CRITERIUM ENGINEERS franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The CRITERIUM ENGINEERS franchise fee is $54,500 to $84,500 and the total initial investment ranges from $76,380 to $174,160, with about $20,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the CRITERIUM ENGINEERS FDD.
What are the CRITERIUM ENGINEERS franchise fees and investment?
The CRITERIUM ENGINEERS franchise requires a franchise fee of $54,500 to $84,500 and a total initial investment of $76,380 to $174,160. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $54,500 to $84,500 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $76,380 to $174,160 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $20,000 |
| US locations | 32 |
| Industry | Home Services (Home Inspector) |
| Headquarters | Freeport, Maine |
| Founded | 1989 |
| Franchising since | 1989 |
How does the CRITERIUM ENGINEERS investment compare with other home services franchises?
CRITERIUM ENGINEERS's minimum investment of $76,380 is at or below the median minimum investment of $112,373 across the 516 home services franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 359 of the other 515 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $54,500 compares with an industry median of $45,000.
What should you verify in the CRITERIUM ENGINEERS FDD?
Verify six parts of the CRITERIUM ENGINEERS Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether CRITERIUM ENGINEERS discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to CRITERIUM ENGINEERS?
These home services franchises have the closest minimum investment to CRITERIUM ENGINEERS:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Amerispec | $40,000 | $76,085 to $92,860 |
| American Leak Detection | $29,500 to $120,000 | $76,755 to $259,550 |
| Ocean Exteriors | $34,900 | $76,850 to $91,400 |
| STORsquare | $54,900 | $75,500 to $96,000 |
| Five Star Painting | $45,000 | $77,449 to $184,529 |
See every brand in home services franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a CRITERIUM ENGINEERS franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a CRITERIUM ENGINEERS franchise ranges from $76,380 to $174,160, including a franchise fee of $54,500 to $84,500, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a CRITERIUM ENGINEERS franchise?
CRITERIUM ENGINEERS lists a minimum of about $20,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many CRITERIUM ENGINEERS locations are there?
CRITERIUM ENGINEERS reported 32 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has CRITERIUM ENGINEERS been franchising?
CRITERIUM ENGINEERS started offering franchises in 1989 after the company was founded in 1989.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. CRITERIUM ENGINEERS and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by CRITERIUM ENGINEERS. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.