Steps to Ownership
How to Start a Restoration Franchise:
Your Step-by-Step Guide
Buying a 911 Restoration franchise is one of the most transparent and straightforward processes in franchising. From your first conversation to opening day takes 60 to 90 days. Here is exactly what that process looks like.
6
Steps to Ownership
60–90
Days to Launch
35% Off
Veteran Fee Discount
4.9 ★
System-Wide Rating
The Process
The 6 Steps to Owning a 911 Restoration Franchise
Every step of the 911 Restoration franchise process is designed to give you complete information and confidence before committing. There is no pressure and no obligation until you sign. Here is exactly what you will experience.
01
Day 1
Day 1
Submit Your Franchise Application
Complete a short online application — no resume, no business plan required. This starts the conversation and reserves your interest in your target territory at no cost and with no obligation. The form takes under five minutes.
02
Days 3–7
Days 3–7
Franchise Discovery Call
A member of the 911 Restoration franchise development team will reach out within one to two business days to schedule a 30-minute discovery call. This is a two-way conversation — you learn about the opportunity and we learn about your goals, market, and capital availability.
03
Days 7–21
Days 7–21
Review the Franchise Disclosure Document
You will receive the 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) — the legally required document that discloses all costs, fees, royalties, franchisee obligations, and the Item 19 earnings data. Federal law requires a minimum 14-day review period before you can sign. Use this time to review with your attorney and accountant.
04
Days 21–35
Days 21–35
Discovery Day at Corporate Headquarters
Discovery Day is an in-person visit to 911 Restoration’s headquarters in Los Angeles, California. You will meet the executive team, the training team, marketing leadership, and your regional support contact. You will tour the operations center, ask detailed questions, and get a complete picture of what franchise ownership looks like day-to-day.
05
Days 35–45
Days 35–45
Sign Your Franchise Agreement
Once you and the corporate team have confirmed mutual fit, you will sign the franchise agreement and pay the initial franchise fee. Your protected territory is locked in at this point — no other 911 Restoration franchisee will be licensed to operate in your market. You are now officially a 911 Restoration franchise owner.
06
Days 45–90
Days 45–90
Complete Training and Launch Your Business
Your two-phase onboarding begins immediately after signing. Phase 1 is virtual training covering technical restoration skills, insurance navigation, CRM, and business operations. Phase 2 is hands-on field training. Most franchisees are operational within 60 to 90 days of inquiry — with national SEO, marketing, and the corporate support team active from day one.
Opening Timeline
How Long Does It Take to Open a Restoration Franchise?
Most 911 Restoration franchisees complete the entire process from initial inquiry to business launch in 60 to 90 days. The timeline has two phases: the pre-signing evaluation period and the post-signing training and launch phase.
What affects your opening timeline:
- FDD review pace — federal law requires 14 days minimum before signing, but most candidates take 3 to 4 weeks
- Discovery Day scheduling — visits to corporate headquarters are scheduled on specific dates and may require coordination
- Training cohort availability — Phase 1 is virtual and flexible; Phase 2 field training is scheduled in cohorts
- Licensing and insurance — state contractor licensing and commercial insurance must be in place before accepting jobs
- Equipment procurement — your initial equipment package is typically delivered within 2 to 3 weeks of signing
Franchise Financing
How to Finance a Restoration Franchise: Your Options Explained
911 Restoration has the lowest total investment range among major national restoration franchises. Most franchise owners do not pay the full investment out of pocket — several well-established financing pathways are available. Full details are on the Investment page.
$20K–$49K
Initial Franchise Fee
See Full Breakdown
Investment Page →
SBA 7(a) Loan
The most common financing method for franchise buyers. SBA 7(a) loans cover up to $5 million with repayment terms of up to 10 years. 911 Restoration is an SBA-eligible franchise, which means lenders are familiar with the brand and the approval process is more straightforward than for independent businesses.
ROBS: Rollover for Business Startups
A ROBS arrangement allows you to use funds from an existing 401(k) or IRA to fund your franchise without incurring early withdrawal penalties or taxes. This is a popular option for candidates with substantial retirement savings and a desire to avoid taking on debt at launch.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
Homeowners with significant equity can access a HELOC to fund part or all of the franchise investment. HELOCs typically offer lower interest rates than business loans and flexible repayment structures. This works best as a supplement to existing liquid capital rather than as a sole funding source.
Portfolio or Cash Investment
Candidates with liquid assets — savings, investment portfolios, or severance — can self-fund the investment entirely without taking on debt. This is the simplest path for candidates who meet the capital requirements disclosed in FDD Item 7. Many self-funded owners enter with capital well above the disclosed minimum.
After You Sign
What Happens After You Sign Your Franchise Agreement?
The period between signing and opening day is the most intensive phase of the franchise process. Here is what the 911 Restoration onboarding experience looks like in practice.
- Week 1 after signing: You are enrolled in Phase 1 virtual training. The CRM is provisioned, your franchise website goes live in your territory, and the national marketing team activates SEO and directory listings for your location.
- Weeks 2–4: Virtual training covers water damage mitigation, fire and smoke restoration, mold remediation protocols, insurance estimating with Xactimate, and business management fundamentals. You begin the IICRC certification process.
- Week 4–6: Phase 2 hands-on field training. You work alongside experienced restoration crews on real job sites, learning equipment operation, crew management, and customer communication in live environments.
- Week 6–10: You hire your first technicians (corporate provides job descriptions, screening tools, and interview frameworks), procure your equipment package, and obtain required state licensing and commercial insurance.
- Days 60–90: Launch. Your first jobs come in through the 24/7 call center, national SEO, and the Google Business Profile your territory team has already optimized. Corporate remains available for support on every job for your first 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How to Start a Restoration Franchise
These are the most common questions prospective franchise owners ask during the evaluation process. Each answer reflects the current 911 Restoration franchise system as documented in the 2024 FDD.
How do I start the process of buying a restoration franchise?
The process begins with a short online application at 911restorationfranchise.com/apply-now. There is no commitment, no fee, and no business plan required at this stage. A franchise development representative will contact you within one to two business days to schedule a discovery call. The full process from application to open typically takes 60 to 90 days.
What financing options are available for a restoration franchise?
Most 911 Restoration franchise owners do not pay the full investment out of pocket. The four most common financing approaches are SBA 7(a) loans, ROBS (Rollover for Business Startups), home equity lines of credit, and direct cash investment. Each has different implications for debt, tax treatment, and monthly cash flow.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common — they cover a large portion of the total investment with repayment terms up to 10 years, and 911 Restoration is an SBA-eligible franchise which simplifies the approval process. ROBS allows you to use 401(k) or IRA funds without early withdrawal penalties or taxes. Full investment and financing details are disclosed in FDD Item 7, which you receive before any commitment is required. The franchise development team can also connect you with preferred SBA lenders who specialize in restoration franchise financing.
Do you need experience to start a restoration franchise?
No experience in restoration, construction, or trades is required. 911 Restoration’s training program is designed specifically to take owners from zero technical knowledge to operational readiness. Phase 1 covers all restoration science, insurance estimating, and business operations virtually. Phase 2 provides hands-on field training in live job environments. Most franchisees have backgrounds in sales, management, real estate, military service, or other service industries.
What is the franchise fee for 911 Restoration?
The initial franchise fee for a 911 Restoration franchise ranges from $20,000 to $49,000 depending on territory size and market. Veterans who qualify through the IFA VetFran program receive a 35% discount on the franchise fee. The franchise fee is paid at signing and is separate from the equipment package, working capital, and other startup costs disclosed in FDD Item 7.
How long does the FDD review period take?
Federal law requires a minimum 14-day waiting period between when you receive the FDD and when you can sign the franchise agreement. Most candidates take three to four weeks to review the FDD thoroughly with an attorney and accountant. The FDD is a detailed legal document — taking the full time to understand Item 7 (investment), Item 12 (territory), Item 19 (earnings), and Item 21 (financial statements) is strongly recommended before signing.
What is Discovery Day and is it required?
Discovery Day is an in-person visit to 911 Restoration’s headquarters in Los Angeles where you meet the executive team, training department, and operations leadership. While not legally required before signing, it is strongly recommended and expected as part of the evaluation process. Discovery Day gives you direct access to ask questions, see the operation firsthand, and confirm fit before making a final commitment.
Can I get an SBA loan to finance a restoration franchise?
Yes. 911 Restoration is an SBA-eligible franchise, which means SBA 7(a) loans are available to qualified buyers. SBA loans can cover the franchise fee, equipment, working capital, and other startup costs. The SBA loan application process typically runs 60 to 90 days in parallel with the franchise evaluation process, so it is advisable to begin the pre-qualification process early. The franchise development team can refer you to SBA-experienced lenders who specialize in franchise financing.
What is included in the 911 Restoration franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee grants you the right to operate under the 911 Restoration brand in your protected territory. It covers your initial training enrollment, access to the franchise operating system, CRM provisioning, your territory website launch, and initial marketing activation. Ongoing royalties (a percentage of gross revenue) and brand fund contributions are separate and are disclosed in full in FDD Item 6.
Take the First Step
Ready to Start the Process?
Your Territory May Still Be Available
With 140+ territories already awarded and a hard cap of under 500, availability is limited. Submit your application today to check your market and speak with a franchise development specialist — no commitment required.