Housemaster vs Pillar To Post
Housemaster vs Pillar To Post: Housemaster costs $69K–$113K to open; Pillar To Post costs $4.5M–$58.5M. Housemaster has 235 units, Pillar To Post has 41. SBA loan history: Housemaster = 24 loans (8.3% default); Pillar To Post = 44 loans (11.4% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet — see the comparison below.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 66/100 | 59/100 |
Health Tier | Strong | Moderate |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Growing | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 24 | 44 |
SBA Volume | — | — |
Default Rate | 8.3% | 11.4% |
Peer Tier | growing | established |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $69K – $113K | $4.5M – $58.5M |
Franchise Fee | $43K | $75K |
Royalty Rate | 7.5% | 5% |
Ad Fund | 2.5% | 3% |
Liquid Capital | N/A | N/A |
Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 235 | 41 |
Franchised Units | 235 | 41 |
Company-Owned | — | — |
Term Length | 10 yrs | 20 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1971 | N/A |
Franchising Since | 1979 | N/A |
Years Franchising | 47 yrs | N/A |
Headquarters | Somerville, NJ | N/A |
Category | Building Inspection Services | Building Inspection Services |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2026 | 2026 |
Which Is Better — Housemaster or Pillar To Post?
Lower upfront capital required
Housemaster
Housemaster: $69K starting · Pillar To Post: $4.5M starting
More SBA lender confidence
Pillar To Post
Housemaster: 24 SBA loans · Pillar To Post: 44 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
Housemaster
Housemaster: 8.3% · Pillar To Post: 11.4%
Larger system & brand presence
Housemaster
Housemaster: 235 units · Pillar To Post: 41 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
Pillar To Post
Housemaster: 7.5% · Pillar To Post: 5%
More lender financing options
Pillar To Post
Housemaster: 8 unique lenders · Pillar To Post: 32 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
Housemaster vs Pillar To Post: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Housemaster and Pillar To Post is about more than brand preference — it's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $69K to $58.5M.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories — Housemaster with 24 SBA loans and Pillar To Post with 44. This means proven lender acceptance and established underwriting paths for franchise buyers.
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.