How to Finance a 911 Restoration Franchise: Trucks, Gear and Cash
By Chris Cornella
A 911 Restoration franchise loan funds a mobile, emergency-response business rather than a storefront. Owners answer calls for water, fire, mold and storm damage around the clock, so the money goes into outfitted vehicles, drying and remediation equipment, technology, launch marketing and the working capital needed while insurance-driven jobs move from estimate to payment.
US Professional Funding is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by 911 Restoration; the name is used only to describe the business. Figures from the franchisor’s disclosure document and franchising materials can change, loan programs and terms vary by lender and borrower, and every loan is subject to lender review and approval. Nothing here is legal, tax or investment advice, and buyers should review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and franchise agreement with a qualified franchise attorney and accountant.
911 Restoration Franchise Loan at a Glance
- Initial franchise fee: $55,000, a one-time payment at signing, according to the franchisor’s franchising website.
- Estimated initial investment: $167,700 to $334,000, which the franchisor attributes to Item 7 of its FDD.
- Royalty: a sliding scale on restoration revenue that the franchisor describes as 9-7-5%, plus a lower royalty on reconstruction revenue that starts at 3%, with incentive reductions as volume grows.
- National advertising fund: 1% of revenue.
- Technology and call center: $495 per month for technology and $195 per month for the call center.
- Territory: a protected territory of approximately 300,000 population.
- Veteran incentive: 25% off the franchise fee for honorably discharged veterans and active-duty service members.
- System size: more than 125 locations across the U.S. and Canada, according to the company.
- SBA Franchise Directory: listed as 911 Restoration, with notes about the collateral assignment of lease and lien positions.
What Is 911 Restoration?
911 Restoration was founded in 2003 by Idan Shpizear and Peleg Lindenberg, two friends and army veterans, and began franchising in 2007. The company is headquartered in Van Nuys, California, and reports more than 125 locations across the U.S. and Canada.
Services. Franchisees offer nine service lines: water damage, reconstruction, storm damage, fire damage, mold, sewage cleanup, commercial restoration, sanitization and crime scene cleanup. The company operates 24/7, 365 days a year, and aims to have a technician on site within 45 minutes of a call. It says every technician holds industry certification in water, fire and mold restoration.
A home-based, mobile model. The franchisor describes 911 Restoration as a home-based, mobile business with no storefront required. Owners work from vehicles and a modest workspace, which keeps occupancy costs low and shifts the investment toward equipment, trucks and working capital.
Positioning. The franchisor brands its approach around giving customers a “Fresh Start” after property damage and emphasizes that no prior restoration experience is required.
Why lenders view it the way they do. Lenders see a business with low fixed overhead, durable demand and equipment that holds value. They also see the cash flow pattern unique to restoration: large jobs are often paid through insurance claims, so revenue can be recognized well before cash arrives. A strong 911 Restoration franchise loan request plans for that gap from day one.
911 Restoration Franchise Costs
The franchisor’s franchising website states a total investment of $167,700 to $334,000 and refers buyers to Item 7 of the FDD for the full line-item breakdown.
Initial franchise fee. The $55,000 franchise fee grants rights to operate under the brand in a protected territory. Veterans and active-duty service members receive 25% off.
Real estate. Because the business is mobile and commonly home-based, there is no build-out in the traditional sense. Some owners later lease a small warehouse for equipment storage and drying, but that is a growth decision rather than a launch requirement.
Equipment. The franchisor lists air movers, dehumidifiers and moisture meters among its start-up equipment and estimates equipment at roughly $15,000 to $80,000, depending on how a buyer equips the territory.
Vehicles and signage. Vehicle outfitting and signage are part of the investment. Whether the vehicles themselves are bought, financed or leased has a large effect on the cash a buyer needs at closing.
Opening costs and working capital. Technology setup, initial marketing and launch costs, training expenses and a working capital reserve make up the rest.
Total investment. The franchisor identifies these categories within the Item 7 total:
- Initial franchise fee
- Equipment such as air movers, dehumidifiers and moisture meters
- Vehicle outfitting and signage
- Technology setup and software
- Initial marketing and launch costs
- Training
- Working capital reserve
Read the current Item 7 table for each line’s low and high estimate, and use it as the base of your lender’s sources-and-uses table.
Ongoing Fees and How They Affect Your Loan
Royalty. The franchisor describes a sliding-scale royalty on restoration services of 9-7-5%, with the rate stepping down as revenue grows, and a royalty on reconstruction revenue that starts at 3% with incentive reductions. Confirm the exact thresholds in Item 6 of the FDD.
National advertising fund. Franchisees contribute 1% of revenue.
Technology and call center. The franchisor lists a $495 monthly technology fee and a $195 monthly call center fee. Calls come in around the clock, so the call center is part of how leads reach the owner.
Local marketing. The franchisor recommends a local marketing budget of about $3,500 per month. It describes this as a recommendation, not a requirement, but lenders will expect a realistic marketing line in the projections.
How lenders factor these costs in. Lenders model royalty, advertising, technology and call center fees as fixed and variable costs ahead of debt service. Because the restoration royalty steps down as volume rises, projections should show the rate that applies at each revenue level rather than a single average.
Franchisor Requirements for New Owners
The franchisor’s franchising website does not publish minimum net worth or liquid capital figures; it says those are disclosed in the FDD. What it does state:
- Experience: no prior restoration or construction background required
- Training: a two-phase program, with a virtual phase followed by hands-on field training
- Certification: technicians obtain industry certifications in water, fire and mold restoration
- Time commitment: the launch period typically requires significant owner time
- Timeline: the franchisor says most owners launch within 90 days of signing
The approval process. Candidates apply through the franchising website, review the FDD and speak with the franchise development team before signing. Lenders will ask for the same disclosure document, so request it early and review the financial requirements alongside your own balance sheet. Our article on how lenders read a Franchise Disclosure Document explains which items matter most.
Ways to Own a 911 Restoration
A new territory. Most buyers start with a new protected territory. Lenders underwrite the buyer’s credit, liquidity and management ability, the Item 7 budget and a ramp-up projection. Our page on franchise start-up financing covers how we approach new openings.
Buying an existing franchise. An established territory brings referral relationships, trained technicians, vehicles, equipment and a revenue history. Lenders can underwrite actual results, and receivables usually transfer as part of the deal. Franchisor approval of the transfer is required. Read our guide to buying a franchise resale, and see how we finance a restoration business acquisition.
Adding territories. The franchisor says it supports owners who expand into additional adjacent territories, which can share equipment, crews and management.
Financing Options for a 911 Restoration Franchise
SBA 7(a) loans. Because 911 Restoration is on the SBA Franchise Directory, an SBA 7(a) loan is often the most practical choice. One loan can cover the franchise fee, equipment, vehicle outfitting, technology, marketing and working capital, or the purchase price of an existing territory.
SBA 504 loans. The 504 program is designed for owner-occupied real estate and long-lived fixed assets. A home-based restoration business rarely needs it at launch, but an established owner buying a warehouse for equipment storage and drying may find it useful.
Conventional term loans. Buyers with strong credit and liquidity, or owners adding territory with proven results, may use a conventional business loan.
Equipment and vehicle financing. Air movers, dehumidifiers, moisture detection tools, water extraction units, air scrubbers and outfitted trucks or vans can be financed separately, preserving cash for working capital. Learn more about franchise equipment financing and leasing.
Working capital and lines of credit. Restoration jobs require labor, materials and equipment up front, while payment often follows insurance review. Large storm events can create a surge of work and an even larger gap in cash. A line of credit can carry payroll and materials through those periods. See our restoration working capital options.
Seller financing on resales. A selling franchisee may carry part of the price. Any seller note must be acceptable to the senior lender, is typically subordinate to it, and SBA programs may limit how it is structured.
SBA Loans for 911 Restoration Franchisees
The SBA Franchise Directory lists brands whose franchise agreements have been reviewed for SBA eligibility. SBA lenders generally require a brand to appear on the directory before making an SBA-guaranteed loan to its franchisees. A listing does not approve any borrower; it clears the franchise relationship for SBA review.
Directory listing. 911 Restoration appears on the directory with two notes:
- Collateral assignment of lease. When the real estate where the franchise business is located will secure the SBA-guaranteed loan, the franchisor’s collateral assignment of lease may not be executed. A collateral assignment of lease generally lets a franchisor step into a franchisee’s lease; if the borrower instead owns the property and pledges it to the lender, that document should not be signed.
- Lien position. The lender must secure the appropriate lien position on all collateral under SBA lending rules, which for this brand usually means vehicles, equipment and receivables.
Because most owners operate from home or a leased space, the first note mainly matters if an owner later buys a building.
Loan size. The SBA 7(a) program maximum is currently $5 million, though program rules can change.
SBA application tips. Provide the complete FDD and franchise agreement, a personal financial statement, tax returns, a resume and a monthly projection that reflects how long insurance-funded jobs take to collect. Our SBA loan calculator can help with early payment estimates, which are for planning only and are not an offer or approval.
How Lenders Evaluate a 911 Restoration Deal
Personal credit and financial history. Lenders review credit reports, tax returns and a personal financial statement, and typically require personal guarantees.
Net worth and liquidity. Lenders compare your liquidity with the FDD’s requirements and want reserves left after the equity injection. In restoration, cash reserves matter more than in many franchises because receivables can take time to collect.
Industry and management experience. No restoration background is required by the franchisor, but lenders value experience managing crews, field operations, sales or customer service. A plan to hire a certified lead technician strengthens the request.
Business plan and projections. Strong projections show job volume by service line, average collection time, staffing and on-call coverage, the royalty step-downs and how marketing and referral relationships will generate work across a territory of roughly 300,000 people.
The FDD and franchise agreement. Lenders review the fee structure, territory protection, term, renewal and transfer provisions.
Vehicles and workspace. Lenders will ask how vehicles are titled and insured and where equipment is stored.
Historical financials on a resale. Expect to provide several years of profit and loss statements, tax returns, a receivables aging report and an equipment list.
Equipment, Vehicles and Insurance-Driven Cash Flow
Equipment. Drying and remediation equipment is the working core of the business. Units are portable and can be redeployed from job to job, which makes them reasonable collateral, but heavy use means a replacement plan should be part of the budget. Financing equipment over its useful life keeps payments aligned with the work it produces.
Vehicles. Response time is part of the brand promise, so outfitted vehicles need to be reliable and ready. Many owners finance vehicles separately and add units as job volume grows.
Insurance-funded work. The franchisor describes much of its work as insurance-driven. That can mean steady demand, but also documentation requirements and waiting periods before payment. Lenders look at how quickly receivables turn and whether the owner has a line of credit to cover the gap.
Storm surges. Severe weather can multiply job volume in a short period. Owners who plan financing for a surge, including temporary labor, rented equipment and materials, are better positioned to take on the work without straining cash.
Multi-Unit Growth and Development Agreements
Owners who grow usually add adjacent territories, sharing equipment, warehouse space and management across a larger area.
Financing additional territories. With a track record, lenders can underwrite existing cash flow alongside the new territory’s plan. Each additional territory carries its own franchise fee and opening costs, so plan equity and debt for each step. Our article on multi-unit franchise financing covers how lenders approach expansion.
Real-World Scenarios
A veteran opening a first territory. A veteran with logistics leadership experience uses the franchisor’s veteran discount, contributes savings, takes an SBA 7(a) loan for the remaining costs and keeps a working capital reserve for the first months of insurance-funded jobs. Our guide to franchise financing for veterans covers additional considerations.
A buyer acquiring an established territory. A buyer purchases a franchise from an owner who is retiring. The lender reviews several years of financials and the receivables aging, and structures an SBA 7(a) loan that includes the purchase price and working capital.
An owner preparing for storm season. An established franchisee adds a line of credit and finances additional dehumidifiers and air movers before the storm season, so the business can respond without stretching payroll.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating how long insurance-funded jobs take to collect
- Spending working capital on equipment that could have been financed
- Projecting a single royalty rate instead of the sliding scale
- Leaving out recommended local marketing from the budget
- Skipping a receivables review when buying an existing territory
- Having no plan for storm-driven surges in labor and materials
For more industry pitfalls, read the restoration company loan mistakes that cost owners the most.
Next Steps to Finance Your 911 Restoration Franchise
Step 1: Request and review the FDD. Study the fee, royalty, investment and transfer items with a franchise attorney and accountant.
Step 2: Confirm your financial fit. Compare your liquidity and net worth with the FDD’s requirements and the investment range.
Step 3: Evaluate your territory. Talk with current owners and understand local demand, referral sources and competition.
Step 4: Build your projections. Model job volume, collection timing, royalty step-downs, marketing and staffing month by month.
Step 5: Talk with a financing specialist. Decide how to split costs among an SBA 7(a) loan, equipment and vehicle financing and a line of credit.
Step 6: Apply and coordinate approvals. Submit your 911 Restoration franchise loan request with the FDD, franchise agreement and financial documents, and align the lender’s timeline with the franchisor’s.
Step 7: Close and launch. Complete training, outfit vehicles and equipment, and start building referral relationships.
911 Restoration Franchise Loan FAQs
How much does a 911 Restoration franchise cost?
The franchisor states a total initial investment of $167,700 to $334,000, including the franchise fee, equipment, vehicle outfitting, technology, marketing, training and working capital.
What is the 911 Restoration franchise fee?
The franchise fee is $55,000, paid once at signing. Veterans and active-duty service members receive 25% off.
What royalty does 911 Restoration charge?
The franchisor describes a sliding-scale royalty of 9-7-5% on restoration revenue and a reconstruction royalty that starts at 3%, both with reductions as volume grows. Franchisees also contribute 1% to the national advertising fund and pay monthly technology and call center fees.
How much liquid capital and net worth do I need?
The franchisor’s website says these requirements are disclosed in the FDD. Review the current document and plan to keep reserves beyond the minimum.
Is a 911 Restoration franchise loan available through the SBA?
Yes, for qualified buyers. 911 Restoration is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, so SBA lenders can consider 7(a) and 504 loans, subject to normal underwriting.
Do I need restoration experience?
No. The franchisor says no prior restoration or construction experience is required and provides two-phase training. Lenders still value management and field leadership experience.
Can I finance equipment and vehicles separately?
Yes. Drying and remediation equipment and outfitted vehicles are commonly financed with equipment loans or leases, which can reduce the cash needed at closing.
Can I buy an existing 911 Restoration franchise?
Yes, with franchisor approval. Lenders base the loan on the territory’s historical financials and receivables.
Can I own more than one territory?
Yes. The franchisor supports owners who add adjacent territories, and lenders can underwrite the existing business’s cash flow when financing growth.
Does the franchisor offer financing?
The franchisor’s website points buyers to outside options such as SBA loans. Review Item 10 of the FDD for any financing the franchisor offers directly.
Does the FDD include financial performance information?
Yes. The franchisor’s website refers to Item 19 data in its 2026 FDD. Review that item in full with your advisors, and rely on actual financial statements when buying an existing territory.
What documents do I need to apply?
Expect a personal financial statement, tax returns, a resume, the FDD and franchise agreement, and a business plan with monthly projections. For a resale, add the seller’s financials and receivables aging.
Final Thoughts
A 911 Restoration franchise combines a modest fixed footprint with real demands on equipment and cash. Buyers who finance vehicles and equipment efficiently, plan for insurance collection cycles and storm surges, and choose the right mix of SBA, conventional and working capital financing give their territory a strong start.
US Professional Funding helps franchise owners and buyers finance start-ups, acquisitions, equipment, working capital and refinancing for established brands. Learn more about our franchise financing and restoration and remediation financing solutions.
