Reserve Studies

By Nick Gromicko and Rob London

A reserve study is a budget-planning tool, arranged by a homeowners association, which is designed to explore the capacity of member contributions to A homeowner's association

pay for the maintenance of elements that are shared among association members.

Reserve studies consist of two distinct analyses, which proceed in the following order:

Physical Analysis: During this on-site inspection, a commercial inspector, typically following the International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties, will identify needed repairs. The inspector will also attempt to anticipate future improvements that will be needed. The inspector will list the shared components and detail their useful life and the cost required to repair or replace them. Some typical “shared components” are exteriors, sidewalks, community rec rooms, parking lots, tennis courts, public hallways, lobbies, gates, signs, outdoor lighting, and roofs. Some projects such as tree trimming or painting may be excluded as routine operational maintenance.
Financial Analysis: The funds available to a property are compared with the amount needed to cover both currently and eventually required repairs. This comparison is represented as a percentage, called “percent funded,” and is used to ascribe a grade to the property. For instance, a property that is 80% funded is more prepared for future repair costs than a property that is only 45% funded. Often, this analysis includes strategies to maintain or increase the percent funded.

Why are reserve studies helpful?

They fulfill the obligations of the board of directors. Reserve studies are tools that help guarantee that board members can fulfill their legal obligation to maintain the properties for the homeowners’ association members.
Laws in some states require reserve studies. Many states now require community associations to disclose reserves, accumulate reserves, or have professional reserve studies conducted. It's anticipated that more states will adopt similar legislation. Currently, 20 states require that reserve studies be performed.
They help enhance the property's appearance and value. A reserve study helps to maintain the community's overall appearance by making sure it is preserved and attractive.
They can help prepare community associations for unforeseen disasters. Disasters can be manmade, such as when a truck crashes through the front gate, or they can be natural, such as earthquakes, floods or heavy winds. Although it is impossible to accurately predict when these events will happen, a good reserve study will assess the history of the building and the surrounding area to come up with reasonable life expectancies for shared elements so that there are sufficient funds to replace them during emergencies.

Who performs reserve studies?

small companies that specialize in the service;
some commercial property inspectors such as ComInspect; and
some financial planners or accountants working in cooperation with commercial inspectors.

How much do reserve studies cost?

InterNACHI believes that the cost of a reserve study is affected by the following factors:

the size of the association;
the age of the association. Older associations have more history that must be reviewed, while newer associations will generally pay less for the service;
the location of the property;
the overall condition of the property;
the time of the year. Reserve studies generally cost more during the summer because that time of year is busier than the winter; and
the number and type of common-area assets.

In summary, a reserve study is a formal assessment of the contributions required by members of a homeowners association to offset the costs over time of maintaining shared elements.

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International Standards of Practice for Inspecting Commercial Properties

National Association of Certified Home Inspectors

Reserve Studies

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