Buying a ServiceMaster franchise in Canada

Three brands under ServiceMaster of Canada

ServiceMaster of Canada says it “operates three distinct brands across the country”: ServiceMaster Clean, which provides janitorial, upholstery and carpet cleaning services to homes and businesses; ServiceMaster Restore, which restores homes and businesses after fire, water damage and other disasters; and Merry Maids, in residential cleaning. It says it offers franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs, with training, guidance and access to tools (as published, read Nov 4, 2026). A search for “ServiceMaster franchise” therefore does not name one business. The only brand whose costs we could read is Restore.

What ServiceMaster Restore publishes for Canada

The ServiceMaster Restore opportunity page for Canada lists an estimated initial investment, a net worth and a liquid capital figure. A footnote says the total investment may vary according to the territory purchased and “includes training, technology, insurance, certifications, real estate, and other fees that factor into the opening of a new ServiceMaster Restore location”. The page names no currency, so the ranges are shown exactly as printed. It gives no franchise fee, royalty, advertising rate or term, which are shown as not published. Ask the franchisor for them in writing.

Discounts the page describes

ServiceMaster Restore says it discounts the initial franchise fee by 20% for individuals honourably discharged from the Canadian Armed Forces, by 10% when 51% or more of the ownership is female, and by 10% when 51% of ownership is of minority race designation. The page does not state the fee those percentages apply to. Ask which discounts can be combined, and ask for the answer in writing.

Who the franchisor says it wants

Restore says it seeks franchisees who are experienced in marketing, sales and business, and who “don’t mind having to roll your sleeves up”. It adds that it will train people who do not know restoration, and that it would also like to hear from people who already work in restoration services or own a business they would like to convert. The investment footnote counts insurance and certifications among the opening costs, and the page cites preferred partnerships with national insurance carriers; ask the franchisor which certifications and insurance it requires.

Buying an existing location

Neither page we read says whether a franchisee may sell, or whether ServiceMaster must approve the buyer. Deavo carried no ServiceMaster listings on Nov 3, 2026. Whichever of the three brands a listing is for, the first question is whether the franchisor’s consent is needed and what a transfer costs. See who has to approve a franchise resale and what a transfer fee is. The seller should describe in writing which brand and which territory are being sold.

Which franchise law applies

Seven provinces have a franchise disclosure statute: Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan, whose Act came into force on 30 June 2026. Ontario’s Arthur Wishart Act, for example, applies where the business is operated or is to be operated partly or wholly in Ontario. Ask your lawyer which Act covers the territory and whether a resale is exempt, and keep the date you receive any disclosure document.