Best Home Services Franchises
If you’re looking into the best home service franchises, you’re already exploring one of the most reliable sectors out there. Homes always need repairs, cleaning, and maintenance, which means steady demand, repeat customers, and plenty of room to grow.
We’ve dug into industry data and franchise disclosure documents (FDDs) to highlight the best home service franchises to own and some caveats to be aware of. These brands combine strong consumer demand with proven systems, training, and recognizable names to help you start on solid ground.
Disclaimer: The information presented is based on the most recent Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) available at the time of writing. In some cases, this may not reflect the latest version filed by the franchisor. Where applicable, data has been summarized or approximated to represent average gross sales for comparison purposes. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and transparency.
Best Home Services Franchises
| Franchise | Startup Costs (est.) | Franchise Fee | Training Provided | Why it Stands Out | Average Gross Sales (Annual) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Handyman | $143,150 - $179,600 | $65,000 | 6–8 week pre-opening program, 10 days classroom, 2–3 days field, 2 days onsite. | Backed by Neighborly with cross-referrals from sister brands. | $763,264 (single-unit) |
| Chem-Dry Carpet Cleaning | $117,645 - $240,995 (standard territory) | $36,000 (standard territory) | 5-day program (virtual hands-on), ongoing conventions. | Proprietary carbonated cleaning system with global recognition. | $218,400 (projected annual revenue) |
| 1-800-Plumber Air | $159,030 - $327,040 | $54,500 | 1 week at HQ covering recruiting, marketing, accounting, and dispatching. | Higher average ticket size from plumbing & HVAC services. | ~$570,796.41 (est.) |
| Mosquito Joe | $151,155 - $193,075 (single franchise) | $42,500 | 5 days classroom field ops; covers marketing, call center, software. | Niche seasonal model with high renewal rates. | $214,794 (first five years) |
| Merry Maids | $126,880 - $165,610 | $55,000 | Online modules 1 week in-person; OSHA, pricing, management. | Household-name brand in residential cleaning. | $709,553 |
​MR. HANDYMAN​
Mr. Handyman is a trusted name in residential and light commercial repair, backed by Neighborly’s strong franchise network. With broad demand for handyman services, the model provides steady customer flow and repeat business.
Startup costs range from $143,150 to $179,600, with a franchise fee of $65,000. Most of the investment goes toward vehicles, equipment, and marketing, not a storefront.
Training starts with “Sure Start,” a 6-8 week pre-opening program that covers financial planning, territory review, marketing setup, licensing, and insurance. After that, franchisees complete up to 10 days of classroom training in Dallas, TX (or virtually), plus two to three days of hands-on field training at an existing Mr. Handyman location.
Owners receive two days of onsite training and ongoing support post-launch through conventions, regional meetings, and webinars.
Risk profile: Low to moderate. A household name and proven system provide stability, though growth depends on recruiting and managing skilled technicians.
Chem-Dry Carpet Cleaning
Chem-Dry is a global leader in carpet and upholstery cleaning. Its mobile model eliminates the need for a storefront, and its proprietary carbonated cleaning system helps franchisees differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Startup costs range from $117,645–$240,995 for a standard territory, with a franchise fee of $36,000.
Training is a structured, five-day program combining virtual and in-person instruction. Topics include company setup, marketing, customer service, equipment handling, and on-site cleaning.
In-person training in Ann Arbor, MI, covers everything from carpet and upholstery cleaning to area rug identification and commercial accounts.
New franchisees receive about 27 hours of classroom work and 17 hours of on-the-job training. Annual conventions, regional meetings, and refresher courses ensure ongoing development.
Risk profile: Low. Chem-Dry’s brand strength and recurring demand provide stability, though local competition and technician performance can affect outcomes.
​1-800-PLUMBER AIR​
1-800-Plumber Air is a plumbing and HVAC franchise that combines essential services with strong branding. Plumbing and HVAC work typically involves higher ticket sizes than other home service categories, creating solid revenue potential.
Startup costs range from $159,030–$327,040, with a franchise fee of $54,500.
Initial training lasts about one week at the company’s headquarters in Pearland, TX. The program covers recruiting and retaining employees, marketing, public relations, accounting, dispatching, and business planning.
Franchisees also receive on-the-job training in the service process and compliance. Ongoing development continues through conventions, refresher programs, and mandatory regional meetings.
Risk profile: Moderate to high. Plumbing and HVAC are essential services, which makes them resilient, but finding and retaining skilled labor can be challenging.
​MOSQUITO JOE​
Mosquito Joe is a pest control franchise specializing in keeping outdoor spaces bite-free. As part of Neighborly, it benefits from a strong support system and national brand recognition.
Startup costs for a single franchise range from $151,155 to $193,075, with a franchise fee of $42,500.
The training lasts five days and covers operations, software, call center processes, staff management, marketing, customer service, and field operations.
After classroom training, franchisees must pass a comprehensive exam. Instruction is led by experienced pest control professionals and can be completed at headquarters or virtually. Ongoing development includes refresher courses and optional seminars.
Risk profile: Moderate. Seasonal demand can create variability, but high renewal rates and recurring contracts provide stability.
Merry Maids
Merry Maids is a nationally recognized residential cleaning franchise designed for franchisees who want a structured business built on repeat revenue with a household name behind them. As one of the best home service franchises, it offers a proven service model with strong demand and room to scale.
Startup costs range from $126,880 to $165,610, with a franchise fee of $55,000. This makes Merry Maids one of the more accessible entry points among established national brands in the home service sector.
Training includes online pre-launch modules and a week of in-person instruction in Memphis, TN. New owners dive into OSHA safety, in-home pricing, team management, customer care, and financial tools. Post-launch coaching continues through regular calls and optional annual conferences, providing ongoing support.
Risk profile: Low to moderate. Merry Maids’ reputation, support systems, and recurring customer base provide a steady foundation, though success depends on local hiring and consistent service delivery.
What Makes These the Best Home Service Franchises (Our Criteria)
Picking the best home service franchise comes down to finding businesses that can perform year after year. Franchisees in this sector seek stability, strong earning potential, and a business model supporting long-term growth.
Owning a franchise is a commitment measured in decades, so it has to be the right fit. We chose these brands based on a confluence of factors that together point to lasting strength:
Proven Demand: Homeowners consistently need services, from cleaning and repairs to HVAC and pest control.
Accessible Entry Points: Business models that keep overhead manageable without requiring a storefront.
Structured Training: A mix of classroom, field, and ongoing support to set owners up for success.
Unique Differentiators: Each brand brings something specific, such as proprietary systems or recurring seasonal contracts.
Performance Data: Documented sales averages and profitability metrics to guide decision-making.
Room to Scale: Opportunities to expand through additional trucks, territories, or multi-unit ownership.
Taken together, these qualities are what make a home service franchise stand out for entrepreneurs who want dependable demand, clear systems, and room to grow.
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
From pest control to HVAC maintenance, the best home service franchises are the ones that fit your goals and long-term plans. The brands highlighted here were chosen because they offer strong demand, solid systems, and a realistic path to profitability for a wide range of franchisees.
That said, there are still plenty of other options worth exploring, depending on your budget, background, and market. At Franchise.com, we focus on helping entrepreneurs make sense of the numbers and the fine print so they can choose the franchise that matches their needs and growth potential.
Whether you are starting fresh or adding to an existing portfolio, you can count on us to point you in the right direction.
Ready to take the next steps?
Reach out and start your search today.
