Looking to invest in a service-based business that offers flexibility, proven support, and a scalable model? The Five Star Painting franchise might just be the stroke of genius you need. Part of the Neighborly® family of brands, Five Star Painting has positioned itself as a top choice for entrepreneurs who want to enter the home services industry without the traditional headaches of a brick-and-mortar business. With low overhead, a streamlined ownership model, and powerful backing, this franchise has been transforming lives and spaces since its founding in 2004.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes Five Star Painting a compelling franchise opportunity. We’ll look at the brand’s origin, its business model, competitive advantages, investment requirements, and the kind of franchisee who is most likely to thrive in this system.

This article is sponsored by Five Star Painting. The content has been created in partnership with the brand to provide insights into its business model and franchise opportunities.

A Splash of History: From Student Startup to National Brand.

Five Star Painting began when college friends Scott Abbott and Chad Jones started painting homes to finance their education. Recognizing the potential of their efficient, customer-focused model, they sold their first franchise in 2005. By 2015, the brand had grown enough to attract the attention of Neighborly, a home services franchising powerhouse that also owns brands like Mr. Handyman, Mosquito Joe, and Molly Maid.

Since joining the Neighborly network, Five Star Painting has expanded to over 220 territories across the U.S. and Canada. The brand continues to thrive thanks to a scalable model, executive ownership structure, and a mission centered on transforming lives and spaces through color.

The Five Star Difference: A Franchise Built for Flexibility.

What sets Five Star Painting apart from other painting businesses? It comes down to a business model designed for flexibility, scalability, and work-life balance.

• No Painting Experience Required: Franchisees operate in an executive ownership model. That means they manage operations and subcontract painters, rather than doing the physical work themselves.
• Home-Based Startup: No office space is required at launch, significantly reducing overhead costs.
• Simple, Streamlined Tools: Proprietary software for scheduling, estimating, and managing customer relationships comes built in.
• Multiple Service Streams: In addition to interior and exterior painting, services include pressure washing, cabinet painting, wallpaper removal, and drywall repair.
• Marketing & Vendor Support: Franchisees benefit from professional SEO, social media marketing, and partnerships with national suppliers like Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore.

For aspiring entrepreneurs who want a solid operational framework without being tied down to manual labor or high fixed costs, this model is an attractive proposition.

Inside a Day in the Life of a Franchise Owner.

What does it actually look like to run a Five Star Painting business? Each day typically begins with a check-in with your team of subcontractors. You might oversee scheduling, touch base with project managers, and ensure your crews are prepped and professional.

Throughout the day, your role involves estimating jobs, communicating with customers, and ensuring service quality meets the brand’s standards. Because much of the back-end administration is supported through tech platforms and the Neighborly infrastructure, your time is better spent growing the business and strengthening customer relationships.

You’ll also benefit from recurring commercial accounts, repeat business from satisfied residential clients, and exclusive promotional opportunities through the Neighborly referral network.

A Growing Industry with Room to Paint.

The painting industry is a resilient and steadily growing sector. According to research firm IBISWorld, demand for painting services is expected to rise as both residential and commercial construction activity picks up. This trend is bolstered by a recovering housing market, increased consumer confidence, and a renewed focus on home improvement post-pandemic.

As families invest more in home upgrades and businesses reopen or remodel, the need for professional, reliable painting services continues to grow. For Five Star Painting franchisees, that means consistent opportunity in both booming and steady markets.

What It Costs to Get Rolling: Startup Investment Breakdown.

Compared to many franchise systems, Five Star Painting offers a relatively low barrier to entry. Below is a breakdown of the estimated initial investment based on the brand’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD):

Initial Franchise Investment Table.

Type of Expenditure	Low Estimate	High Estimate
Initial Franchise Fee	$45,000*	$45,000 + $230* per 1,000 additional population
Software System Fee	$1,250*	$1,250*
Call Center Fee	$350*	$450*
Vehicle	$3,000*	$40,000*
Equipment, Supplies & Inventory	$2,400*	$11,550*
Insurance	$2,500*	$9,000*
Advertising & Local Marketing	$15,000*	$50,000*
Training, Travel, Lodging & Food	$1,500*	$4,000*
Deposits, Permits & Licenses	$0*	$1,750*
Professional Fees	$250*	$5,000*
Real Estate	$0*	$6,000*
Additional Funds – 6 Months	$6,200*	$10,600*
Total	$77,450*	$184,600* + any additional fees or real estate

The Neighborly Network: A Family of Franchise Powerhouses.

One of the most powerful assets a Five Star Painting owner gains is access to Neighborly’s extensive franchise ecosystem. This means:

• Cross-promotion opportunities with brands like Mr. Rooter, Aire Serv, and The Grounds Guys
• Referrals through GetNeighborly.com
• Group purchasing discounts via ProTradeNet
• Shared training resources and franchisee events

Neighborly’s “Done Right Promise®” strengthens brand credibility and gives customers peace of mind. For franchisees, this promise reinforces a high service standard that helps retain customers and generate referrals.

Who Thrives in This Franchise?

The Five Star Painting model works best for entrepreneurs who:

• Prefer managing operations over performing manual labor
• Want a business with low overhead and no lease commitment
• Appreciate a structured yet flexible schedule
• Have strong people skills and a knack for sales or local networking
• Value brand recognition and robust corporate support

You don’t need a background in painting or construction. Instead, the brand looks for driven, customer-oriented individuals eager to lead and grow a business.

Is Five Star Painting the Right Fit for You?

If you’re looking for a home-based franchise with strong systems, a recognizable brand, and a low initial investment, Five Star Painting is worth serious consideration. The brand combines a straightforward business model with the backing of Neighborly, creating a scalable opportunity in a stable industry.

Add to that recurring customer potential, professional vendor partnerships, and operational freedom, and you have a franchise that’s both practical and promising.

Ready to take the next step? The Franchise Brokers Association is here to help guide you on your journey into the franchise world. Explore your options today.