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The Grout Doctor Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

The Grout Doctor specializes in grout and tile cleaning, repair, and restoration services, helping maintain beautiful and durable tiled surfaces.

Established in 1992, The Grout Doctor has grown into a nationally recognized franchise specializing in grout and tile restoration. Founded in Salt Lake City, Utah, where its headquarters remains, the company began franchising in 2001.

The Grout Doctor provides a range of services including grout cleaning, sealing, re-coloring, repair, re-grouting, and re-caulking. These services are designed to renew existing tile and grout surfaces without the need for expensive replacements.

Franchisees operate mobile service units, allowing them to deliver convenient, on-site solutions. The company uses proprietary, environmentally friendly products to ensure safe and lasting results.

What makes The Grout Doctor stand out is its singular focus on grout and tile restoration—a niche it has dominated for decades. It offers a low-cost, home-based franchise model that appeals to entrepreneurs looking for flexibility and scalability.

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 $15,000 - $20,000
Expenses During Training $150 - $2,000 per person
Advertising (3 months) $6,000 - $9,000
Vehicle (3 months) $0 - $1,000
Telephone/high speed internet capability $0 - $200
Computer System $0 - $500
Insurance, Liability (3 months) $300 - $500
Insurance, Auto (3 months) $330 - $600
Initial Equipment, Tools, and Office Furniture (3 months) $180 - $680
Initial Inventory (3 months) $250 - $500
Initial Forms, and Office Supplies (3 months) $0 - $50
Licenses $0 - $200
Data Center Fee (3 months) $405 - $495
Additional Funds (3 months) $1,000 - $2,000
Total $23,615 - $37,725
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $15,000 - $20,000
Expenses During Training $150 - $2,000 per person
Advertising (3 months) $6,000 - $9,000
Vehicle (3 months) $0 - $1,000
Telephone/high speed internet capability $0 - $200
Computer System $0 - $500
Insurance, Liability (3 months) $300 - $500
Insurance, Auto (3 months) $330 - $600
Initial Equipment, Tools, and Office Furniture (3 months) $180 - $680
Initial Inventory (3 months) $250 - $500
Initial Forms, and Office Supplies (3 months) $0 - $50
Licenses $0 - $200
Data Center Fee (3 months) $405 - $495
Additional Funds (3 months) $1,000 - $2,000
Total $23,615 - $37,725

The Grout Doctor

2024

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

The Grout Doctor franchise offers a comprehensive multi-phase training program for franchisees and their team members to ensure operational success.

  1. Initial Training Program: This mandatory training must be completed by the Operating Principal and designated managers before opening the franchise. It spans 9–10 days and includes online classroom instruction as well as hands-on training at one of the franchisor's regional centers. Physical work at customer sites is part of the practical experience.
  2. Supplemental Services Training: Franchisees who have operated for at least three months can opt to be trained in additional services like Stone Restoration and Polishing. This includes extra certification, fees, and potentially new equipment purchases.
  3. Continuing Education and Seminars: Attendance at annual or periodic training seminars may be required to stay updated on business practices and innovations. One mandatory conference per year is expected during the first three years.
  4. Replacement and Successor Training: New managers or successors must undergo the full training and certification process within 60 days of hire. Fees apply for this training as well.

Territory Protection

The Grout Doctor franchise offers territory protection by granting franchisees an exclusive territory where only they are allowed to operate using the Grout Doctor marks and system. This exclusive area is designated by zip code and generally includes between 150,000 and 200,000 owner-occupied households.

The franchisor will not establish another franchise or company-owned unit within this territory as long as the franchisee remains in compliance with their agreement. However, the franchisor retains certain rights within and outside the territory.

They can market and distribute products using various channels, such as the internet or national accounts, that may overlap with the franchisee’s area. Franchisees are restricted from soliciting customers outside their territory unless approved in writing, and any violation may result in revenue reallocation to the appropriate franchisee or the franchisor.

Competitors

Below are some of

The Grout Doctor

key competitors in the

Residential Cleaning

sector.

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

82

New
+
-2%
-2%

$15,000

$24,000

$38,000

n.a.

$110,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Home Cleaning Centers of America

Home Cleaning Centers of America is a residential cleaning franchise offering recurring housekeeping and deep-clean services, serving busy homeowners and professionals, and known for high per-office sales averages, proprietary scheduling software, and decades of experience in the home-services industry.

Franchisees

?

21
+
-16%
-16%
Investment

?

$43,000 - $45,000

MaidThis

MaidThis is a cleaning services franchise offering residential, vacation rental, and Airbnb cleaning solutions, serving homeowners and property managers, and known for its remote, low-overhead model, tech systems, and full franchisee support.

Franchisees

?

13
+
550%
550%
Investment

?

$50,000 - $68,000

Dryer Vent Superheroes

Dryer Vent Superheroes is a home-maintenance franchise offering dryer vent cleaning, repair, and installation services, serving homeowners and property managers, and known for affordable startup costs, strong demand, and focus on safety and efficiency.

Franchisees

?

25
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$74,000 - $138,000

Regal Maid Service

Regal Maid Service is a residential cleaning franchise delivering professional housekeeping services with trained staff, customizable cleaning plans, and a commitment to quality.

Franchisees

?

2
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$108,000 - $136,000

The Grout Medic

The Grout Medic is a tile and grout restoration franchise specializing in cleaning, sealing, and repairing grout to restore the appearance of tiled surfaces.

Franchisees

?

61
+
-10%
-10%
Investment

?

$97,000 - $130,000

Window Hero

Window Hero is a window cleaning and exterior maintenance franchise, providing services such as power washing, gutter cleaning, and window restoration.

Franchisees

?

36
+
177%
177%
Investment

?

$134,000 - $294,000

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