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eBooks, Articles, & More

  • Blog

Scope and Limitations of a Reserve Study?

Apparently there are many questions on this issue at this time. The last blog entry answered the questions two people asked if our Reserve Study would replace their need for a "Building Envelope Analysis". Earlier this week someone asked if our Reserve Study was an insurance appraisal report (please see an article related to that question on our website:
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  • Blog

Replace your Iron Fence or Rail with Vinyl?

A client asked this question yesterday, and while it seems simple, it is actually complicated. Let me walk you through the issues. The simple answer is sometimes it is a good idea to replace an iron fence with vinyl, sometimes not. The issue is driven by concerns about two different issues - the application (location), and the cost.
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  • Blog

Is there Ever a Reason to Replace a Component Early?

Interesting question, with an answer that is not obvious. Most associations deal with the problem of replacing components too late, resulting in deferred maintenance and related costs that make the project much more expensive than if it was done on time (think of the cost of replacing siding or trim that could have been avoided if the building was painted on time, or the water damage that could have been avoided if the roof was replaced on time).
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  • Blog

Should a Reserve Fund Policy Ever be Unfair?

So much of the field of Reserve Studies and reserve fund budgeting is about being fair. The core goal is attempting to have the owners enjoying the use of the association’s assets pay for the deterioration that occurred to those common area assets during their time of ownership. So should an association ever implement a reserve fund policy perceived to be unfair?
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  • Blog

Reserve Studies – Where the Client is Not Always Right!

Conventional wisdom says the client is always right. Customer service principles support that concept: please the client, nurture relationships for repeat business, etc. But what if it is your job to provide professional counsel, and the nature of the news you deliver is that it often causes the client some discomfort?
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  • Blog

What can Reserve Funds be Used For?

Good question! There are two ways to answer a question regarding the appropriate use of Reserve Funds, depending on how it is asked. Boardmembers and managers of condos, HOAs and other forms of community associations are often confronted with a major repair or replace expenditure they think should be a Reserve expense, but can not find it on the Reserve Component List (a good first place to look).
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