Franchise overview by FranRelay
The Grout Doctor
The Grout Doctor is a mobile grout, tile and stone care business serving homes and light commercial properties. Franchisees clean, seal, recolor and repair surfaces, including re-grouting and re-caulking.
Speak with a FranRelay consultant about The Grout Doctor, your questions, and next steps.
Investment and fees
What it costs to open and operate
Upfront investment
Total initial investment
$24,065 – $38,085
USD estimate includes the franchise fee, $6,000-$9,000 for three months of advertising and three months of operating funds. Assumes a home office with no real estate or lease costs. Excludes royalties and marketing fees; operating funds exclude owner and employee pay, interest and debt service.
Initial franchise fee
$15,000 – $20,000
Normally counted within the total above, not added on top — confirm in the source.
USD standard fee: $0.10 per owner-occupied household, based on about 150,000-200,000 households in the territory. Due in full at signing, subject to state-specific deferral. Generally nonrefundable, with a limited refund if the franchisor terminates for unsuccessful initial training.
Selected fees
RoyaltyMonthly tiered royalty or $0.00383 per territory household, whichever is greater
The rate applies to all monthly gross sales: 9% up to $8,000; 8% at $8,001-$12,000; 7% at $12,001-$15,000; 6% at $15,001-$35,000. Above $35,000, pay 6% on the first $35,000 plus 2% on the excess. The household minimum applies if greater. Due by the fifth; weekly collection may be required.
Advertising contribution1.5% of monthly gross sales for the national marketing fund
May increase to 3% on 60 days' notice. Paid with royalties and separate from local spending. The fund supports regional or national marketing, with no required spending in your territory. All or part of the contribution may be directed to a local marketing group.
Local marketingFirst 6 months: greater of 20% of monthly gross sales or $2,000/month; then $1,200/month minimum
Spend at least $12,000 during the first six months. The opening estimate includes only three months of advertising, not the full six-month obligation. Required dollar amounts may rise by up to 10% once yearly. Pay vendors directly; some or all spending may be directed to a marketing group, whose qualifying expenditures count toward this obligation.
These are selected fees, not the complete fee schedule. Review the full FDD for all fees and conditions.
Figures are as disclosed for the period shown; unknown or undisclosed items are labelled, never shown as $0. No earnings, profit or payback figures are shown. Revenue is not profit.
Ownership and support
What owning this franchise involves
Your role
A trained operating principal stays involved, even when a manager runs daily operations.
- Owner involvement
- The operating principal must participate personally and work enough hours to run the business or supervise a manager.
- Main responsibilities
- Inspect service quality, keep customer records and oversee estimates, customer care and approved marketing.
- Manager requirements
- Managers must complete franchisor training and sign confidentiality agreements; they need not own equity.
Free consultation
Let's talk about The Grout Doctor.
Discuss your startup budget, operating role and questions to compare as you evaluate The Grout Doctor.
Free for buyers. Franchisors may pay FranRelay if you go ahead; we tell you before any introduction, and nothing happens without your go-ahead.
Disclosure document
The fees above are a short selection. Check the full FDD for all fees and terms before making a decision.
GROUT DOCTOR GLOBAL FRANCHISE CORP, Franchise Disclosure Document. ISSUANCE DATE: April 3, 2026 as amended June 1, 2026.
An introduction is not a statement that territory is available or that you will be accepted.