SERVPRO Franchise Cost and Investment Guide

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 SERVPRO 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.

Servpro Franchise Overview

Founded	1967
Headquarters	Gallatin, Tennessee.
Franchising Since	1969
Total Units	2,300 +
Industry Category	Restoration services
Initial Investment Range	$241,000 - $302,000

Why You May Choose SERVPRO? Franchise Highlights

SERVPRO specializes in professional residential and commercial cleaning services, addressing issues such as fire, smoke, water, wind, and other damage restoration, mitigation, repair, and reconstruction. They also offer mold remediation and bioremediation services, as well as cleaning and disinfection processes to curtail the survival of viruses and emerging viral pathogens. Investing in a SERVPRO franchise presents the opportunity to own a business within a stable, recession-resistant industry. The franchise is a perfect match for entrepreneurs from various backgrounds—experience in the restoration and construction industries is beneficial but not mandatory. Extensive training, support, and in-house financing options are available for qualified buyers (New sales only.)

As a recognized leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO’s franchise system has been the #1 ranked franchise in the restoration services category by Entrepreneur magazine for 22 consecutive years. It also boasts a top 15 placement in Entrepreneur's 2025 Franchise 500® list. With over 2,300 franchises, SERVPRO is the #1 choice in the multi-billion-dollar cleanup and restoration industry

A strong brand is foundational to a successful business. SERVPRO franchise owners benefit from the company's esteemed reputation and leadership within the commercial and residential restoration industry. After qualifying, owners can also have access to national account programs with major insurance providers and commercial clients further enhances local business opportunities.

"If you are considering being a franchise owner, the opportunity is just tremendous. You really control your destiny. If you're willing to work hard, follow a system, and believe in a dream, you can pretty much achieve anything you set your mind to," — Bill Callahan, SERVPRO franchise owner.

Financial Requirements & Franchise Fees

• Liquid Capital Required: $105,000 - $110,000

Initial Training & Support

• Onboarding: SERVPRO is committed to empowering its franchise owners with comprehensive training and robust support resources. The onboarding begins with a pre-classroom program that includes home study and visits to operating SERVPRO franchises. This prep phase is crucial for easing franchisees into the dynamics of the business, with guidance from a Business Development Program (BDP) Specialist who helps complete an information-gathering checklist.
• Initial Training: Once the pre-training phase is completed, franchisees attend the New Franchise Training Program (NFTP) at SERVPRO headquarters in Gallatin, Tennessee. This in-depth training combines classroom instruction with hands-on practice led by industry-leading instructors. Training adheres to the standards set by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC®), incorporating cutting-edge drying science and restoration practices. For those interested in specialized services such as reconstruction or mold remediation, additional certifications may be required based on state regulations. However, these are not mandatory for all franchises. SERVPRO provides opportunities for initial training for additional personnel at a reasonable cost.
• Ongoing Training and Support: Support continues post-training, as franchisees are paired with a BDP specialist who offers startup assistance through monthly visits during the first six months of operation. Franchise Business Consultants (FBCs) are also available to help guide the franchisees in following the SERVPRO Operating System effectively. Continuing education is a cornerstone of the SERVPRO support system, with regular training opportunities and e-learning modules available to franchise owners and their teams. This ensures that all staff remain proficient and informed about the latest industry practices.
• Marketing and Brand Support: Marketing support is another critical component, with SERVPRO maintaining a consistent brand image through a proprietary brand identity guide. Franchisees contribute to a national marketing fund, which underpins various advertising initiatives including TV commercials, sponsorship programs, and print ads—all designed to boost brand awareness and drive consumer demand. Finally, SERVPRO's Hero Ready Gear Program ensures that production crews, owners, and office staff are equipped to maintain a professional appearance, reinforcing the company’s strong brand presence. After qualifying, owners can also have access to national account programs with major insurance providers and commercial clients further enhances local business opportunities.

Territory & Operations

• Territory Model: Each SERVPRO franchise operates under a non-exclusive territory model. Franchisees are designated "operating territories" with populations ranging from 50,000 to 80,000, though exclusive rights are not granted, allowing other franchises to potentially open in the same area.
• Territory Guidelines: Territories are established based on detailed socioeconomic and demographic analysis, considering factors such as total population and poverty levels to calculate a net population. This is paired with the franchisee's ability to meet specific SERVPRO service response standards.
• Operating and Compliance Guidelines: Franchisees are required to adhere to rigorous advertising and operational guidelines within their territories. Non-compliance can lead to penalties or loss of privileges concerning corporate programs. However, franchisees may have opportunities to obtain leads from adjacent open territories after one year, provided certain criteria are satisfied.

History & System Size

Founded in 1967 as a simple painting business by Ted and Doris Isaacson in Sacramento, CA, SERVPRO has evolved into the leading cleanup and restoration company in the nation. By 1969, they began franchising in the cleaning and restoration sector. A significant leap occurred in 1979 with the acquisition of the Bristol-Meyers Domesticare Division, adding 175 franchises to its network. In 1988, the company strategically relocated its corporate headquarters to Gallatin, TN, a location that provides proximity to 50% of the U.S. population within a 600-mile radius. At that time, SERVPRO boasted 647 franchises. In 1991, their impact in the community earned them the title of Small Business of the Year from the Nashville Business Journal.

The franchise network continued its expansion, reaching its 1,000th franchise milestone in 2000. Today, SERVPRO operates in both the United States and Canada. In 2019, The Blackstone Group's acquisition of a controlling stake strengthened its resources and market presence.

For 22 years, SERVPRO has consistently been ranked #1 by Entrepreneur magazine in the restoration services category, and it’s been highlighted as one of the fastest-growing franchises for 2025.

• First franchise sold: 1969
• Total current locations: 2,300+

What Most Buyers Miss About Owning a SERVPRO Restoration Franchise  

The biggest gap we see is this: buyers study the investment, but underestimate the operating reality. SERVPRO is not a semi-passive “put your name over the door” kind of business. It is an emergency restoration business operating within a proven franchise system.

In practice, that means you are building three things at once: an on-call field operation, relationships with insurance adjusters, insurance carriers, plumbers, property managers, and other referral partners, and a small team that trusts you enough to answer the phone at difficult hours. If you imagine yourself mostly behind a desk, reviewing reports while jobs appear automatically, you will be frustrated. In the early years especially, the SERVPRO franchise owner is usually deeply involved in sales, operations, and staffing until the business is stable enough to support strong managers.  

A good mental test is this: if you removed the SERVPRO logo, would you still want to own an emergency-driven restoration company in your city, with all the responsibility that comes with it? If the honest answer is “probably not,” that is important to notice before you chase the brand.  

What We Tell Clients Considering a SERVPRO Franchise  

When we talk with clients looking at SERVPRO and similar restoration brands, we usually frame the opportunity around who tends to thrive and who tends to struggle. The pattern is fairly consistent.  

SERVPRO is often a good fit if you are comfortable with urgency, people management, and relationship-driven sales. You need to be able to walk into stressful property damage situations, talk directly with property owners and adjusters, and make decisions without perfect information. You understand that water damage restoration and fire damage restoration involve helping people during difficult moments, and you see that emotional side of the work as part of the job rather than an annoyance.

SERVPRO may not be the best fit if your top priorities are schedule control, minimal people management, and a clean, predictable work environment. If you want something closer to semi-absentee ownership, or you strongly prefer tidy retail, fitness, or education settings, those categories often line up better with how you actually want your days to feel. There is nothing wrong with that; the mistake is forcing your life into a model that was never designed for it.  

Questions We Recommend Asking Before Investing in a SERVPRO Franchise  

Once you understand the broad shape of the business, the next step is disciplined franchise due diligence. The best decisions — whether “yes” or “no” — usually come from structured conversations with current franchisees, the franchisor, and a franchise consultant who can help you compare the opportunity clearly. 

When you speak with existing SERVPRO owners, questions like these can be revealing:  

• How many hours do you typically work in a normal week and during major storm events?  
• How long did it realistically take you to reach break-even and replace your prior income?  
• What percentage of your revenue comes from insurance programs versus your own local marketing?  
• What has been hardest about hiring and keeping good technicians in your territory?  
• How satisfied are you today with profitability, support, and your quality of life?  
• How many meaningful local competitors do you face, and how do you differentiate from them?
• If you wanted to sell your business, who do you think would buy it and how long might that take?  
• If you could start over, what would you do differently in your first 12–18 months?  

With the franchisor, dig into territory definitions, required programs, technology, training, and support. Franchising Path can help you organize those conversations, compare the opportunity against other brands, and pressure-test best-, base-, and worst-case scenarios. Your goal is not to make SERVPRO look perfect. It is to see the sharp edges clearly while you still have full freedom to walk away.

How It Works / Process to Owning a SERVPRO Franchise

Your Path to Owning a ServPro Franchise Starts Here

Thinking about buying a ServPro franchise? You're not alone. ServPro is one of the most trusted names in property restoration—and you're smart to be considering a brand that’s backed 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 the Real Franchise Ownership Process

We break it all down—no fluff, no pressure. Whether you’re exploring ServPro 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 ServPro franchisee
• Disclosure documents and due diligence—decoded in plain English
• ROI frameworks—how to evaluate ServPro 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 ServPro Franchise Questions

What's included in the initial investment?

The initial ServPro franchise investment typically ranges from $241,000 to $379,000, covering the franchise fee, equipment package, branded vehicle setup, initial training, and working capital. This investment includes essential items like restoration tools, inventory, and software systems that help streamline business operations for franchise owners. Real estate, restoration certification, permits, and additional vehicles may increase the cost.

ServPro, headquartered in Gallatin, Tennessee, often requires franchisees to purchase directly from approved vendors or through ServPro LLC to maintain consistency in quality and service delivery. A cash reserve is also necessary to manage early operational expenses such as insurance, employee payroll, and supplies.

ServPro specializes in residential and commercial restoration services, including mold remediation, fire damage repair, air duct cleaning, and bioremediation services for emerging viral pathogens. The brand has earned strong recognition within the franchise industry, and ServPro ranked among the top franchise opportunities due to its reliability, strong support system, and recession-resistant business model.

Entrepreneurs and business professionals take great pride in joining a system backed by decades of experience in the restoration and commercial cleaning field. Before making a purchase, always review the most recent Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for full details, including franchise costs, financial factors, and any other required information.

What are royalty and marketing fees?

Royalty fees for the ServPro franchise are a monthly charge ranging from 3% to 10% of gross sales, depending on business volume and regional factors. This flexible structure ensures that franchisees pay in proportion to their revenue.

Additionally, ServPro franchisees contribute 3% of gross sales toward marketing and brand development. These funds support nationwide advertising, local business development programs, and online campaigns that promote ServPro’s inspection, cleaning, and restoration services.

The franchisor uses these funds to maintain strong brand recognition and a steady pipeline of residential and commercial clients. While some fees may vary depending on unit size or sales volume, the ServPro system ensures franchise owners benefit from continuous marketing exposure, national brand partnerships, and lead generation programs.

How long is training?

ServPro’s franchise training program is one of the most comprehensive in the restoration industry. The initial training lasts about 15 days at the ServPro corporate training facility in Gallatin, Tennessee. This program includes classroom instruction, hands-on sessions, and system demonstrations to help new franchisees understand ServPro’s operational procedures, cleaning systems, and restoration techniques.

Participants also receive guidance from instructors certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), ensuring every franchisee obtains proper restoration certification for industry compliance.

After completing classroom instruction, franchisees participate in ongoing training through webinars, regional workshops, and online learning modules that cover subjects like mold remediation, carpet and upholstery cleaning, and emergency response for fire and water damage. ServPro also provides access to an extended business development program that focuses on operational efficiency, client communication, and employee management.

Is financing available?

Yes, financing is available for qualified candidates. ServPro offers in-house financing options for new franchise purchases, subject to approval. This financing can help offset startup costs like vehicles, equipment, and site preparation.

Additionally, ServPro is listed in the SBA Franchise Directory, allowing franchisees to qualify for SBA loans or third-party financing. Franchise owners can also explore local funding programs and grants for small businesses involved in restoration, cleaning, and community safety services.

The franchisor encourages new owners to prepare a detailed business plan and financial file before requesting financing options. Franchisees can also speak with ServPro’s franchising team to obtain valuable insights and direct support for managing costs and maintaining profitability.

Are territories exclusive?

No — ServPro does not offer fully exclusive territories in most cases. Instead, franchisees receive operating territories based on population size and market demand. While ServPro reserves the right to serve customers outside these boundaries, this system allows for greater flexibility and collaboration between neighboring franchise units.

ServPro promotes cooperation among its 2,000+ franchisees, ensuring that each owner has access to the resources, referrals, and extended support needed to succeed. The franchisor’s structure encourages teamwork and shared processes to provide faster, more complete service to residential and commercial clients.

Each franchise owner plays a vital role in maintaining the company’s mission of helping customers recover from disasters and cleanup projects of any size. Through teamwork, ongoing support, and a proven business model, ServPro continues to be recognized as a trusted leader in the restoration and cleaning industry — a brand that entrepreneurs proudly invest in to begin their journey toward successful business ownership.