Risk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$102,690 - $134,290
Franchise Fee
$58,500
Min Cash Required
$10,000
Total US Locations
412
Business Summary
Pillar To Post, Inc. offers executive model franchises for a home inspection business. Pillar To Post Home Inspectors provide unique residential inspection services for single-family and various multi-family residences, as well as related products and services such as mold testing, radon testing, and virtual open house services. Pillar To Post provides clear, unbiased, objective information about a home's condition to homeowners, sellers, buyers, and real estate professionals. Franchisees operate within a specified non-exclusive territory.
Corporate History
Pillar To Post, Inc. is a Delaware corporation that was incorporated on July 11, 1994, operating as "Pillar To Post" and "Pillar To Post Home Inspectors." The company began offering franchises in the United States for residential home inspection services on March 15, 1995. Initially, Pillar To Post offered franchises in exclusive territories, but in 2009, it transitioned to offering only non-exclusive territories. As of December 31, 2024, Pillar To Post had 412 home inspection franchise units in the U.S. (376 non-exclusive and 36 exclusive). Its Canadian affiliate, Pillar To Post (Canada), has offered similar franchises in Canada since September 1, 1994, with 43 units as of December 31, 2024.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$102,690 - $134,290
Franchise Fee (Low)
$58,500
Franchise Fee (High)
$58,500
Minimum Cash Required
$10,000
Royalty %
7%
Marketing %
4%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$15,550
Equipment Costs (High)
$32,000
Working Capital
$15,000
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
Pillar To Post, Inc.'s financial statements, prepared by its parent company FS Brands, Inc., show a strong financial position with an unqualified audit opinion for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2024, and 2023. The auditors did not identify any conditions or events that would raise substantial doubt about the company's ability to continue operations as a going concern. Cash and cash equivalents increased from $74.4 million in 2023 to $81.8 million in 2024. The company reported net income of $60.1 million in 2024 and $50 million in 2023, demonstrating profitability. Current assets significantly exceed current liabilities, indicating healthy working capital.
Financing Details
Pillar To Post, Inc. does not offer direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. Additionally, Pillar To Post, Inc. does not arrange financing from other sources or guarantee any notes, leases, or obligations for franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
412
Franchised Units
412
Corporate Units
0
Franchising Since
1995
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Count
1
Litigation Summary
Pillar To Post, Inc. has disclosed one prior litigation action. In December 2017, a master franchisee, KJ Loughery, Inc., initiated an arbitration against Pillar To Post, Inc. in Tampa, Florida. The claims included wrongful non-renewal under the New Jersey Franchise Practices Act, unreasonable performance standards, breach of master franchise agreements, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and violation of Florida's Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. Pillar To Post, Inc. denied these claims and filed a counterclaim. The parties settled in February 2018, with Pillar To Post, Inc. agreeing to purchase the master franchises in Pennsylvania and New Jersey from KJ Loughery, Inc., and waiving an initial franchise fee for a new unit franchise agreement for a territory in New Jersey. All claims were dismissed and released. Pillar To Post, Inc. has no pending or governmental litigation to disclose.
Bankruptcy History
Pillar To Post, Inc. has no bankruptcy history to disclose.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
5 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, Pillar To Post franchisees must provide written notice between six months and one year before the current term expires. They must submit a business plan at least 90 days prior to expiration and be in full compliance with their agreement, having met all monetary obligations throughout the term. Franchisees also need to show they can maintain possession of their approved business location or get approval for a new one. Upon renewal, franchisees are required to sign Pillar To Post's then-current franchise agreement, which may have materially different terms, including increased fees. They must also sign a general release and comply with current qualification and training requirements. Additionally, at least 30 days before the renewal term begins, franchisees must update their business décor, signage, vehicle wraps, and equipment to meet Pillar To Post's then-current image and specifications. A renewal fee of $2,500 is also required.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Pillar To Post, Inc. provides comprehensive support to its franchisees. Before opening, Pillar To Post designates the franchisee's territory, conducts an initial training program, and provides access to its operations manual, computer software, and data storage. After opening, Pillar To Post offers ongoing assistance by developing new products, services, and methods, and providing updates to the operations manual and computer software. Pillar To Post also administers a promotional and advertising program for all franchisees. Occasionally, Pillar To Post provides advice and materials on management, operations, marketing techniques, and technical support, though franchisees are responsible for obtaining specific legal, accounting, and licensing advice for their jurisdiction. Pillar To Post may also conduct business inspections and provides an assigned @pillartopost.com email account for business operations.
Initial Training Hours
354
Training Location
Online/virtual and franchisee's home office/territory
Ongoing Support
After opening, Pillar To Post, Inc. provides several forms of ongoing support to its franchisees. This includes developing new products, services, and operational methods, as well as supplying updates to its operations manual and computer software platform. Pillar To Post administers a system-wide advertising and promotional program. Franchisees are required to attend an annual Brand Conference and at least one regional meeting each year. Additionally, Pillar To Post mandates continuing education requirements for franchisees and their inspectors, which can be fulfilled through franchisor-sponsored events or approved professional associations for home inspectors. Pillar To Post also provides ongoing technical and accounting support and, in its sole discretion, may offer legal support on general matters. Franchisees must maintain memberships in approved professional home inspector associations.
Franchise Requirements
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
Hybrid
Owner Participation
Full-Time
Territory Type
Non-Exclusive
Staff Count
3
Territory Size Requirements
Pillar To Post defines franchise territories based on local boards of realtors' boundaries and demographic factors, such as housing units, re-sale activity, real estate offices, and population. Pillar To Post also considers the number of existing franchisees, their market share, and planned growth in the area. There is no standard size for a Pillar To Post territory.
Staffing Notes
Pillar To Post franchisees must staff their business with minimum qualified personnel and hire additional home inspectors to meet business needs and future growth. Within the first 12 months after completing Phase 3 training, franchisees are required to add either a full-time home inspector or a full-time marketing person to their staff. This minimum staffing level must be maintained for the remainder of the first year. Starting from the second year and continuing throughout the franchise agreement term, Pillar To Post franchisees must maintain a minimum staff, including the owner, of one full-time inspector and one full-time marketing person. All staff members who perform home inspections must successfully complete Pillar To Post's training program at the franchisee's expense. The franchisee is solely responsible for all employment decisions, including hiring, firing, training, and compliance with labor laws.