Can an Even Hotels franchisee make alterations or improvements to the Equipment without approval?
Even_Hotels Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
gs, guest room FF&E and Public Area FF&E plans and associated specifications as outlined in the submittal guidelines ("FF&E Specs") to IHG, as designed and prepared by a licensed or accredited design professional with commercial building design background, no later than thirty (30) days after Ground Break. Thereafter, no change shall be made to the FF&E Specs without the prior written consent of IHG. Notwithstanding the foregoing, after the FF&E Specs have been approved, if in the course of actual construction any change in the FF&E Specs occurs, Licensee shall notify IHG and submit changes, within ten (10) days of any such change, for IHG's review and approval.
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- Licensee must submit for IHG's review and approval any and all Life Safety shop drawings as outlined in the submittal guidelines (Fire Alarm and Sprinkler plans), as designed and prepared by a professional sub-contractor with AHJ approval, no later than thirty (30) days after Ground Break. Thereafter, no change shall be made to the fire alarm and sprinkler systems without the prior written consent of IHG. Notwithstanding the forgoing, after the Life Safety system drawings have been approved by IHG, if in the course of actual construction any change in the system design that occurs, Licensee shall, within ten (10) days of any such change, submit such changes for IHG's review and approval.
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- Licensee must submit shop drawings, color boards and specifications to IHG for its review and approval before purchasing and installing any FF&E Specs, including without limitation, any signage. Licensee shall submit the FF&E Specs to IHG, per the electronic submittal guidelines as outlined on www.ihgdesignconnect.com.
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- Licensee must notify IHG if it elects to use any product, design, or FF&E package which has not been pre-approved by IHG.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 99–438)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Even Hotels' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees must obtain approval from IHG, the franchisor, before making changes to certain aspects of the hotel. Specifically, franchisees must submit shop drawings, color boards, and specifications for review and approval before purchasing and installing any FF&E Specs, including signage. FF&E is defined as Case Goods, Soft Goods, signage (including exterior signage), and equipment (including telephone systems, printers, televisions, vending machines and computer hardware) as well as other improvements and personal property used in the operation of the Hotel except for those items which are generally classified as "operating supplies" or "operating equipment".
This requirement extends to changes in the fire alarm and sprinkler systems. Licensees must submit Life Safety shop drawings for IHG's review and approval no later than 30 days after the ground breaking. After the Life Safety system drawings have been approved, no changes can be made to the fire alarm and sprinkler systems without prior written consent from IHG. If changes occur during construction, the franchisee must submit these changes for review and approval within ten days.
Furthermore, franchisees must submit renovation plans for the hotel to IHG for review and approval before starting any renovations. No renovations can commence until IHG approves the scope of the plans and confirms their compliance with the brand's standards. This ensures that all alterations and improvements align with the brand's image and operational standards.
These stipulations mean that an Even Hotels franchisee has limited autonomy in altering or improving the hotel's equipment and systems. Franchisees need to plan and coordinate with IHG for any changes, which may impact the timeline and budget of any modifications. Failing to obtain the necessary approvals could result in non-compliance with the franchise agreement and potential penalties.