What version of AutoCAD LT or similar software is required for the Epcon Communities computer system?
Epcon_Communities Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
d or cooperative. We have not established an advertising council composed of franchisees and have no plans to do so in the future.
Computer System
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 Il
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, franchisees must have a computer system capable of recognizing and opening CAD drawings, specifically ".DWG" file types. The minimum software requirement is AutoCAD LT 2019 or a similar program, or a later version as determined by Epcon Communities. The FDD also recommends Autodesk DWF Viewer and Autodesk TrueView as free alternatives.
The estimated cost for the computer system is up to $1,900 per computer, while the AutoCAD LT 2019 software license is estimated to cost up to $3,000 per user. Franchisees are responsible for procuring the necessary software and hardware from any supplier, as Epcon Communities is not obligated to provide or assist in obtaining these items.
In addition to the CAD software, franchisees must have a broadband Internet connection, which is estimated to cost approximately $135 per month for business-class pricing. The computer system must also support standard multimedia files and have Adobe Photoshop or similarly capable software for accessing and updating marketing materials. Furthermore, franchisees are required to maintain updated antivirus and anti-spam software on their computers and email systems. Epcon Communities may periodically require franchisees to upgrade or update their computer hardware and software to meet the current minimum specifications, but these upgrades will not be required more often than annually, with an estimated annual cost of $350.