SURFACE SPECIALISTS

Franchising since 1982 per Item 20, Surface Specialists operates just 47 locations, reflecting slow but stable expansion in the home services category. The 2026 FDD reports only 1 termination and 1 transfer last year, with 2 projected new units—indicating low churn but minimal growth momentum. This trajectory suggests a mature, low-drama system unlikely to face saturation, though the small scale limits peer benchmarking and shared economies. Item 19's revenue disclosure is a plus, but the wide gap between average gross sales of $296,405 and median $132,416 signals high performance variance, likely driven by top territories or owner hustle.

Economics shine on entry: franchise fee $36,000, total investment $43,200-$56,000 (Item 7), making it one of the lowest-barrier home service franchises. Ongoing fees include 5% royalty (minimum $250/month) plus 1% brand fund, keeping burdens light. One SBA loan averaged $51,700, hinting at financing ease for qualified buyers. However, that median revenue underscores risk—many units may struggle to cover fees and yield meaningful owner income without aggressive marketing in multi-family or hotel niches. For hands-on operators eyeing quick startup, the model's proprietary techniques offer edge, but stagnant unit growth flags caution on long-term scalability.