How to Finance a 3 Day Kitchen and Bath Franchise: Lean Startup
By Anthony Cornella
A 3 Day Kitchen and Bath franchise loan funds a home-based or small-office remodeling business, not a storefront. The brand’s model rests on an owner who sells, designs and manages complete kitchen and bathroom remodels while subcontractors do the on-site work, so the investment centers on the franchise fee, a vehicle, equipment, marketing and working capital rather than a costly build-out.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by 3 Day Kitchen and Bath; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s disclosure document and website can change, loan programs vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to review and approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice; review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement with a qualified franchise attorney and accountant.
3 Day Kitchen and Bath Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Initial franchise fee: $60,000, with a 10% discount for U.S. military veterans, according to the company’s franchise page citing its 2026 FDD.
- Estimated startup investment: $115,600 to $156,368, per the same 2026 FDD figures.
- What the investment covers: the franchise fee, third-party professional fees, insurance, equipment, furniture, a vehicle, initial marketing and 3 months of working capital.
- Space: about 100 to 300 square feet, in a small leased office or a home office.
- Staffing: owner-operator model; most territories have no employees, and subcontractors do the on-site work.
- Territory: exclusive territories, with initial fee discounts for owners who commit to more territory up front.
- Royalty, marketing fees and owner net worth: not published on the franchise page; see Item 6 and the franchisor’s qualification criteria.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as “3 Day Kitchen and Bath.”
What Is 3 Day Kitchen and Bath?
3 Day Kitchen and Bath is a home remodeling brand built on a simple promise: a complete kitchen or bathroom remodel in three days or less, including upgraded plumbing and electrical, new cabinets and countertops, flooring and painting. The company says larger projects take about 5 to 6 days.
From dealer network to franchise. According to the company, founder Dave Jensen launched the business in 2000 with partner Clark Schurtz. The brand grew through dealers with exclusive territories: Scott Goode joined in 2004 to operate the Lincoln, Nebraska market, Sam Tidwell started in Cincinnati in 2014, and Mike Wallace became the dealer for St. Louis and Western Illinois in 2018. In 2025, those three dealers bought the brand and converted it to a franchise model, and franchise opportunities were offered starting in 2026. Goode serves as CEO, Tidwell as COO and Wallace as CMO.
Why lenders view it the way they do. The operating model has more than 25 years of history behind it, but the franchise system itself is new. Lenders will see a low-overhead service business with little equipment collateral, so they focus on the owner’s sales and project management ability, the strength of the subcontractor network and the working capital available while the pipeline builds.
3 Day Kitchen and Bath Franchise Costs
Initial franchise fee. The company lists a $60,000 initial franchise fee, with a 10% discount for U.S. military veterans and discounts for owners who commit to more territory up front. Item 5 of the FDD explains when the fee is due and any refund terms.
Office and real estate. There is no retail build-out. The company says a franchise can operate from a small leased space or a home office of about 100 to 300 square feet, which keeps occupancy costs low.
Vehicle and equipment. A vehicle for estimates, design consultations and job-site visits is part of the startup budget, along with office equipment, estimating and design technology, furniture and any tools the owner provides.
Opening costs and working capital. Initial marketing launches the territory, and the company’s estimate includes 3 months of working capital to cover the owner’s costs before project revenue arrives.
Total investment. The company’s franchise page puts the startup investment at $115,600 to $156,368, per its 2026 FDD. The categories it lists are:
- Initial franchise fee ($60,000 before any discount)
- Third-party professional fees
- Insurance
- Equipment and furniture
- Vehicle
- Initial marketing
- 3 months of working capital
Read the full Item 7 table for each category’s range and assumptions, including whether the vehicle estimate assumes a purchase, a lease or a vehicle you already own.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
The franchise page does not publish the royalty, brand fund or technology fees. Item 6 of the FDD lists every recurring fee, along with transfer and renewal fees.
Job costs come first. In this model, a large share of each project’s price goes to cabinets, countertops, materials and subcontractor labor. Any royalty calculated on gross sales is paid on top of those job costs, so lenders look at gross margin per project, not just revenue.
How lenders factor fees in. A lender projects the number and average size of remodels, subtracts job costs, royalty and marketing fees, insurance and vehicle costs, and tests whether the remaining cash flow comfortably covers the 3 Day Kitchen and Bath franchise loan payment.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
The company says no construction or design background is required, but the inquiry form asks about project management, general contracting and remodeling experience.
- Owner involvement: owners are expected to be hands-on in marketing, sales, design and project management.
- Subcontractor standards: crews must pass the company’s “Grandma Test,” meaning skilled, trustworthy, well-mannered craftsmen.
- Training: 1 week of initial training in Lincoln, Nebraska, on-site support during the first project, weekly 1-hour trainings and two in-person conventions per year.
- Financial qualification: net worth and liquidity minimums are not published; ask the franchisor and confirm them in writing.
The approval process. The company lists six steps: inquire, learn more by completing a confidential questionnaire to receive the FDD, visit the team, apply for a final leadership review, onboard and launch. It says owners can typically launch in 2 to 4 months.
Ways to Own a 3 Day Kitchen and Bath
A new territory. Most buyers will open a new territory, financed on projections. Our franchise start-up financing page explains how these loans are structured.
Multiple territories. The company says some owners will operate multiple units and offers fee discounts for committing to more territory up front. A larger initial commitment means more borrowing and a development schedule to meet.
Buying an existing franchise. As the system matures, resales may become available. A buyer would need franchisor approval and would finance the purchase price based on the business’s history. Read about buying a franchise resale and how franchise businesses are valued.
Financing Options for a 3 Day Kitchen and Bath Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. With the brand listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, an SBA 7(a) loan can finance the franchise fee, vehicle, equipment, initial marketing and working capital in a single 3 Day Kitchen and Bath franchise loan.
SBA 504 loans. The 504 program finances owner-occupied real estate and long-lived fixed assets. Because this model runs from a small office or home office, 504 financing rarely fits.
Conventional term loans. Borrowers with strong credit and collateral may prefer a conventional business loan, especially when adding territories after the first is established.
Equipment and vehicle financing. The vehicle, design and estimating technology and office equipment can be financed separately. See franchise equipment financing and leasing.
Working capital and lines of credit. Remodeling businesses often pay deposits for cabinets and materials before a project is complete, and demand can shift with the seasons and housing activity. A line of credit can cover those timing gaps. Explore franchise working capital options.
Seller financing on resales. If you buy an existing franchise, the seller may carry part of the price. A seller note must be acceptable to the senior lender and is typically subordinate to it, and loan programs may limit its terms.
SBA Loans for 3 Day Kitchen and Bath Franchisees
The SBA Franchise Directory lists brands whose franchise agreements have been reviewed for SBA eligibility. SBA lenders generally require a brand to be listed before making an SBA-guaranteed loan to one of its franchisees. A listing does not approve any borrower.
The listing and its note. 3 Day Kitchen and Bath appears on the directory with this note: “Lender/CDC must ensure they obtain the correct lien position on all collateral as required pursuant to the SOP 50 10.” In plain English, the SBA lender, or the certified development company on a 504 loan, must confirm that its lien on the business assets and any other collateral has the priority SBA rules require. If the franchise documents give the franchisor or anyone else a claim on the same assets, the lender must make sure its own position is correct before closing.
Program limits. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, although program rules can change. Our SBA loan calculator provides planning estimates only, not an offer or approval.
How Lenders Evaluate a 3 Day Kitchen and Bath Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Lenders review credit, tax returns and a personal financial statement, and typically require a personal guarantee.
Net worth and liquidity. Because the business has few hard assets, lenders look closely at the equity injection and the reserves left after closing.
Industry and management experience. Sales, project management, contracting or customer service experience strengthens a request, even though the company does not require a construction background.
Business plan and projections. Projections should show leads, close rates, remodels per month, average job size, job costs and subcontractor payments. Build in a ramp-up period and seasonality rather than assuming a full schedule from launch.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review the term, renewal, transfer conditions and territory rights. The company says Item 19 of its FDD addresses financial performance; review it with your advisors. Our article on how lenders read an FDD explains what matters most.
Office and lease. If you lease space, lenders will review the lease; a home office simplifies this.
Historical financials for resales. Expect several years of profit and loss statements, tax returns and job records for any existing franchise you buy.
Vehicles, Subcontractors and Project Cash Flow
Unlike storefront franchises, this business’s operating engine is a vehicle, a design and estimating toolkit and a network of trusted subcontractors. Lenders will want to know how subcontractors are paid, how material deposits are collected from homeowners and how warranty or callback work is handled.
A clear deposit and payment schedule protects cash flow. If materials are ordered before the homeowner’s final payment, working capital or a line of credit bridges the gap.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
The company offers initial fee discounts to owners who commit up front to more territory. Before signing a multi-territory commitment, confirm the development schedule in the FDD and how the franchise agreement treats missed deadlines. Lenders generally prefer to finance additional territories once the first shows steady revenue. Read our article on multi-unit franchise financing.
Real-World Scenarios
A veteran launching a first territory. A military veteran with project management experience uses the veteran fee discount and an SBA 7(a) loan to fund the franchise fee, vehicle, equipment and marketing, and keeps the working capital reserve the FDD estimate includes.
A sales professional working from home. A former sales manager runs the business from a home office, finances a vehicle separately and opens a line of credit to cover material deposits during the first busy season.
A multi-territory commitment. An owner commits to two territories for the fee discount, finances the first with a term loan and plans to borrow for the second once the first shows steady results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming low overhead means little need for working capital
- Projecting revenue without accounting for material and subcontractor costs
- Overcommitting to multiple territories before testing the first
- Skipping Item 6 and underestimating recurring fees
- Lacking a payment schedule that matches material deposits
See more in the service contractor loan mistakes that cost owners the most.
Next Steps to Finance Your 3 Day Kitchen and Bath Franchise
Step 1: Inquire and request the FDD. Complete the confidential questionnaire and review Items 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 17 and 19.
Step 2: Confirm requirements. Ask about net worth, liquidity and territory availability.
Step 3: Talk with a financing specialist. Learn how much you can borrow and how much equity you need.
Step 4: Build your plan. Prepare projections, a subcontractor recruiting plan and a launch marketing budget.
Step 5: Apply for financing. Submit your loan request with the FDD, personal financial statement and tax returns.
Step 6: Train and launch. Complete training in Lincoln, Nebraska, line up subcontractors and start marketing.
3 Day Kitchen and Bath Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a 3 Day Kitchen and Bath franchise cost?
The company’s franchise page lists a startup investment of $115,600 to $156,368, per its 2026 FDD.
What is the franchise fee?
$60,000, with a 10% discount for U.S. military veterans and discounts for multi-territory commitments.
What royalty does 3 Day Kitchen and Bath charge?
The franchise page does not publish it. Item 6 of the FDD lists the royalty and all other recurring fees.
Can I get an SBA loan for a 3 Day Kitchen and Bath franchise?
Yes. The brand is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, so qualified buyers can apply for SBA-guaranteed financing, subject to lender approval.
Do I need construction experience?
The company says no construction or design background is required, but owners must be hands-on in sales, design and project management.
Can I run it from home?
Yes. The company says the business can operate from a home office or small leased space of about 100 to 300 square feet.
Does 3 Day Kitchen and Bath offer financing?
The company invites candidates to inquire about financing options. Item 10 of the FDD discloses whether the franchisor offers any financing directly.
Can I own more than one territory?
Yes. The company says some owners will operate multiple units and offers fee discounts for committing to more territory up front.
Does the FDD include financial performance information?
The company says Item 19 of its FDD addresses financial performance. Review it with your accountant.
Can a first-time business owner get a 3 Day Kitchen and Bath franchise loan?
Yes, if the franchisor approves you and you meet lender requirements. A solid plan and reserves matter most.
Final Thoughts
3 Day Kitchen and Bath pairs a long-running remodeling model with a new, lean franchise structure. Buyers who budget carefully for working capital, understand project cash flow and review the FDD thoroughly will be best prepared to finance their territory.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment and working capital. Learn more about our franchise financing and service contractor financing solutions.
