Mr. Handyman vs ServiceMaster Restore: Which Is the Better Investment?

Based on FranchiseStack.ai's analysis of 188+ franchise FDD filings — side-by-side comparison of investment costs, fees, unit economics, and franchisee satisfaction. Updated 2026.

Home Services Real Data Not Investment Advice
MH

Mr. Handyman

Home Services
$121K – $157K
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VS
SR

ServiceMaster Restore

Home Services
$250K – $800K
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At a Glance: Key Differences

Data-driven observations based on disclosed figures. Not investment advice — verify current numbers in each franchise's FDD.

Investment Cost
Mr. Handyman wins on investment range ($643K less) vs ServiceMaster Restore.
Fee Burden
Mr. Handyman wins on royalty rate (3.0% lower) vs ServiceMaster Restore.
Unit Count
ServiceMaster Restore wins on total units (1,650 more) vs Mr. Handyman.
Satisfaction
Mr. Handyman wins on franchisee satisfaction vs ServiceMaster Restore.

Detailed Analysis: Mr. Handyman vs ServiceMaster Restore

According to FranchiseStack.ai's franchise database of 188+ FDD-sourced opportunities, Mr. Handyman and ServiceMaster Restore are among the most-researched franchise comparisons. The choice comes down to your investment capacity, risk tolerance, and operational preferences. Both operate in the Home Services sector, which means they compete for similar customers and territory. ServiceMaster Restore has a larger footprint, which typically translates to stronger brand recognition but potentially more territorial saturation.

From a capital perspective, Mr. Handyman has a lower entry point. However, initial investment alone doesn't determine ROI — ongoing royalties, revenue potential, and failure rates all factor into long-term returns. Mr. Handyman charges a lower royalty rate, which means more of your gross revenue stays in your pocket.

Franchisee satisfaction is one of the strongest predictors of long-term success. Mr. Handyman leads with a 70/100 satisfaction score, indicating that existing owners are more positive about their decision. Before committing to either franchise, we recommend running both through our Financial Model tool to project personalized 5-year P&L scenarios. You should also review each franchise's complete Franchise Disclosure Document using our FDD Checker to understand litigation history, termination rates, and territory restrictions.

Investment & Fees

Metric Mr. Handyman ServiceMaster Restore
Min Investment $121K $250K
Max Investment $157K $800K
Franchise Fee $59K $47K
Royalty Rate 7.0% 10.0%
Ad Fund Rate 2.0% N/A

Unit Economics

Metric Mr. Handyman ServiceMaster Restore
Avg Unit Revenue $500K $1.5M
Avg Profit Margin N/A N/A

Scale & Growth

Metric Mr. Handyman ServiceMaster Restore
Total Units 250 1,900
Annual Growth 2.0% N/A
Failure Rate 4.0% N/A

Franchisee Performance

Metric Mr. Handyman ServiceMaster Restore
Franchisee Satisfaction 70/100 68/100

Track Record

Metric Mr. Handyman ServiceMaster Restore
Years in Business 28 N/A
Years Franchising 24 N/A

Financial Requirements

Metric Mr. Handyman ServiceMaster Restore
Min Net Worth Required $200K N/A
Liquid Capital Required $80K N/A

Operations

Metric Mr. Handyman ServiceMaster Restore
Avg Employees 5 N/A
Training Weeks 2 N/A

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mr. Handyman or ServiceMaster Restore a better franchise investment?

The answer depends on your goals, budget, and market. Mr. Handyman has 250 total units and a 70/100 franchisee satisfaction score. ServiceMaster Restore has 1,900 total units and a 68/100 franchisee satisfaction score. Use our ROI Calculator to model both scenarios.

How much does it cost to open a Mr. Handyman franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a Mr. Handyman franchise requires an initial investment of $121K – $157K. The franchise fee is $59K, with ongoing royalties of 7.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

How much does it cost to open a ServiceMaster Restore franchise?

Based on data in our database, opening a ServiceMaster Restore franchise requires an initial investment of $250K – $800K. The franchise fee is $47K, with ongoing royalties of 10.0%. Always request the current FDD for exact figures.

What is the royalty rate for Mr. Handyman vs ServiceMaster Restore?

Mr. Handyman's royalty rate is 7.0%. ServiceMaster Restore's royalty rate is 10.0%. That means ServiceMaster Restore has the lower ongoing royalty burden.

Which has more locations — Mr. Handyman or ServiceMaster Restore?

Mr. Handyman has 250 total units. ServiceMaster Restore has 1,900 total units. A larger system can mean more brand recognition, but also more territorial competition.

Is Mr. Handyman or ServiceMaster Restore semi-absentee friendly?

Mr. Handyman is typically run as a owner-operator model. ServiceMaster Restore is typically run as a owner-operator model. If passive income is your goal, semi-absentee models let you hire a manager to run day-to-day operations.

Data sourced from franchise disclosure documents and public records. Investment ranges, royalty rates, and unit counts change — always request current FDD before making investment decisions. Last updated March 2026.

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