For Beehive Homes, is the Franchisee solely responsible for the costs associated with engaging their own architect?

According to the 2025 Beehive Homes Franchise Disclosure Document, the franchisee is indeed solely responsible for the costs associated with engaging their own architect. While Beehive Homes provides general architectural and design drawings as guidelines, the franchisee must engage their own architect, attorneys, contractors, and other advisors at their own expense to prepare final plans and construct the improvements.

This means that prospective Beehive Homes franchisees need to budget for these professional services in addition to the franchise fee and other startup costs. The franchisee is responsible for obtaining all required permits and licensing, adding another layer of cost and responsibility. The final plans prepared by the franchisee's architect must be approved in writing by Beehive Homes to ensure compliance with the brand's trade dress guidelines before the franchisee can submit them for building permits.

Beehive Homes explicitly states that it will not be a party to any agreements related to the construction, furnishing, equipping, and supplying of the home and will have no liability in connection with these agreements. This underscores the franchisee's complete responsibility for managing and financing the construction phase. This is a fairly standard arrangement in the franchise industry, where franchisees typically bear the costs of building out their locations according to the franchisor's specifications.

Therefore, a potential Beehive Homes franchisee should carefully consider the costs of engaging an architect and other professionals, as these expenses are their sole responsibility. They should also factor in the time required to obtain necessary approvals and permits, as delays can impact the overall project timeline and budget.