What is an HOA
Reserve Study?
A reserve study is a long-term financial planning tool
that helps homeowner associations anticipate and
budget for major repair and replacement costs. It
provides a detailed analysis of your community’s
common area components — estimating their
remaining useful life and the funding needed to address
them over time.
Without a reserve study, associations risk underfunding
their reserves, leading to costly special assessments or
deferred maintenance. A professionally prepared
reserve study gives your board the insight to make
informed, confident decisions.
Who Needs a Reserve Study
Homeowner Associations
Single-family communities with shared infrastructureand common areasCondo Associations
Multi-unit buildings with shared building systems andcomponentsProperty Managers
Managing reserves on behalf of boards and residentcommunitiesBoard Members
Seeking fiduciary clarity and long-term financial visibilityPlanned Communities
New developments establishing initial funding plans andbudgets- Not sure if this applies to your community?Contact our team →
Is Your HOA Financially Prepared?
- Challenge 01Unexpected repair costsMajor expenses arrive without warning, strainingassociation budgets and creating conflict amongresidents and boards
- Challenge 02Underfunded reservesInsufficient savings leave communities unable to fund
critical repairs without taking on debt or deferring work. - Challenge 03Special assessmentsSurprise levies on homeowners damage trust and
community relationships, creating real financial hardship. - Challenge 04Inaccurate budgetingGuesswork-based budgets create recurring shortfalls
and make long-term financial planning nearly impossible.
What is Included in Our Reserve Study
- Physical AnalysisComponent inventoryA complete inventory of allcommon area components theassociation is responsible formaintaining or replacing.
- Physical AnalysisCondition assessmentOn-site evaluation of eachcomponent's current condition,remaining useful life, and totalexpected lifespan.
- Financial Analysis30-year funding planA detailed projection of anticipatedrepair and replacement costs overa 30-year horizon with fundingrecommendations.
Choose Your Service Level
- Most popularFull Reserve Study
Complete physical andfinancial analysis withon-site inspection.
- On-site inspection
- Component inventory
- 30-year forecast
- Full written report
- UpdateWith Site Visit
Complete physical andfinancial analysis withon-site inspection.
- On-site inspection
- Component inventory
- 30-year forecast
- Full written report
- UpdateWithout Visit
Complete physical andfinancial analysis withon-site inspection.
- On-site inspection
- Component inventory
- 30-year forecast
- Full written report
- Package3-Year Plan
Complete physical andfinancial analysis withon-site inspection.
- On-site inspection
- Component inventory
- 30-year forecast
- Full written report
Sample Reserve Study Report
the association’s financial and physical standing —
simplifying reserve planning in one easy to understand
document.
Benefits of Professional Reserve Studies
Better financial planning
Know exactly what’s coming and when to fund itAvoid special assessments
Stay ahead of costs so residents are never surprisedMaintain property values
Well-maintained communities preserve homeowner equityAccurate annual budgeting
Set contributions confidently based on real dataLong-term cost visibility
30-year projections give boards clear strategic insight
Don't just take it from us
We focus on the
detail and the big
picture.
with the insight needed to make fast, accurate and
informed decisions — focused on understanding your
situation and providing funding solutions designed with
your goals in mind.
- Experience
Deep expertise
Years of experience across hundreds of community types nationwide. - Quality
Accurate reports
Rigorous methodology producing reliable financial projections. - Clarity
Clear guidance
Plain language recommendations your board can act on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should we update our reserve study?
Most best practices recommend updating your reservestudy every 1–3 years. A full study with site inspection every3 years and annual financial updates in between is the mostcommon approach.
What components are included?
All major common area components with a useful life exceeding one year — including roofing, paving, fencing, pools, HVAC, exterior painting, and more.
How long does the process take?
A full reserve study typically takes 3–6 weeks from the initial site visit to report delivery, depending on community size and complexity
Is a reserve study legally required?
Requirements vary by state. Many states mandate reserve studies for common interest developments. Even where not required, a reserve study is widely considered a best practice for fulfilling board fiduciary duties.
Who can prepare a reserve study?
While some states don’t mandate a licensed professional, hiring a qualified reserve study specialist is strongly recommended for accuracy and board liability protection
If you have any questions, our team of reserve study professionals will contact you immediately.
