Bath Fitter franchise startup costs run $174K–$343K for a bathroom remodeling franchise that installs custom-measured acrylic bath liners and wall surrounds over existing fixtures — typically in one day, without demo.
Bath Fitter is a bathroom remodeling franchise that custom-manufactures acrylic bath liners, wall surrounds, and shower systems installed directly over existing fixtures — no demolition, no drywall, no messy renovation. The one-day installation model is the brand's primary sales proposition: customers get a remodeled bathroom appearance without the disruption of a traditional remodel. Bath Fitter has been franchising since 1992 and operates across the US and Canada. Prospective franchisees should review the current Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436).
Bath Fitter locations serve residential homeowners and light commercial customers (hotels, apartments) replacing bathtubs, shower bases, and wall surrounds. Each product is custom-measured and manufactured to fit the existing space precisely — the acrylic liner goes over the old tub or shower, the wall surround covers existing tile. Corporate provides proprietary products, manufacturing relationships, marketing systems, and installation training. Revenue is project-based: the average residential bathroom remodel transaction ranges from $2,000 to $6,000 depending on scope.
Per the current FDD filed under the FTC Franchise Rule (16 CFR Part 436), total estimated initial investment for a Bath Fitter franchise runs $174,000–$343,000. The service-based model has minimal real estate requirements — most franchisees operate from a showroom or small office:
Bath Fitter charges a 5–8% royalty on gross sales on a sliding scale based on revenue. Revenue is project-based — average residential bathroom liner and surround projects run $2,000–$6,000 per job. The no-demolition model requires less skilled labor than traditional remodeling, making crew scaling more straightforward. The commercial channel (hotels, apartment complexes) provides larger batch jobs that improve crew utilization.
Bath Fitter is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory, qualifying franchisees for expedited SBA loan processing. At $174K–$343K, the full investment range fits within SBA Express:
Bath Fitter operators typically target breakeven within 12–24 months. The relatively low investment level, scalable service crew model, and recurring demand from aging housing stock provide strong unit economics at moderate revenue run rates. The US housing stock's age — median US home over 40 years old — generates sustained bathroom remodel demand. Bath Fitter's one-day installation and no-demo positioning makes it easier to close sales than traditional remodel contractors who require longer project timelines and higher total costs.
Bath Fitter suits owner-operators with sales, construction, or home improvement service management backgrounds. Installation technicians are hired — the franchisee manages estimating, sales, scheduling, and crew operations. Financial benchmarks typically require net worth of $150K+ and liquid capital of $60K+. Operators comfortable with in-home sales consultations and managing a small installation crew perform best. The low overhead model and manageable investment make it one of the more accessible home improvement franchise categories.
SBA lenders underwriting Bath Fitter applications under SBA SOP 50 10 7 evaluate five primary factors:
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Per the current FDD, total estimated initial investment runs $174,000–$343,000. Service vehicles, product inventory, and showroom setup are the primary cost categories alongside the $50,000 franchise fee.
Bath Fitter charges a 5–8% royalty on gross sales on a sliding scale based on revenue volume.
Bath Fitter custom-measures each bathroom and manufactures an acrylic liner and wall surround system to fit precisely over the existing bathtub and tile. Installation is completed in one day without demolition or drywall work, minimizing disruption to homeowners.
Yes. Bath Fitter is listed on the SBA Franchise Directory. The full investment range ($174K–$343K) fits within SBA Express (up to $500K). Service vehicles and installation equipment can be financed separately.
Residential bathroom liner and surround installations typically run $2,000–$6,000 per project. Commercial jobs (hotels, apartment complexes) produce higher per-engagement revenue through multi-unit batch projects.
SBA lenders require a minimum DSCR of 1.25× at stabilized project volume under SBA SOP 50 10 7. For a project-based business like Bath Fitter (average $2,000–$6,000 per residential job), stabilized DSCR is typically modeled on a 12-month forward pro forma based on realistic weekly job cadence for the service territory. Supplement the DSCR pro forma with housing stock age data for your market (the American Housing Survey shows the median US home is 40+ years old) and document any commercial accounts (hotels, apartment complexes) that contribute higher-volume batch jobs to support the revenue projection.
SBA 7(a) financing for the $174K–$343K Bath Fitter investment range requires 10–15% equity injection under SBA SOP 50 10 7 — approximately $17K–$51K in liquid borrower assets. The full range fits within SBA Express (up to $500K) for faster approval. Service vehicles financed separately reduce the main SBA loan amount and the associated equity injection required. Equity cannot be borrowed; liquid reserves above the equity injection are required to cover crew payroll and materials during the initial project ramp-up period.