & System Size

Founded in 2002 as a residential indoor air quality and duct cleaning business in Ann Arbor, Michigan, DUCTZ was acquired by BELFOR Property Restoration in 2007, leading to the formation of the BELFOR Franchise Group. This acquisition marked the beginning of a series of strategic expansions within the franchise group, including the launch of HOODZ in 2009 and the acquisition of 1-800 WATER DAMAGE in 2016.

Since then, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE has grown into a trusted name in the property restoration industry, providing comprehensive restoration and remediation services with a strong emphasis on customer care. With over 150 locations across the U.S., the franchise is committed to empowering ambitious and dedicated entrepreneurs, offering robust training, support, and resources.

They particularly welcome military veterans, incentivizing their participation through the Vetfran program. Under the guidance of the BELFOR Franchise Group, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE continues to thrive, ensuring that its franchise owners receive ongoing coaching and business development opportunities.

• First franchise sold: 2016
• Total current locations: 175

How It Works / Process to Owning a 1-800 WATER DAMAGE Franchise

• Step 1: Request Information. Embarking on the journey to own a 1-800 WATER DAMAGE franchise begins with gathering comprehensive information. This initial step is crucial for understanding the potential and responsibilities that come with owning a franchise. By reaching out to Franchising Path, you can significantly streamline this process. They offer expert guidance, helping you navigate the intricate details of franchising opportunities. Franchising Path’s goal is to help you get access to all necessary resources to make an informed decision, presenting you with a streamlined approach tailored to your needs and goals.
• Step 2: Pre-Approval Process. The pre-approval phase is a critical step during which the franchisor evaluates your suitability as a franchise owner. It involves an assessment of your financial standing, experience, and business acumen. Franchising Path's consulting services can be invaluable during this stage, offering solid consultation and potentially enhancing your profile to make you the best candidate for approval. Their experienced consultants will work closely with you to provide a solid sounding board of an experienced franchise consultant and help determine if what you are looking for in a franchise aligns with 1-800 WATER DAMAGE's expectations.
• Step 3: Training Program. Once approved by the franchisor, you will be awarded a territory, purchase the franchising rights, and enter the training phase, which is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully operate a 1-800 WATER DAMAGE franchise. The franchisor and fellow franchisees will be supportive partners, offering additional insights and strategies to maximize your learning.
• Step 4: Launch and Ongoing Support After completing your training, the launch phase will begin, with ongoing support from 1-800 WATER DAMAGE's business development team. The franchisor's system helps refine your business practices, optimize operations, and foster growth.
• Typical Timeline for Onboarding. The typical onboarding process is meticulously structured to set you on the path to success. Using 1-800 WATER DAMAGE's business model template, you will have a conversation with their operations partners and support team to discuss your path to potential success within the first few weeks after signing the franchise agreement.

Your Path to Owning a 1-800 WATER DAMAGE Franchise Starts Here

Thinking about buying a 1-800 WATER DAMAGE franchise? You're not alone. 1-800 WATER DAMAGE is one of the most trusted names in water damage and property damage restoration—and you're smart to be considering a brand that’s backed, through its parent company, BELFOR, by decades of success, operational support, and recession-resistant services.

But here's the truth: Franchising isn't just about signing a check and hoping for the best.

That's where Franchising Path steps in.

Clarity Over Complexity: Learn Real Franchise Investigation Through a Proven Process

We break it all down—no fluff, no pressure. Whether you’re exploring 1-800 WATER DAMAGE for the first time or you've been browsing franchise directories for weeks, our system walks you through:

• What it really takes to get approved as a 1-800 WATER DAMAGE franchisee
• Disclosure documents and due diligence—decoded
• ROI frameworks—how to evaluate 1-800 WATER DAMAGE against your goals
• Territory analysis, training insights, and startup timelines
• Direct access to advisors who’ve been in your shoes—and succeeded

Navigate with Confidence—Not Guesswork

The franchising world can be confusing, full of jargon and sales speak. We’re here to cut through that noise and put you in control.

Common 1-800 WATER DAMAGE Franchise Questions

What’s included in the initial investment?

The initial investment for a 1-800 WATER DAMAGE franchise typically ranges from $220,803 to $315,448, covering the franchise fees, equipment package, branded vehicle setup, initial training expenses, and working capital. This includes essentials such as restoration tools, software systems, a comprehensive training platform, and onboarding support. 1-800 WATER DAMAGE often requires purchasing from approved vendors, and a cash reserve (liquid assets) is necessary to cover early operational expenses. Always refer to the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for exact figures and obligations.

What are royalty and marketing fees? 

• Royalty fees are a monthly payment that typically represents a percentage of your gross sales. In 1-800 WATER DAMAGE's case, franchise owners pay anywhere from 3% to 10%, depending on the total gross sales of the current calendar year.
• Some franchises charge an additional monthly advertising or marketing fee, which, in the case of 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, is 2% of gross sales.
• Additional monthly fees for software, training, or events may apply.

How long is the training? 

The business and operational training for a 1-800 WATER DAMAGE franchise is a comprehensive 12-day program held at their state-of-the-art Training Facility in Ann Arbor, Michigan. This initial training includes hands-on sessions, continuous marketing assistance, financial mentorship, expert branding guidance, premium equipment, and access to a 24/7 call center, ensuring that no opportunity is missed. Additional training and certification will be necessary in the months following the in-person sessions, along with ongoing refresher courses and conferences to keep you up to date.

Is financing available? 

1-800 WATER DAMAGE collaborates with third-party lenders to ease the path to financing. Being part of the reputable BELFOR Franchise Group enhances the likelihood of securing funding from lenders, thanks to its proven success record. Additionally, as a listing in the SBA Franchise Directory, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE makes you eligible for SBA loans or other financing alternatives to bolster your investment. Reach out to us below for more details or referrals. The franchise also provides a cost-effective option to transform an existing restoration business into a new location, with required investments ranging from $72,903 to $299,548.

Are territories exclusive? 

Although not exclusive, franchisees will have access to large, protected territories with the ability to expand.