Create a free account to access this table
Sign up for free
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
2,500+ franchises
Access our entire database: 2,500+ US franchises, updated every day
Essential financial data
Royalty fees, franchise fees, investment costs and more
View 1 FDD
Our free plan allows you to access 1 FDD. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to download

Criterium Engineers Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Criterium Engineers offers building inspection and evaluation services, providing insights into the condition and performance of residential and commercial properties.

Criterium Engineers is a well-established engineering consulting franchise that has been providing expert building inspection and engineering services since 1957. Founded by H. Alan Mooney in Portland, Maine, the company is now headquartered in Freeport, Maine. 

Criterium Engineers began franchising in 1989, making it one of the earliest and most experienced franchises in the engineering industry.

The franchise specializes in a wide range of services including structural, civil, and mechanical engineering, with a particular focus on building inspections and assessments. 

Criterium Engineers differentiates itself by offering a comprehensive suite of services that cater to both residential and commercial clients, providing everything from home inspections to complex forensic engineering services.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $54,500 – $84,500
Rent and Related Real Estate Charges $1,000 – $10,000
Utility and Office Security Deposits $500 – $5,000
Other Pre-paid Expenses and Licenses $250 – $2,500
Leasehold Improvements, Fixtures and Equipment $500 – $5,000
Insurance $3,180 – $3,660
Training $0 – $2,500
Pre-opening Advertising $500 – $1,500
Printing $200 – $1,000
Opening Inventory Supplies $250 – $2,500
Legal and Professional Fees $2,500 – $5,000
Additional Funds for First 6 Months $12,000 – $48,000
Vehicle $0 – $3,000
TOTAL $76,380 – $174,160
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $54,500 – $84,500
Rent and Related Real Estate Charges $1,000 – $10,000
Utility and Office Security Deposits $500 – $5,000
Other Pre-paid Expenses and Licenses $250 – $2,500
Leasehold Improvements, Fixtures and Equipment $500 – $5,000
Insurance $3,180 – $3,660
Training $0 – $2,500
Pre-opening Advertising $500 – $1,500
Printing $200 – $1,000
Opening Inventory Supplies $250 – $2,500
Legal and Professional Fees $2,500 – $5,000
Additional Funds for First 6 Months $12,000 – $48,000
Vehicle $0 – $3,000
TOTAL $76,380 – $174,160

Criterium Engineers

2025

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training 

Criterium Engineers provides a thorough and structured training program designed to equip franchisees with the knowledge and skills needed to run a successful engineering consulting business. 

The training begins with an intensive onboarding program at the company's headquarters in Freeport, Maine, where franchisees are introduced to the business model, operational procedures, and the specific engineering services offered by Criterium.

The training covers a range of topics including technical skills related to building inspections, structural evaluations, and forensic engineering, as well as business management skills like marketing, client relations, and financial management. 

Franchisees also receive hands-on experience through field training, where they learn how to conduct inspections and assessments in real-world scenarios. 

Ongoing support is a crucial part of the Criterium training program, with continuous access to resources, webinars, and a network of experienced franchisees to provide guidance and advice.

Territory Protection

Criterium Engineers franchisees benefit from territory protection, which grants them exclusive rights to operate within a specific geographic area.

This ensures that franchisees do not face competition from other Criterium Engineers franchisees within their designated territory, allowing them to build and grow their business with confidence. 

The protected territory helps franchisees focus on developing strong relationships with local clients and providing consistent, high-quality engineering services.

Competitors

Below are some of

Criterium Engineers

key competitors in the

Other Business Services

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Sign up
Gross Profit
Sign up
EBITDA
Sign up

31

New
+
3%
3%

$54,500

$76,000

$174,000

n.a.

$235,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Storage Authority

Storage Authority is a real-estate and self-storage franchise offering development, marketing, and management systems for modern storage facilities, serving passive and semi-absentee investors, and known for turnkey development support, strong automation, and emphasis on maximizing site revenue and equity growth.

Franchisees

?

0
+
-100%
-100%
Investment

?

$298,000 - $9,800,000

REALCLEAN AIRCRAFT DETAILING

REALCLEAN AIRCRAFT DETAILING is a mobile detailing franchise offering specialized cleaning and cosmetic maintenance for private and commercial aircraft, serving aviation owners and operators, and known for on-site service, aviation-grade products, and meticulous attention to safety and presentation standards.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$236,000 - $414,000

Lil' Angels Photography

Lil' Angels Photography is a children’s photography franchise offering on-location portrait sessions and school picture days, serving preschools, daycares, and families, and known for themed sets, fundraising programs, and convenient mobile service that brings professional photography directly to clients.

Franchisees

?

38
+
-7%
-7%
Investment

?

$41,000 - $46,000

Wonderly Lights

Wonderly Lights is an outdoor lighting franchise offering seasonal holiday displays, permanent architectural lighting, and landscape illumination, serving homeowners and commercial properties, and known for full-service design, professional installation, and hassle-free removal and storage that keep properties festive year-round.

Franchisees

?

39
+
179%
179%
Investment

?

$124,000 - $142,000

Silbar Security

Silbar Security is a security services franchise specializing in mobile patrol, event security, and armed/unarmed guard services for businesses and individuals.

Franchisees

?

7
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$92,000 - $216,000

With A Twist Bartending & Event Service

With A Twist Bartending & Event Service provides professional bartending and event services, ensuring seamless and memorable celebrations.

Franchisees

?

12
+
200%
200%
Investment

?

$62,000 - $136,000

Our latest newsletters

Franchising 101

Is This Franchise the Right Fit for You?

December 15, 2025
Due Diligence & Decision-Making

Choosing a franchise goes beyond reviewing fees and financials — it requires an honest assessment of your goals, skills, and risk tolerance. This article outlines the key questions prospective owners should ask before committing. It helps clarify whether the opportunity aligns with your lifestyle, long-term plans, and operational preferences.

Franchisee Validation: Interviews, Reference Checking, Site Visits

December 15, 2025
Due Diligence & Decision-Making

Speaking with current and former franchisees is one of the most reliable ways to understand how a franchise really operates. This guide explains how to conduct validation calls, what questions to ask, and how to identify patterns in feedback. It provides a practical framework for uncovering real performance expectations and support quality.

How to Evaluate a Franchise Opportunity (Industry, Brand Strength, Market Fit)

December 15, 2025
Due Diligence & Decision-Making

Not all franchise opportunities offer the same potential. This article breaks down how to evaluate a brand’s industry, financial health, support systems, and competitive positioning. It helps prospective buyers compare options and identify franchises with strong long-term viability.

Building a Franchise Business Plan & Pro Forma Financials

December 15, 2025
Costs, Fees and Financing

A clear, well-structured business plan is essential for securing financing and preparing for the realities of franchise ownership. This article explains how to build a plan that covers market analysis, operations, staffing, and local marketing. It also outlines how to create realistic pro forma financials, including revenue projections, startup costs, and break-even analysis. Readers gain a practical framework they can use when applying for loans or planning their first years of operations.