Reserve Studies
Plan Today for Tomorrow's Capital Needs.
A professional reserve study gives HOA boards, property managers and community associations a clear, long-term capital budget — so major repairs and replacements are funded without surprise assessments or loans.
HOAs & associations
Who it helps
20–30 years
Planning horizon
Every 3–5 yrs
Recommended
Free quote
First step
What it is
What Is a Reserve Study?
A reserve study is a long-term capital planning tool for community associations and property groups. It identifies all the major common-area components your association is responsible for maintaining — roofs, parking lots, pools, elevators, HVAC systems and more — evaluates their current condition and remaining useful life, and develops a funding plan to ensure money is available when those components need to be repaired or replaced.
Who Needs a Reserve Study?
- Homeowner Associations (HOAs)
- Condominium associations
- Commercial property associations
- Planned Unit Developments (PUDs)
- Resort and vacation communities
- Mixed-use developments with shared common areas
Why it matters
Why It Matters for Your Board
Avoid surprise special assessments
Without a reserve study, associations often discover too late that their reserve fund is underfunded — leading to large, unexpected assessments.
Fulfill fiduciary responsibility
HOA board members have a legal and ethical duty to manage association finances responsibly. A current reserve study is a key part of meeting that obligation.
Protect property values
Well-maintained common areas and a funded reserve signal financial health to prospective buyers and lenders.
Meet lender and regulatory requirements
Many mortgage lenders require a current reserve study before approving loans for buyers in condominium communities.
What's included
What a Reserve Study Analyzes
Component inventory
A complete identification of all reserve components the association is responsible for — roofs, parking lots, pools, elevators, fencing, signage and more.
Condition assessment
On-site inspection and evaluation of the current condition and estimated remaining useful life of each component.
Financial analysis
Review of the current reserve fund balance, projected contribution levels and the gap between current funding and projected future needs.
Funding plan
A multi-year funding plan that shows how much the association needs to contribute annually to maintain adequate reserves.
Study types
Types of Reserve Studies
Full reserve study
A comprehensive study that includes an on-site inspection, complete component inventory, condition assessment and a new funding plan.
Update with site visit
An updated analysis that includes a new on-site inspection to verify component conditions and refresh the funding plan.
Update without site visit
A financial update using the most recent component data, without a new site inspection. Useful for annual budget planning between full studies.
How it works
How the Process Works
Initial consultation
We discuss your association's situation, the type of study needed and what documents and information we'll need to get started.
On-site inspection
For full studies and updates with site visits, we conduct a thorough on-site inspection of all common-area components.
Analysis and report preparation
We analyze component conditions, remaining useful lives and current reserve fund status to develop a funding plan.
Report delivery and review
We deliver the completed report and walk through the findings with your board — explaining the funding plan, key components and any areas of concern.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Get a Reserve Study Quote
Tell us about your community and we'll provide a quote for the type of study that fits your needs. No obligation.
Request a Quote