House Doctors Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$139,850 - $191,000
Franchise Fee
$58,500
Total US Locations
88
Business Summary
House Doctors, LLC offers franchises for businesses that provide a wide array of handyman services for both residential and light commercial buildings. These services include general home repairs, maintenance, carpentry, and remodels. House Doctors Businesses typically operate from a home office and use a van or truck to provide services directly to customers.
Corporate History
House Doctors, LLC was originally formed as Handyman Pro, LLC in Delaware on April 12, 2018. The company changed its name to House Doctors, LLC in November 2021 after acquiring most of the assets of the 'House Doctors' franchise system. House Doctors, LLC began offering House Doctors franchises in January 2022. Prior to this, Handyman Pro franchises were offered from April 2018 to October 2021. In September 2021, the company also acquired the House Doctors franchise system from Saltire Brands LLC, which had offered franchises since June 2012. Saltire Brands LLC itself was a successor to H.D. Franchising Systems, LLC, which offered House Doctors franchises from 1997 to May 2012. In March 2022, House Doctors, LLC further expanded by acquiring the Andy-On-Call franchise system, with most of its franchisees converting to the House Doctors system.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$139,850 - $191,000
Franchise Fee (Low)
$58,500
Franchise Fee (High)
$65,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$1,250
Equipment Costs (High)
$4,500
Working Capital
$30,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The franchisor's financial statements in Item 21, specifically those of its affiliate Premium Service Brands, LLC and Subsidiaries, show a net loss for both 2023 and 2024, with a net loss of $733,879 in 2023 and $687,795 in 2024. The auditors, Robinson, Farmer, Cox Associates, PLLC, have issued an unqualified opinion, indicating that the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Premium Service Brands, LLC and Subsidiaries. However, the FDD itself in the 'Special Risks to Consider About This Franchise' section highlights a risk regarding financial condition, stating that 'The franchisor's financial condition, as reflected in its financial statements (see Item 21), calls into question the franchisor's financial ability to provide services and support to you.' Premium Service Brands, LLC provides an absolute and unconditional guarantee to assume the duties and obligations of House Doctors, LLC under its franchise agreements.
Financing Details
House Doctors, LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing to franchisees. The franchisor also does not guarantee any franchisee's note, lease, or obligation. Franchisees will need to secure their own third-party financing, such as SBA loans, which may allow a portion of the initial franchise fee to be paid upon execution of the Franchise Agreement and the remainder after funding is received.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
88
Franchised Units
88
Corporate Units
0
Franchising Since
2022
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
Yes
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
15
Litigation Summary
House Doctors, LLC and its affiliates have been involved in 15 litigation cases as disclosed in Item 3. Currently, there are two pending actions: 360 Painting, LLC v. Glenn A. Misiph et. al., filed on September 27, 2022, concerning breach of contract and intellectual property infringement by a former franchisee, with counterclaims of fraud and misrepresentation by the franchisee. The court ruled on August 16, 2024, to allow the case to proceed on certain claims. The second is Rooterman, LLC v. Klodian Belegu, et al., filed on December 5, 2024, alleging trademark infringement and breach of contract by a former franchisee, with counterclaims by the franchisee for fraudulent inducement and breach of contract. An arbitration case with similar claims was also filed on December 16, 2024, and both are in early stages. Previously, 360 Painting, LLC settled a breach of franchise agreement case in 2021 for $21,000, and another former franchisee lawsuit in 2021 for $57,500. Premium Service Brands, LLC settled a CRM software vendor dispute for $190,000 in 2019. 360 Painting, LLC settled an advertising vendor dispute in 2018 for $21,000. An older case from 2011 involving Paul Flick and 360 Painting LLC was settled in 2020 for $100,000. Additionally, there have been several governmental actions, including consent orders with the Securities Commissioner of Maryland in 2016 and 2023 for franchise registration and disclosure violations, an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance with the Illinois Attorney General's Office in 2020 regarding unexecuted amendments, a settlement order with the Virginia State Corporation Commission in 2021 for disclosure failures, and a consent order with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation in 2021 for similar disclosure failures and a bar order against Paul Flick. There was also a consent order with the Washington Department of Financial Institutions in 2022 for RCW 19.100.170 violations. Most governmental actions relate to disclosure failures and registration compliance.
Bankruptcy History
House Doctors, LLC has no bankruptcy history to report. Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document explicitly states that no actions are required to be disclosed regarding bankruptcy.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
10 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise, House Doctors, LLC franchisees must provide written notice between six and nine months before the initial term expires. They must be in full compliance with the current Franchise Agreement and all other agreements, and not be in default. Franchisees will need to sign the then-current Franchise Agreement, which may have terms and conditions significantly different from their original contract, including changes to fees, territory size, or minimum royalty requirements. A renewal fee of the greater of 25% of the then-current Franchise Fee or $15,000 is required. Franchisees must also update and replace vehicles, and maintain, refurbish, or remodel the business to reflect current brand standards. They must have satisfied all monetary obligations and meet current qualification and training requirements. Finally, franchisees and their owners must sign a general release of claims against House Doctors, LLC and its affiliates.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Before opening, House Doctors, LLC helps franchisees by designating their Protected Territory, providing an initial training program, and giving a list of approved suppliers for equipment, signs, and supplies. They also assist with setting up mandatory software systems, websites, and providing an email account. If a franchisee operates from an office outside their home, House Doctors, LLC will consult on location approval. After opening, House Doctors, LLC offers additional assistance with sales, promotions, and operations upon request. They provide ongoing guidance by phone, email, and newsletters on authorized services, operational methods, accounting procedures, and marketing strategies. The franchisor may conduct periodic site visits for consultation and provide additional operations assistance and training as needed. House Doctors, LLC also provides updates to the System, Brand Standards Manual, and supplier lists. They approve advertising materials and maintain a contact center for centralized customer service and scheduling. House Doctors, LLC may also suggest pricing policies within legal limits.
Initial Training Hours
80
Training Location
Charlottesville, VA
Ongoing Support
After opening, House Doctors, LLC franchisees receive ongoing advice and general guidance through telephone, email, facsimiles, and newsletters covering authorized services, operational methods, accounting procedures, and marketing and sales strategies. The franchisor may also conduct periodic visits to the business for consultation, assistance, and guidance in operations and management, and will make ongoing training available as deemed necessary. Franchisees also receive updates and additions to the System, the Brand Standards Manual, approved suppliers, and authorized products and services. House Doctors, LLC maintains a contact center for centralized customer service and scheduling for all businesses under the System. Franchisees are required to attend an annual convention. Many additional training courses are available through an online learning management system, and required additional training may be conducted online or live at headquarters or the franchisee's location. House Doctors, LLC offers ongoing Accounting and Business Advisory Services, which include recording revenue and expense transactions, monthly bank reconciliations, financial statement preparation, and periodic coaching sessions. Franchisees can opt out of these accounting services after 12 months if they contract with an approved third-party vendor.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
House Doctors, LLC is looking for individuals or business entities to operate handyman services businesses. While specific experience requirements are not detailed in Item 1, the FDD implies candidates will need to operate the business according to the System, which involves using specific equipment, tools, materials, and following quality standards. Franchisees are solely responsible for hiring, compensating, and managing their employees and for ensuring their Designated Manager (or themselves if an individual owner) devotes full-time efforts and successfully completes initial training.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
Yes
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Full-Time
Territory Type
Protected
Territory Size Requirements
Each House Doctors, LLC franchise receives a Protected Territory, defined by specific ZIP Codes, containing not less than 50,000 to 80,000 single-family dwellings as of the agreement date. If the U.S. Postal Service modifies these ZIP Codes, House Doctors, LLC may adjust the territory to account for the changes, which could result in fewer people or a smaller geographic area within the territory. Franchisees are only permitted to operate and advertise within their Protected Territory, and cannot solicit customers or advertise outside of it without prior written consent. The home office and all vehicles must always be located within the Protected Territory.
Staffing Notes
House Doctors, LLC requires that the business always be under the direct, 'on-premises,' full-time supervision of a Designated Manager. This manager must be the franchisee if an individual, or an individual selected by the franchisee if a business entity. The Designated Manager must meet House Doctors, LLC's standards and must attend and satisfactorily complete the initial training program before the business opens. Franchisees are solely responsible for all aspects of hiring, compensating, supervising, and firing their personnel. House Doctors, LLC explicitly states that it has no control over a franchisee's employees, including work hours, wages, hiring, or firing, and disclaims any responsibility as a joint employer. Franchisees must implement an approved training program for their own employees and ensure they are properly trained and adhere to standards of conduct, appearance, and customer service. House Doctors, LLC emphasizes that franchisees are solely responsible for consulting with their own HR service provider and/or legal counsel regarding compliance with applicable personnel laws and regulations.