Worship, Retreat, Camp & School Facilities

Matthew Swain, RS, NRSS #57
President
mswain@reservestudy.com

It is while performing Capital Replacement Plans for the complexities and special needs of our Worship, Retreat, Camp & School Facilities clients that the true strengths of Association Reserves are revealed: bringing insight and order, on time, to interior refurbishment complexities and unique assets that range from historic architecture to concert organs, where a specially-trained eye is needed to accurately anticipate long-term funding requirements. It is critical that these high-visibility facilities be adequately maintained and periodically modernized. Proper maintenance and timely replacement of infrastructure systems including mechanical, audio/visual, and building envelope all play an important role in providing worshippers, students, parents & others with an opportunity to focus on their worship, retreat or educational experience.

Association Reserves
PO Box 2126
La Mesa, CA 91943
Office: 619/567-5239
Fax: 619/568-3564


Independence (and its Value to the Association)

Independence in the Reserve Study process means freedom from control or influence. Independence means the Reserve Study professional is able to provide their complete findings and recommendations without interference. Common problems with lack of independence are when management influences the … Continue reading

Reserve Study Tasks – Not to try at Home!

Yesterday three things happened that were the result of people taking Reserve Study projects into their own hands. Weird that they all happened in one day. Unfortunate, because they each point out that some tasks are best left to a … Continue reading

What if the Client Makes Other Plans?

Sometimes a client will be candid with us, and ask for the recently completed Reserve Study to be revised “because the Board has decided to not do the _________ project this year as recommended, they plan to do it __ … Continue reading

Reserve Contributions – they’re not for Future Expenses!

After 25 years in this business, we still hear the same excuses for not wanting to make Reserve contributions – and high on the list is “We don’t expect to be here in the future, so we don’t want to … Continue reading

Is there such a thing as “Roof Reserves”?

This question came up in our recent Reserve Studies “under the hood” webinar (see www.ReserveStudy.com/webinars), designed to provide a general introduction to what a Reserve Study is, and what useful and valuable information you’ll find in a Reserve Study.  Unfortunately, … Continue reading

Why Reserve for 30 yrs instead of 20 yrs (or less)?

It is true that accuracy of Reserve projections increases as the projected expense approaches. An expense expected in the next five years (Remaining Useful Life of 0-4 yrs) is much more certain in timing and cost than an expense projected … Continue reading

Do you Reserve for Insurance Deductibles?

At the end of my presentation yesterday, someone asked the above question. And if one person asks it, I figure others are probably looking for an answer. So – do you Reserve for Insurance Deductibles? In different parts of the … Continue reading

3/15/2012 ADA Requirements – Do they Apply to You?

A significant deadline is rapidly approaching: the 3/15/2012 date when the higher 2010 ADA standards apply to all new and altered recreational facilities. But do these requirements, which require at least one ramp or a lift for your pool, spa, … Continue reading

Why are components “Lumped Together” in a Reserve Study?

This was a good question asked recently by a client. They wanted to see all the separate items in their equipment shed in their Reserve Component List, not all the mowers grouped together, or the small runabouts grouped together. The … Continue reading

It’s a New Year – Don’t go on a Reserve Diet!

I was recently contacted by an association explaining their strategy of not funding their Reserves according to the recommendation in their Reserve Study. They looked at that recommendation, then decided on a smaller contribution rate that they felt was reasonable … Continue reading