Alair Homes Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$273,280 - $290,050
Franchise Fee
$250,000
Total US Locations
18
Business Summary
Alair Homes offers Master Franchises that are responsible for identifying, soliciting, training, supervising, and supporting Alair Homes Unit Franchisees within a specified geographic area. Owners of an Alair Homes Master Franchise are also required to purchase and initially operate an Alair Homes Unit Franchise. These Unit Franchises provide high-quality custom home building, home renovation, and commercial contracting services using Alair Homes' established business format and proprietary systems.
Corporate History
Alair Homes, officially Alair Enterprises USA, Inc., was established as an Arizona corporation on July 23, 2013. Headquartered in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, Alair Homes specializes in offering Master Franchises. These Master Franchises are tasked with identifying, soliciting, training, supervising, and supporting Alair Homes Unit Franchisees within specified geographic regions. Owners of an Alair Homes Master Franchise are also required to purchase and initially operate an Alair Homes Unit Franchise. Alair Homes launched its Master Franchises (formerly known as Regional Developer franchises) and Unit Franchises in the United States in December 2013. The company's predecessor, Alair Enterprises Canada Ltd., which is a British Columbia corporation, started offering similar franchises in Canada in November 2012.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$273,280 - $290,050
Franchise Fee (Low)
$250,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$250,000
Equipment Costs (Low)
$1,900
Equipment Costs (High)
$4,000
Working Capital
$23,945
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
Yes
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Alair Homes appears to be in a strong financial position. The company has consistently generated positive net income, with earnings of $1,176,033 in 2024, $1,133,372 in 2023, and $556,056 in 2022. Alair Homes also maintains healthy working capital, which is the amount of current assets exceeding current liabilities, showing $1,573,509 in 2024, $1,149,760 in 2023, and $1,123,035 in 2022. This indicates that Alair Homes has ample resources to cover its short-term financial obligations. Furthermore, the company consistently generates positive cash flow from its operations, demonstrating a healthy inflow of cash from its core business activities. The independent auditor's report states that the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations of Alair Homes, and does not raise any substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue as a going concern.
Financing Details
Alair Homes offers financing for a portion of the initial franchise fee. Specifically, $150,000 of the initial franchise fee can be financed and is payable in 120 monthly installments of $1,250. However, Alair Homes retains 50% of the 'Net Payments' (royalties) due to the franchisee, crediting these amounts against the monthly installment payments. Additionally, $25,000 from each 'Net Franchise Fee' payable to the franchisee is retained and credited against the final installment payments. The outstanding principal balance for this financed portion of the fee bears 0% interest per annum. Should a franchisee fail to make a payment on time or otherwise breach their obligations under the Promissory Note, the interest rate will increase to 18% per annum, compounded annually. The franchisee's obligations under this financing arrangement are secured by all of their assets, including accounts receivable, and are guaranteed by the franchisee's Principals. Franchisees have the option to prepay any outstanding amount at any time without incurring penalties. If a franchisee defaults, Alair Homes reserves the right to demand immediate payment of all outstanding amounts, enforce its rights under the security agreement, and/or terminate the franchise agreement. Alair Homes does not offer any other direct or indirect financing for other aspects of the business, nor does it guarantee any other financial obligations of the franchisee.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
18
Franchised Units
17
Corporate Units
1
Franchising Since
2013
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
Yes
Litigation Count
2
Litigation Summary
Alair Homes has disclosed two ongoing litigation cases. The first case, Bolahood v. Alair Enterprises Canada Ltd., et al., was initially filed in November 2016 by a subcontractor against homeowners, a former Alair Canada franchisee, and Alair Canada. The homeowners subsequently filed a cross-claim against Alair Canada for $350,000, alleging that the franchisee abandoned the project and that Alair Canada was negligent. Alair Canada, in turn, filed a cross-claim against its former franchisee and their spouse for breaches of the franchise agreement. While the original claim was settled by the homeowners, the cross-claims and a third-party claim are continuing. Alair Canada denies liability, stating no prior contact or contract with the homeowners. The plaintiff has not taken further steps in over two years, but the cross-claims remain active. The second case, Mark Egan v. 2457662 Ontario Inc. c/o/b as Alair Homes, et al., commenced in December 2020 by a sub-trade seeking payment for work done on a homeowner's property by an Alair Canada franchisee. The claim was amended in April 2021 to include Alair Enterprises Canada Ltd. The homeowners have cross-claimed against the franchisee. Alair Canada filed a defense in August 2022, asserting it had no direct dealings or agreements with the sub-trade. The status indicates that a dismissal against Alair Canada is pending.
Bankruptcy History
Alair Homes' Director of Market Development, Shane Duff, filed for personal Chapter 7 bankruptcy in January 2015. The bankruptcy case was discharged by the Bankruptcy Court in April 2015.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
Alair Homes Master Franchisees do not have a right to renew their initial agreement. However, they may have the option to sign successor Master Franchise Agreements for two additional successive 10-year terms, provided Alair Homes is still offering franchises in their state. The terms of these successor agreements will generally align with those offered to new franchisees at that time, though they will not be required to pay the initial franchise fee or attend the Master Franchise Training Program. Successor agreements will include additional development requirements. To exercise this right, Alair Homes Master Franchisees and their representatives must have fully performed all obligations under their current agreement, the Operations Manual, and other related agreements, without a history of repeated breaches (defined as three or more breaches within any rolling 24-month period). The managing principal must attend any requested training programs or refresher courses. Additionally, at the time of signing a successor agreement, Alair Homes Master Franchisees must pay a $15,000 fee and execute a general release of claims against Alair Homes and its affiliates. If Alair Homes is not offering new franchises or is in the process of updating its disclosure documents, it may offer to renew the existing agreement or extend it on a week-to-week basis.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Alair Homes provides comprehensive support to its Master Franchisees, starting even before they officially open. In the pre-opening phase, Alair Homes offers access to its Master Franchise Training Program and provides telephone or email consultations covering all aspects of establishing and operating the Master Franchise. Master Franchisees also receive a copy of the Operations Manual, which outlines mandatory and suggested procedures. If extra on-site assistance is requested, a fee may apply. After opening, Alair Homes continues its support by providing ongoing training and education, fostering a collaborative 'Alair Homes Community' among Master Franchisees, Unit Franchisees, and Canadian franchisees. This community support includes on-site operational assistance, periodic system-wide conference calls, online training sessions, and focus groups. Alair Homes also supplies content for the Master Franchisee's monthly regional sessions with Unit Franchisees and grants the right to use its trademarks and systems. Technologically, Alair Homes provides access to 'Audit Software' for monitoring Unit Franchisee operations, with Master Franchisees paying 50% of associated fees. If a Master Franchisee requests, or Alair Homes requires, assistance in populating this software, a fee of 105% of costs is charged. For Master Franchisees not operating an Alair Homes Unit Franchise themselves, Alair Homes grants use of its 'Proprietary Software' for project management, customer relations, and sales, including necessary maintenance and updates (a fee is anticipated in the future for this). Alair Homes also engages in marketing efforts for the broader Alair Homes franchise system through various media and provides franchise disclosure documents and other Master Franchise Materials, for which Master Franchisees pay Alair Homes' costs and expenses. Continuous phone and email consultations are available for ongoing operational aspects, with additional on-site assistance being available for a fee. Alair Homes also offers optional full-cycle back-end accounting management systems and services for a fee. Financially, Alair Homes pays Master Franchisees 50% of the Net Franchise Fees and 50% of the Net Payments (royalties) received from Unit Franchisees in their designated region, subject to conditions such as not being in breach of their agreement and having at least two operational Unit Franchises in the region to receive payments from their own Unit Franchise.
Initial Training Hours
14
Training Location
Online via conference calls and webinars
Ongoing Support
After opening their businesses, Alair Homes Master Franchisees receive continuous training and education designed to facilitate information and experience sharing within the broader Alair Homes Community, which includes other Master Franchisees, Unit Franchisees, and Canadian franchisees. This support is delivered through on-site operational assistance, regular system-wide conference calls, online training, and focused group discussions. Alair Homes also provides a portion of the content for the monthly regional sessions that Master Franchisees conduct with their Alair Homes Unit Franchisees. Master Franchisees, specifically their designated Managing Principal, are required to attend and actively participate in mandatory continuing training. This includes an Annual Master Franchisee Meeting, weekly system-wide conference calls and webinars, and periodic focus groups. Alair Homes may also offer additional optional training programs and refresher courses from time to time. While Alair Homes provides the training, Master Franchisees are responsible for their own travel, meals, lodging, and related expenses, and Alair Homes may impose a fee for any or all of the continuing training sessions.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Alair Homes is looking for Master Franchisees who can identify and solicit prospective Alair Homes Unit Franchisees, and then train, supervise, and support them within a designated geographic area. Ideal candidates should possess significant construction experience, such as general contractors, remodelers, or project managers for construction companies. Master Franchisees must also demonstrate good character, have adequate financial resources, and meet other qualifications set by Alair Homes, as they are required to purchase and initially operate an Alair Homes Unit Franchise to the franchisor's satisfaction for at least one year before actively operating the Master Franchise. They need to be capable of successfully operating both a unit and master franchise.
Industry Experience Required
Yes
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
Yes
Technical Skills Required
Yes
Operational Details
Location Type
home-based
Owner Participation
full-time
Territory Type
exclusive
Territory Size Requirements
Each Alair Homes Master Franchise territory, known as a "Region," is defined to include a geographic area with a minimum population of 40,000 homes. Within this Region, a Master Franchisee is expected to develop between a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 30 Alair Homes Unit Franchises. Alair Homes uses data from the U.S. Census Bureau to establish these population metrics.
Staffing Notes
Alair Homes Master Franchisees must personally and directly manage the day-to-day operations of their Master Franchise. If the franchisee is an entity, a Managing Principal, owning at least a 25% equity interest, must manage the Master Franchise full-time. While Alair Homes permits the Manager to operate one or more Alair Homes Unit Franchises, it encourages Master Franchisees to hire qualified employees or sell their Unit Franchises after the Master Franchise Commencement Date. Alair Homes Master Franchisees are responsible for hiring, training, and supervising efficient, competent, and courteous employees or independent contractors for their Master Franchise. Staff whose duties involve contact with Alair Homes Unit Franchisees must have sufficient literacy and fluency in English. Master Franchisees bear sole responsibility for all aspects of employee management, including hiring, termination, compensation, and ensuring compliance with operational standards and legal obligations.