Is Epcon Communities obligated to provide or assist in obtaining the required software and hardware?
Epcon_Communities Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
We are not obligated to provide to you, or to assist you in obtaining, the required software and hardware. You can obtain the required software and hardware from any supplier.
You must purchase and use a computer system meeting our specifications and your architect or design professional must have a computer design system similar to that now typically used in the profession to read plans in CAD format. (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.10). The computer system will be used to store word processing data, spreadsheets, financial information, PDFs and CAD drawings. Your computer must be able to recognize and open CAD drawings (".DWG" file types) using AutoCAD LT 2019 or similar software (Autodesk DWF Viewer and Autodesk TrueView are recommended as free alternatives), or a later version as determined by us.
We estimate that it will cost you up to $1,900 (per computer) to purchase the computer system and up to $3,000 (per user) to purchase the AutoCAD LT 2019 software license. You must utilize a broadband Internet connection with your computer system at a cost of approximately $135 per month for business class pricing. Your computer(s) must allow you to view and listen to standard multimedia type files such as photos, videos and music files, both locally on your computer and over the Internet. You must have Adobe Photoshop or similarly capable software (such as Illustrator) for making updates to and accessing marketing materials. You are required to have a working email address. Periodically, we send you important
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 39–48)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Epcon Communities' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Epcon Communities is not obligated to provide or assist franchisees in obtaining the required software and hardware. The FDD states that franchisees can obtain the necessary software and hardware from any supplier.
Epcon Communities specifies that franchisees must purchase and use a computer system meeting certain specifications, and their architect or design professional needs a computer design system capable of reading plans in CAD format. The computer system should be able to store word processing data, spreadsheets, financial information, PDFs, and CAD drawings. It must also be able to recognize and open CAD drawings (.DWG files) using AutoCAD LT 2019 or similar software.
The estimated cost for the computer system is up to $1,900 per computer, and the AutoCAD LT 2019 software license is estimated to cost up to $3,000 per user. Additionally, a broadband Internet connection is required, costing approximately $135 per month for business-class pricing. The computer must support standard multimedia files and have software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator for accessing and updating marketing materials. Franchisees must also have a working email address and updated antivirus and anti-spam software installed.