Handyman Matters vs More Space Place
Handyman Matters vs More Space Place: Handyman Matters costs $44K to $192K to open; More Space Place costs $263K to $619K. Handyman Matters has 17 units, More Space Place has 6. SBA loan history: Handyman Matters = 12 loans (16.7% default); More Space Place = 8 loans (25.0% default). The franchise with more SBA funded units, a lower SBA default rate, and a lower royalty load is the safer financing bet; see the comparison below.
Handyman Matters vs More Space Place: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Analysis based on FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
Handyman Matters requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($44K vs $263K for More Space Place), a 83% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $70K for Handyman Matters versus $30K for More Space Place, More Space Place has the lower entry fee. Ongoing royalty load is 6% for Handyman Matters and 6% for More Space Place, equal royalty drag.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Handyman Matters operates 17 units to More Space Place's 6, roughly 3× the system size.
SBA Lending Profile
Handyman Matters has the deeper SBA lending track record, with 12 7(a) approvals compared with 8 for More Space Place. Handyman Matters's peak SBA year was 2020 (5 loans); More Space Place's peak was 2009 (2 loans). Handyman Matters's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Handyman Matters has the most SBA funded units in TX, with 4. More Space Place leads in FL, with 3. Borrowers should pick the brand whose strongest SBA state matches their own state for warmer lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded Handyman Matters deals is $102K vs $858K for More Space Place, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 16.7% for Handyman Matters and 25.0% for More Space Place, Handyman Matters has the cleaner SBA loss record by 8.3 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 25 (Fair) for Handyman Matters and 26 (Fair) for More Space Place, giving More Space Place the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 25/100 | 26/100 |
Health Tier | Limited | Limited |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 12 | 8 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 16.7% | 25.0% |
Peer Tier | growing | emerging |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $44K to $192K | $263K to $619K |
Franchise Fee | $70K | $30K |
Royalty Rate | 6% | 6% |
Ad Fund | 2% | 1% |
Liquid Capital | N/A | N/A |
Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 17 | 6 |
Franchised Units | 17 | 6 |
Company Owned | – | – |
Term Length | 10 yrs | 10 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1998 | N/A |
Franchising Since | N/A | N/A |
Years Franchising | N/A | N/A |
Headquarters | Lakewood, CO | Bradenton, FL |
Category | Other Building Finishing Contractors | Other Building Finishing Contractors |
Website | ||
FDD Year | N/A | 2025 |
Which Is Better, Handyman Matters or More Space Place?
Lower upfront capital required
Tie
Handyman Matters: $44K starting · More Space Place: $263K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Handyman Matters
Handyman Matters: 12 SBA loans · More Space Place: 8 SBA loans
Lower SBA default rate
Handyman Matters
Handyman Matters: 16.7% · More Space Place: 25.0%
Larger system & brand presence
Tie
Handyman Matters: 17 units · More Space Place: 6 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
Tie
Handyman Matters: 6% · More Space Place: 6%
More lender financing options
Tie
Handyman Matters: 6 unique lenders · More Space Place: 6 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
Handyman Matters vs More Space Place: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Handyman Matters and More Space Place is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $44K to $619K.
Handyman Matters has 12 SBA loans on record and More Space Place has 8. Those totals are cumulative history rather than a measure of current appetite. Recent lending activity is trending down for at least one of these brands, so current lender appetite has to be checked deal by deal rather than assumed from the totals.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
Handyman Matters vs More Space Place, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, Handyman Matters or More Space Place?
How much does a Handyman Matters franchise cost compared to More Space Place?
Can I finance Handyman Matters or More Space Place with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, Handyman Matters or More Space Place?
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Page Review
Reviewed by Edward L. Freeman, Founder and Managing Director, PeerSense
- PeerSense is a capital advisory firm that places commercial financing with direct capital sources; the capital source sets final terms.
- Edward L. Freeman founded PeerSense in January 2020.
- He is a Registered Franchise Consultant with Business Alliance, Inc., a credential issued in March 2022, and worked as a franchise consultant there from March 2022 to May 2023.
- His recorded experience includes a $22 million SBA construction loan, with about $16 million funded on the deal.
- In the 12 months through September 30, 2026, PeerSense tracked 912 publicly announced financings with a disclosed size of $361.32 billion. PeerSense Capital Data Report · Methodology page
Last reviewed LinkedIn profileAbout Edward Freeman