Does Epcon Communities provide stamped and sealed architectural plans and specifications for buildings?
Epcon_Communities Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Before you begin development of your initial Epcon Communities project, we will provide the following assistance:
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- Unstamped and unsealed architectural plans and specifications for buildings, based upon our most recently updated project plans, including foundation plan, floor plan, roof plan, wall sections, exterior elevations, cabinetry shop drawings, plumbing schematics, electrical schematics, and HVAC schematics. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4.1.1).
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- Unstamped and unsealed architectural plans and specifications for clubhouses and pavilions, based upon our most recently updated project plans, including foundation plan, floor plan, roof plan, wall sections, exterior elevations, cabinetry shop drawings, plumbing schematics, electrical schematics, and HVAC schematics.. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4.1.2).
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- Sample site and landscape plans from one recent project developed by us. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4.1.3).
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- Operations Manual. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4.1.5).
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- Up to fifty (50) hours of consulting services, which may include recommendations on planning, financing, construction, and marketing. Initial training sessions and certain mandatory and optional training sessions are included in the total number of hours of consulting services we are required to provide to you. (Franchise Agreement, Sections 4.1.6.1, 5.12 and 15.2).
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- Sample Construction Scopes of Work documents. (Franchise Agreement, Section 4.1.4).
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 provides franchisees with architectural plans and specifications for buildings, clubhouses, and pavilions. However, these plans are provided as unstamped and unsealed. Specifically, these plans include the foundation plan, floor plan, roof plan, wall sections, exterior elevations, cabinetry shop drawings, plumbing schematics, electrical schematics, and HVAC schematics.
This means that while Epcon Communities offers comprehensive architectural plans to assist franchisees in the development of their projects, franchisees will likely need to engage local professionals to have the plans stamped and sealed to meet local regulatory requirements. Stamped and sealed plans typically signify that a licensed architect or engineer has reviewed and approved the plans, ensuring they meet local building codes and safety standards.
The franchisee is responsible for ensuring the plans meet all local building codes and regulations. Engaging a local architect or engineer to review, stamp, and seal the plans will likely incur additional costs for the franchisee, but it is a necessary step to ensure compliance and project approval. Prospective franchisees should factor in these potential costs when evaluating the overall investment required to develop an Epcon Communities project.