The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) has launched its 2025 Cost of Doing Business (CODB) Survey, calling on restoration professionals to contribute to a vital industry-wide benchmarking initiative.

Now in its second year, the CODB Survey offers restoration companies the opportunity to anonymously share key financial and operational data – building a clearer picture of what it really costs to run a business in this sector. The data collected will inform industry advocacy and support long-term growth strategies.

The RIA is again partnering with KnowHow, an AI-powered operations platform designed to streamline training, onboarding and standard operating procedures. The 2025 survey follows the strong response to last year’s inaugural report, which was downloaded nearly 1,000 times and widely recognised as a landmark moment for data-driven insight in the restoration space.

According to RIA CEO Kristy Cohen, the response confirmed what many already suspected: restoration businesses are hungry for real numbers and practical benchmarks.

“This second survey isn’t just about continuity, it’s about lifting the standard,” Cohen said in a statement. “Restorers want trustworthy data to inform their decisions, and we’re proud to be building a resource that empowers them to do exactly that.”

KnowHow CEO Leighton Healey agrees, describing the CODB initiative as a tool that can sharpen decision-making and operational focus.

“Teams do their best work when they have access to the right information,” Healey stated. “This year’s report will help operators across the sector fine-tune their systems and strengthen long-term financial sustainability.”

The survey results will also feed into the RIA’s ongoing advocacy work, informing dialogue with insurers, policymakers and industry stakeholders. For an industry facing rising costs and changing expectations, the 2025 report is designed to offer clarity, credibility and confidence.

Restoration companies of all sizes – from independent operators to multi-site businesses – are encouraged to take part. The final report will be released in October 2025.

Learn more and take the survey today.