Franchise vs. DIY Business Startup Calculator
Thinking about starting a business but not sure whether to build it from scratch or join a franchise? Use our free calculator to compare the true costs of each path—startup costs, monthly expenses, and long-term investment value.
This tool is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs in industries like home inspections, real estate, food service, coaching, or fitness. Whether you're considering a local business or a national franchise, this calculator shows you the real math behind each model.
🧠 What This Calculator Compares
📊 Why Use This Calculator?
Starting a business on your own means spending time and money to build every system from the ground up. A franchise often includes many of those tools and support systems in one package—but the cost can vary.
Our calculator lets you:
- 💵 Estimate your startup costs if doing it all yourself
- 🧾 Compare those costs to the franchise fees and royalties
- 📈 See ongoing monthly expenses and hidden costs you may miss
- 🧮 Calculate your potential savings over time
🛠️ How It Works
Just fill in your expected costs (or use our typical ranges), then enter the franchise fee, monthly support cost, and royalty percentage. We’ll show you a side-by-side comparison of:
- Total DIY startup cost
- Franchise startup cost
- DIY monthly overhead
- Franchise monthly costs
- Your time to launch and estimated monthly revenue
📍 Who This Is For
This calculator was built for:
- 📈 Business opportunity seekers evaluating franchise brands
- 💡 DIY entrepreneurs doing research
- 🧑💻 Consultants comparing startup paths for clients
- 🧲 Bloggers and analysts who want to link to a value-based comparison tool
🚀 Try the Calculator Below
Use the interactive form below to see your personalized results:
Note: This calculator is universal and works with any franchise or startup model.
💡 Looking for a Franchise That Costs Less Than $10K?
If you’re looking for a top-rated, affordable business opportunity, check out the Home Inspections Over Coffee franchise. It includes training, systems, and support—all for under $10,000. It’s one of the most accessible ways to launch a profitable, scalable home inspection business.
🔗 Share This Tool
Know someone weighing the pros and cons of a franchise? Share this tool with them, or link to it in your blog or content. It’s a powerful way to help others make smart, numbers-driven decisions.
💬 Still Not Sure?
If you're considering franchising your business or evaluating one to buy, we’d love to talk. Click here to connect with our team and we’ll walk you through your numbers one-on-one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Franchise vs. DIY Calculator?
This free tool helps you compare the real costs of launching a business from scratch versus buying a franchise. It breaks down startup costs, monthly expenses, royalty fees, and more to give you a side-by-side view.
Can I use this calculator for any franchise?
Yes. This calculator is fully customizable. You can enter your own franchise fee, support costs, and royalty rate—making it perfect for comparing multiple franchise opportunities or exploring your own solo path.
Is this tool just for home inspection franchises?
No. While it's built by a team with experience in the home services industry, this calculator works for any business—restaurants, gyms, real estate offices, coaching brands, and more.
Does it include hidden or ongoing costs?
Yes. It includes not just startup costs but ongoing monthly expenses like CRM tools, SEO, admin help, and your personal time. This gives you a full view of the operational reality of each path.
Is there a franchise you recommend?
Yes. If you’re looking for a proven franchise that costs under $10,000 to start, check out the Home Inspections Over Coffee franchise. It includes training, systems, and support—perfect for entrepreneurs who want to hit the ground running.
Can I save or email my results?
Right now, the calculator is interactive only, but we’re working on a feature to let you email your results or download a PDF comparison. Stay tuned!