Does Auntie Annes require the use of licensed engineers for Architectural Plans?
Auntie_Annes Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
ontractor ("General Contractor") to complete the build-out of your Shop, and the General Contractor must be accepted by us. Our acceptance of your General Contractor will not in any way be our endorsement of your General Contractor or render us liable for your General Contractor's performance. (Franchise Agreement, Section 6.1)
- 4. Architectural Plans. We will provide a sample layout and specifications for the Shop. You must, at your expense, employ a licensed architect that we accept in writing and licensed engineers (e.g., mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or structural engineers) as necessary to prepare your Architectural Plans. We will review your proposed architect and Architectural Plans. Our acceptance of your architect will not in any way be our endorsement of your architect or render us liable for your architect's performance or your architect's compliance with professional design standards or adherence to local codes. Our review of the Architectural Plans is limited to ensuring your compliance with our Standards and is not designed to assess structural integrity or compliance with applicable laws. After our initial review of your Architectural Plans at no cost and our review of one revised set of Architectural Plans that incorporate our required changes at no cost, we may charge a fee of $1,000 for each set of drawings we review that include any other modifications from the plans that we have previously accepted. We must accept your
Architectural Plans in writing prior to you submitting them for permits and beginning construction. You may be required to periodically provide photographs of your construction progress from the time you commence construction until the time that you request our consent to open your Shop.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS AND TRAINING (FDD pages 61–77)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Auntie Annes's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to employ licensed engineers as necessary to prepare their Architectural Plans. Auntie Annes will provide a sample layout and specifications for the shop, but the franchisee is responsible for employing a licensed architect that Auntie Annes accepts in writing, as well as any necessary licensed engineers (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, or structural engineers). These professionals will prepare the Architectural Plans at the franchisee's expense.
Auntie Annes will review the proposed architect and the Architectural Plans to ensure compliance with their standards. However, Auntie Annes states that their acceptance of the architect does not constitute an endorsement, nor does it render them liable for the architect's performance or compliance with professional design standards or local codes. Similarly, their review of the Architectural Plans is limited to ensuring compliance with their standards and is not designed to assess structural integrity or compliance with applicable laws.
After the initial review of the Architectural Plans and one revision incorporating required changes, Auntie Annes may charge a fee of $1,000 for each subsequent set of drawings reviewed that include modifications from the previously accepted plans. The franchisee must receive written acceptance of the Architectural Plans from Auntie Annes before submitting them for permits and beginning construction. The franchisee may also be required to provide periodic photographs of the construction progress and may not open the shop until Auntie Annes provides written consent.