Is a Pump It Up franchisee required to retain an architect?
Pump_It_Up Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
discretion and on a case-by-case basis, to reduce or waive this fee.
(7) Architect; Engineer/Permits and Licenses; Construction Drawings. Unless we choose to waive the requirement, you must retain an architect licensed in your state to develop construction drawings of your Pump It Up Business. Required stamped drawings include architectural, mechanical, plumbing and electrical plans. In addition, you must obtain structural and fire protection and any other plans as may be required by your state and local agencies. These costs may or may not be incorporated into your general contractor's expenses. You should obtain information from your local, county and state authorities about the required licenses and related types of expenses in your local area. The estimated initial investment of $0.00 for architect/engineer/permits and licenses assumes that: (a) we have waived the requirement to retain an architect because of your level of experience and sophistication in other similar businesses; (b) we have waived the requirement because the renovations at the premises where your Franchised Business will be located does not require the services of an architect; or (c) the landlord will renovate the premises on your behalf.
(8) Site Evaluation Fee. You may be required to pay us a Site Evaluation Fee of $500 per day if we conduct an on-site evaluation as part of the site selection process for your Franchised Business. You must also reimburse us for all travel, living and other expenses that we incur in conducting the on-site evaluation of your proposed site. The estimated Site Evaluation Fee and expense reimbursement of $0 assumes that we do not elect to conduct an on-site evaluation of your proposed site. The estimated Site Evaluation Fee and expense reimbursement of $2,500 assumes that we conduct a two-day on-site evaluation and have $1,500 in reimbursable travel, living and other expenses.
(9) Arena Equipment, Rides and Safety Mats. You must purchase, finance or lease Arena equipment, rides, attractions, and safety mats from only the PIU Vendors.
Source: Item 7 — ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT (FDD pages 21–25)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Pump It Up's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are generally required to retain a licensed architect to develop construction drawings for their Pump It Up Business. These drawings must include architectural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical plans. Additionally, franchisees must obtain structural and fire protection plans, as well as any other plans required by state and local agencies. The costs for these services may or may not be included in the general contractor's expenses. The table in Item 7 indicates an estimated range of $0 to $10,000 for architect, engineer, permits, and licenses. These payments are made to third parties during the design phase, prior to construction.
However, Pump It Up may waive the requirement to retain an architect under certain conditions. These conditions include situations where the franchisee has a high level of experience and sophistication in similar businesses, when the renovations at the premises do not require an architect, or if the landlord will renovate the premises on behalf of the franchisee. If any of these conditions are met, the estimated initial investment for architect/engineer/permits and licenses could be $0.00.
Prior to construction, franchisees must submit preliminary design drawings to Pump It Up's design team for review. There is a Design Review Fee of $2,000 for this service, payable to Pump It Up or its affiliates. Once the design drawings receive a notice of non-objection in writing, the franchisee must then send the drawings to their chosen architect to prepare the construction drawings. Prospective franchisees should clarify with Pump It Up whether they qualify for a waiver of the architect requirement and factor in the potential costs for architectural services, engineering, permits, and licenses when planning their initial investment.