Does the estimated initial investment for an Epcon Communities franchise assume the development of a project with thirty detached home Units?
Epcon_Communities Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
The cost estimates shown in Item 7 assume that you are planning to complete one (1) project in a standard market area that will have thirty (30) detached dwelling Units (homes). The cost estimates for vertical construction are based on our most popular home design, a slab-on-grade Portico unit type. The low end of the estimated cost range is a Portico model home with no structural options and the high end of the estimated range is a Portico model home with many available structural options. For a project of this size, we specify the prototypical Large Pavilion as the only amenity in the project and have provided cost estimates for that structure.
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 22–32)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Epcon Communities' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated initial investment is based on developing a project with thirty detached dwelling Units (homes). The cost estimates also assume the construction of a Large Pavilion as the community amenity. These estimates are based on Epcon Communities' most popular home design, a slab-on-grade Portico unit type. The low end of the estimated cost range is for a Portico model home with no structural options, while the high end includes many available structural options.
It is important to note that the actual initial investment can vary significantly based on several factors. These include the size and cost of the site and project, geographic location, building and energy code requirements, climatic conditions, seismic zones, wind and snow load requirements, subsurface soil and rock conditions, groundwater, wetlands, environmental issues, cultural resource discoveries, zoning requirements, governmental fees, land cost, local labor rates, materials and shipping expenses, supply and demand forces, local construction customs, required off-site improvements, financing costs, and required returns to any investors.
Prospective franchisees should be aware that projects as small as twenty-five Units are permitted, and some Epcon Communities have over one hundred Units, which will affect the overall investment. The FDD advises consulting with an attorney and an accountant to understand the real estate purchase and development processes, as well as the costs and risks associated with real estate development in the franchisee's specific market. Securing trade contractor and supplier agreements is also recommended to more accurately determine project costs.