Home Improvement Franchises See Sales Surge

Home improvement franchises recorded a sharp increase in sales last year as older homeowners chose to renovate rather than buy new properties. The shift reflects a trend where high mortgage rates and housing costs discourage moves, pushing residents to upgrade their existing homes instead.

Andy Bell, founder and CEO of Ace Handyman Services, described the current market as a "stay put" economy. He noted that Baby boomers are investing in modifications like walk-in bathrooms because they are unlikely to purchase another house.

The National Association of Home Builders reports that Americans aged 65 and older own 34 percent of the country's homes. That figure represents 29.6 million properties, creating a large customer base for renovation services.

Overall, the home services category within the Franchise Times Top 400 ranking generated $11.6 billion in sales in 2025. This amount represents an increase of more than 7 percent from the $10.8 billion reported in 2024.

Ace Handyman Services moved up six spots to rank No. 312 on the list. The brand saw sales growth of nearly 13 percent, reaching $118 million. Window World held the top spot for the category at No. 71, with $1.2 billion in sales and a 7 percent increase, despite keeping its unit count steady at 211.

Five Star Bath Solutions posted the largest percentage gain in the category. Its sales jumped nearly 50 percent to $160 million. Floor Coverings International also saw strong growth, with a 46.3 percent rise to $300 million.

In the electric, plumbing, and HVAC segment, franchises reported nearly $2 billion in sales, a 12.2 percent jump. Mr. Rooter, ranked No. 142, increased its sales by 16 percent to $540 million. Brand President Chris Porcelli credited the company's position within the Neighborly portfolio for cross-marketing opportunities that helped drive performance.

Mister Sparky led the electrical repair segment with a 23.1 percent sales increase to $231 million. In contrast, painting companies faced a downturn. The category's sales fell 2.7 percent to $883 million. CertaPro Painters, ranked No. 121, saw its sales drop 2.9 percent to $665 million.

CertaPro CEO Mike Stone attributed the decline to a correction following a post-pandemic surge. He said the company had previously grown from $500 million to $770 million in 2023 before high interest rates reduced disposable income. Stone stated the company is now hiring new leaders and expanding into commercial work to stabilize growth.

Lawn care brands achieved a 4.6 percent sales increase, rising from $834 million in 2024 to $872 million in 2025. Weed Man, ranked No. 154, led the group with $427 million in sales. The company also expanded its unit count by 25.8 percent, growing from 221 to 278 locations in the United States and Canada.