Does Auntie Annes's review of Architectural Plans assess structural integrity or compliance with applicable laws?
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 wi
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, 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. The franchisee is responsible for employing a licensed architect and licensed engineers to prepare the Architectural Plans.
This means that while Auntie Annes will check the plans to ensure they meet the brand's specific design and layout requirements, it is the franchisee's responsibility to ensure the plans are structurally sound and comply with all local codes and regulations. The franchisee must hire qualified professionals to create the plans and ensure compliance.
Auntie Annes's acceptance of the architect does not render them liable for the architect's performance or compliance with professional design standards or adherence to local codes. After the initial review of the Architectural Plans at no cost and a review of one revised set of Architectural Plans that incorporate required changes at no cost, Auntie Annes may charge a fee of $1,000 for each set of drawings they review that include any other modifications from the plans that they have previously accepted. The franchisee must get written acceptance of the Architectural Plans from Auntie Annes before submitting them for permits and beginning construction.