Restoration 1 Franchise – Costs, Fees, Investment & Opportunity

Before You Invest in a Restoration 1 Franchise

Most franchise buyers focus on startup costs, franchise fees, and earnings potential. Those factors matter. But after helping hundreds of franchise candidates evaluate opportunities, we've found that the biggest mistakes usually happen when buyers fail to understand the day-to-day realities of ownership, staffing requirements, growth expectations, and overall fit.

Before investing in a Restoration 1 franchise, consider:

• Is this franchise aligned with your goals?
• What type of owner succeeds in this model?
• What challenges do franchisees commonly face?
• How does this brand compare to competing restoration franchises?
• What questions should you ask before making a decision?

This guide is designed to help you evaluate the opportunity from a buyer's perspective—not a sales perspective.

Restoration 1 Franchise Overview

Founded	2008
Headquarters	Waco, Texas
Franchising Since	2016
Total Units	310
Industry Category	Restoration services
Initial Investment Range	$126,525 – $309,500

Why You May Choose Restoration 1

Franchise Highlights

With a premier positioning in the restoration industry, Restoration 1 is advancing its reputation as a trusted provider of vital restoration services across the United States.

Offering a comprehensive suite of solutions, including water damage restoration, smoke and fire restoration, storm damage repair, and mold remediation, Restoration 1 ensures the timely and effective resolution of property disasters that strike homes and businesses alike. As such an essential service that’s always in demand, this restoration franchise opportunity addresses the pressing question not of if, but who to trust in restoring valuable properties. The $210 billion restoration industry continues to expand, driven by factors such as aging infrastructure, increasing severe weather events, and the escalating necessity for emergency response services.

Owning a Restoration 1 franchise means stepping into a business model that prioritizes industry-leading training and unwavering support, coupled with the advantageous opportunity to operate in major markets where availability still exists.

This minimal investment proposition, which includes options like launching from a small storage facility without the requirement of a traditional storefront, provides flexibility for franchisees to tailor their business operations according to preferences and market demands.

Restoration 1's support system is designed to help franchisees effectively engage with their local market through targeted training and marketing materials that resonate with customer needs, underpinned by a robust digital strategy that enhances visibility and customer conversion.

Unlike many in the sector, Restoration 1 refrains from direct insurance program involvement at the corporate level, empowering franchisees to cultivate independent operations while still engaging with insured claims through strong partnerships with insurance providers. This independent approach allows franchisees to focus on building direct relationships with property owners and insurance companies, fostering service excellence and bespoke quality in every restoration project.

Boasting accolades such as Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500 list and FranServe’s FRAN-TASTIC 500, Restoration 1 is recognized for its commitment to transforming lives through the power of franchise ownership. As Craig Nielsen, a proud franchise owner in Peachtree City, Georgia, testifies: “The organization really helps you gain traction very fast. ... What really has me excited about Restoration 1 is the potential to expand, the potential to grow.”

Join Restoration 1 and become a beacon of hope in your community, providing water, mold, and fire restoration expertise to neighbors in need. As the nation’s largest independent restoration company, with over 300 territories spanning 41 states, we stand united in our mission to deliver exceptional service in times of greatest need.

Financial Requirements

• Liquid Capital Required: $100,000
• Net Worth Requirement: $250,000
• Special Discounts: Honorably discharged veterans are eligible for a $9,000 discount off their initial franchise fee.

Training & Support

• Onboarding: Restoration 1 offers comprehensive operational support, robust franchise sales training, and strategic vendor partnerships, alongside a well-structured onboarding process designed to enable franchisees to efficiently expand their businesses.
• Initial Training: All new franchise owners participate in an extensive 12-day training session at R1 University, supplemented by external industry programs designed to prepare them for launching a Restoration 1 franchise. This comprehensive training encompasses every crucial aspect of the business, including techniques for water restoration, fire restoration, and mold removal and mitigation, effective business management strategies, community engagement, sales tactics, and customer service excellence, regardless of a new owner's industry experience. The hands-on training at the Dallas, Texas corporate facility ensures franchisees gain practical experience in industry best practices, proper equipment usage, and adherence to restoration standards. Additionally, the franchise facilitates the certification process for franchisees and their technicians with both the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) during this initial training phase.
• Ongoing Training and Support: The franchise further ensures owners remain current with industry developments and certification requirements through continuing education programs. Franchisees benefit from ongoing support, including access to a dedicated support team and strategic vendor alliances for equipment and supplies. Additionally, Restoration 1 fosters networking opportunities among franchisees, facilitating the exchange of best practices and valuable insights. With robust support and deep industry expertise, franchisees are well-equipped to expand their businesses while providing top-notch restoration services.
• Marketing and Brand Support: Once your business is up and running, their ongoing support also helps you network with local partners, build customer relationships, and use marketing resources designed to generate leads and drive local brand awareness, and continue expanding.

Territory & Operations

• Territory Model: Territories are delineated during the initial consultation process with the candidate and assigned to the new franchise owner; however, exclusivity is not guaranteed or specified.
• Operating and Compliance Guidelines: Franchisees are required to follow specific advertising and operational rules within their assigned territories. Non-compliance with these guidelines could lead to penalties or the loss of specific corporate program benefits.

History & System Size

Founded in 2008, Restoration 1 began as a water damage restoration and remediation company with a commitment to providing fast and reliable services to residential and commercial clients. The company quickly established itself as a leader in the industry by focusing on quality work and exceptional customer service, and by 2010, it was already establishing its first water and fire damage restoration franchise locations.

In 2016, Wetrich Holdings, a company known for investing in high-growth potential businesses, acquired Restoration 1, sparking a new era of expansion and development for the franchise. This acquisition marked the beginning of a strategic growth plan, resulting in a rapid increase in the number of franchise locations across the United States.

Recognizing the potential in related industries, Restoration 1 launched the bluefrog Plumbing + Drain franchise in 2017, further diversifying its service offerings and solidifying its position as a comprehensive home and commercial service provider. This move complemented Restoration 1’s existing services while opening additional opportunities for franchise owners.

Restoration 1 continues to support and empower its franchisees by offering extensive training, marketing resources, and operational support. The company prioritizes the growth and success of its franchise owners, fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration within the system.

Under the guidance of Gary Findley, a seasoned franchising expert who joined as CEO in 2016, Restoration 1 expanded to over 200 locations nationwide. And now, under the leadership of CEO Jessica Wescott, they continue to grow rapidly, welcoming passionate entrepreneurs who share our mission, values, and commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality service to their franchise owners.

Restoration 1 also actively seeks to engage with military veterans, offering incentives through programs like Vetfran, as part of its dedication to providing opportunities for ambitious entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. As it continues to grow, Restoration 1 remains focused on maintaining its reputation as a trusted leader in the restoration industry, committed to the success of its franchise community.

• First franchise sold: 2016
• Total current locations: 310

What Most Buyers Miss About Evaluating a Restoration 1 Franchise Opportunity

The biggest miss we see is treating Restoration 1 like a straightforward “buy the system, hire a manager, watch it run” business. On the surface it can look like that: strong brand, defined playbook, clear need in every market. Under the hood, it’s a 24/7, people-heavy, insurance-influenced emergency restoration business that depends on your willingness to stay close to the operation for the first few years.

Most buyers underestimate at least one of these:

• How much of the early ramp is owner-driven: answering calls, visiting jobs, and building relationships.  
• How central recruiting, retaining, and coaching field techs is to both revenue and your stress level.  
• How dependent larger jobs can be on program work and insurance relationships you have to earn and protect.  

If you go in thinking this is mostly about buying equipment and turning on marketing, you will be frustrated. If you go in expecting to lead people, respond to urgency, and learn how the insurance ecosystem really works, the model makes much more sense.

What We Tell Clients Considering This Franchise

When we walk clients through Restoration 1, we don’t start with “Is this a good franchise?” We start with “Is this the kind of work and leadership you actually want for the next several years?” That one shift usually changes the entire conversation and often changes which brands stay on the table.

This model tends to fit people who:

• Stay calm in urgent situations and can reassure anxious clients.  
• Enjoy leading blue-collar teams and solving practical, on-site problems.  
• Are willing to be very hands-on in the first few years.  

It’s a tougher fit if you want:

• Strict nine-to-five boundaries and fully predictable weeks.  
• Minimal people management or direct customer contact.  
• A truly semi-absentee role from day one.  

We’re typically compensated by franchisors if you eventually sign, but we don’t get paid more for steering you to Restoration 1 versus any other brand. Quite often, after an honest walkthrough, clients decide another restoration or home-service franchise fits better—and that’s a win, because the goal is the right fit for your life, not pushing you toward this specific logo.

Questions We Recommend Asking Before Investing in a Restoration 1 Franchise

You’ll get far more value from due diligence if you move past “Are you happy?” and into questions that expose breakeven timing, owner role, and real lead sources. The goal isn’t perfect answers; it’s clear patterns across different owners and markets.

Questions for current franchisees:

• Time to breakeven – How long did it take you, and what made the biggest difference?  
• Owner schedule – What does your typical week look like in peak season versus slow months?  
• Team size – How many technicians and managers do you need to feel fully covered on-call?  
• Lead sources – Where do most of your jobs actually come from today?  
• Exit stories – Have you seen owners sell their locations successfully, and what did that look like?  
• Cash flow – At what point did you stop needing additional working capital?

Questions for the franchisor team:

• Ideal owner profile – What kind of owner are you really designing this model for?  
• Year-one support – How do you help new owners with staffing, training, and safety?  
• Program work – How involved are you in building and supporting insurance or vendor-program relationships?  
• Struggling locations – When a location falls behind, what specific support actually shows up?  

You’ll learn more by speaking with franchisees in different markets and at different performance levels, including someone who had a rough ramp or even exited. Capture red, yellow, and green flags from each conversation and turn them into a simple go or no-go draft you can review with your spouse, partner, or advisors.

How It Works / The Path to Owning a Restoration 1 Franchise

• Step 1: Request Information. Embarking on the journey to own a Restoration 1 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 Restoration 1'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 Restoration 1 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 Restoration 1'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 Restoration 1'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 Restoration 1 Franchise Starts Here

Thinking about buying a Restoration 1 franchise? You're not alone. Restoration 1 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 by almost two 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 Restoration 1 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 Restoration 1 franchisee
• Disclosure documents and due diligence—decoded
• ROI frameworks—how to evaluate Restoration 1 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 Restoration 1 Franchise Questions

What’s included in the initial investment?

The initial investment for a Restoration 1 franchise typically ranges from $126,525 to $309,500, covering franchise fees, an equipment package, branded vehicle setup, initial training expenses, and working capital. This includes essentials such as restoration tools, software systems, initial and ongoing training, and onboarding support. Restoration 1 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 the most accurate 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 Restoration 1's case, franchise owners pay anywhere from 7% of the total gross sales of the current calendar year.
• Most franchises charge an additional monthly advertising or marketing fee, which, in the case of Restoration 1, is 2% of gross sales.
• Additional monthly fees may apply for software, training, or events.

How long is the training? 

The business and operational training for a Restoration 1 franchise is a comprehensive 12-day program held at their facility in Dallas, Texas. It includes significant training in financial awareness, marketing, sales growth, and more, ensuring you have the tools needed to prosper in the long term.

Is financing available? 

They do not offer direct financing. However, they can work with several third-party financial institutions that may be able to assist you with financing. Additionally, as a listing in the SBA Franchise Directory, Restoration 1 makes you eligible for SBA loans or other financing alternatives to bolster your investment. Please reach out to us below for more information or referrals.

Are territories exclusive? 

Territories are delineated during the initial consultation process with the candidate and assigned to the new franchise owner; however, exclusivity is not guaranteed.