Steri-Clean Franchise

Steri-Clean’s history includes Cory Chalmers’ work as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Member of Crime Scene Steri-Clean, LLC from June 1995 through October 2023. The franchise system’s California predecessor, Steri-Clean, Inc., was incorporated in July 2011 and began offering franchises in July 2014. The current Idaho corporation was established on September 19, 2016. In January 2017, the California and Idaho corporations merged, and the Idaho company continued as franchisor.

The April 15, 2026 FDD, amended May 19, 2026, identifies Chalmers as President and Chief Executive Officer of the current franchisor. The business provides specialized cleaning and biohazard remediation, including hoarding cleanup, crime and trauma cleanup, drug-lab decontamination, odor and tear-gas removal, homeless encampment cleanup, and approved water, flood and mold services. Franchisees operate under the Steri-Clean system and remain responsible for required licenses, permits, certifications and workplace-safety compliance.

Item 7 estimates $89,794–$273,101 to start a new single-unit business. The initial franchise fee ranges from $40,000 to $80,000 according to territory population. Other costs include office and warehouse space, vehicles, cleaning equipment, software, supplies, launch marketing and additional funds before opening and for the first 90 days. The premises estimate anticipates roughly 1,500 square feet at startup. Vehicle estimates differ between leasing and purchasing; an existing operator converting to the system may already own some of the required assets.

The owner and management team must complete the required initial training before operations begin. The 2026 FDD lists 49 classroom hours and at least 45 hours of on-the-job training, held in Signal Hill, California; Hailey, Idaho; or another location approved in writing. Subjects include hiring, human resources, office workflow, financial controls, local marketing, hoarding cleanup, odor removal, bird deterrent work, drug cleanup, biohazard cleanup, and estimating and billing. Practical training depends partly on the real-world work available, and conversion franchisees may receive a reduced program based on assessed experience.

Initial instruction for required attendees carries no tuition, while the franchisee pays travel, lodging, meals and wages. Training uses online materials, presentations, classroom exercises and hands-on demonstrations. Separately required software training, including Xactimate training, is at the franchisee’s expense. Before opening, support includes site and lease review, operating specifications, approved equipment and supplier information, the manual and startup marketing materials. The franchisee remains responsible for the premises, permits, equipment and staffing. The agreement provides for opening within 60 days after initial training unless otherwise agreed in writing.

Ongoing resources include operating-manual updates, information on new techniques, franchisee meetings, periodic training and consultation by telephone or electronic channels. Promotional websites and telephone numbers route territorial leads, and a central call center operates subject to current technology and call-center payments. The FDD and agreement describe up to five days of early on-site help during the first six months, with terms governing requests and expenses. Owners also receive access to marketing designs, while paying the costs to produce and place local advertising.

Refresher training may be required. The FDD reports no current separate refresher tuition but reserves the right to charge it later, and attendees’ travel, living costs and wages remain the franchisee’s responsibility. Required systems include QuickBooks Online, Xactimate, DocuSketch, HubSpot and the franchisor’s contact-management and scheduling tools. These resources support the operation; the owner still directs the team, manages customer work and maintains the required safety and regulatory standards.

Steri-Clean may suit an owner seeking a service business where careful project management and respectful customer care matter as much as technical work. The model combines several specialized cleanup services with a detailed training curriculum, defined operating procedures and centralized customer-contact resources. Its appeal is the opportunity to lead a team that addresses difficult property conditions and helps customers move forward through demanding situations.

This is an active management role. A Designated Principal must own at least 25% of the franchisee entity, and the owner or Designated Principal must devote full-time effort to managing financial and operational matters. The business also requires direct on-site supervision by an approved, fully trained manager or assistant manager. A suitable buyer should be comfortable developing staff, following detailed procedures and building local referral relationships while remaining accountable for service delivery.

Read more about the operating responsibilities in Steri-Clean Franchise: Biohazard Cleanup, Training and Ownership.