What approval is required from Body20 regarding the plans developed by the franchisee's contractors?
Body20 Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
You will engage designers, architects, and engineers to adapt for the Site our standard plans and specifications for the exterior and interior design and layout, fixtures, furnishings, signs, Trade Dress, and equipment for the Studio.
We will review the plans developed by your contractors, which we must approve prior to their submission to permitting.
We have the right to require you to obtain our prior written approval of any project managers, architects, engineers, or designers that you would like to use before you engage them. (Franchise Agreement - Section 4.4(a))
- **4.
Approval of Contractors.** You must provide us with written notice identifying your general contractor, and you must ensure that the contractor is duly licensed in your jurisdiction and adequately insured.
You may not begin construction until we have given you written approval of the plans and we have approved in writing your choice of general contractor.
We may require you to use only general contractors that we have pre-approved, provided that one is available in your Site Selection Area. (Franchise Agreement - Sections 4.4(c))
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 38–49)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Body20's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must have Body20's written approval of the plans developed by their contractors before submitting them for permitting. Additionally, Body20 has the right to require franchisees to obtain Body20's prior written approval of any project managers, architects, engineers, or designers before engaging them. Franchisees must also provide written notice identifying their general contractor, ensuring the contractor is duly licensed and adequately insured. Construction cannot begin until Body20 provides written approval of both the plans and the franchisee's choice of general contractor.
This requirement ensures that the studio's design and construction align with Body20's brand standards and operational requirements. It allows Body20 to maintain consistency across all franchise locations, which is crucial for brand recognition and customer experience. By controlling the design and construction process, Body20 can also ensure that the studio is built to meet specific functional and safety standards.
For a prospective franchisee, this means they will need to factor in the time required for Body20 to review and approve plans and contractors. Delays in obtaining these approvals could potentially push back the studio's opening date. Additionally, franchisees may need to be prepared to make changes to their plans based on Body20's feedback, which could incur additional costs.
Body20 may also require franchisees to use only pre-approved general contractors if one is available in the site selection area. This could limit the franchisee's choice of contractors and potentially affect the cost and timeline of construction. Franchisees should inquire about the availability of pre-approved contractors in their area and understand the criteria Body20 uses to evaluate and approve contractors and plans.