Do You Need a Full Reserve Study, or a ReserveScan™?
Reserve Planning Guidance for Condo and HOA Boards
If your board is searching for a reserve study, you are already asking the right question. The challenge is figuring out what level of analysis you actually need right now, and how to plan responsibly without overspending or delaying action.
ReserveScan™ was created to help boards answer that question clearly.
What Is a Reserve Study?
A full reserve study is a detailed, engineer-prepared report that inventories common-area components, estimates remaining useful life, and projects long-term funding needs. These studies are often required by law, lenders, or governing documents, and they typically cost thousands of dollars and take weeks or months to complete.
Full reserve studies play an important role, especially for large associations or when certification is required.
But they are not always the right first step.
Why Many Boards Delay Reserve Studies
Many condo and HOA boards delay commissioning a full reserve study because:
The cost feels high for small or self-managed associations
The process feels complex or intimidating
Board members are unsure what questions to ask
The reserve fund “seems fine” on the surface
Budgets are already under pressure
Unfortunately, delay often leads to guessing, and guessing is how surprise special assessments happen.
The Reality Most Boards Discover Too Late
Most reserve problems are not caused by minor components.
They are caused by a small number of major items, such as roofs, paving, siding, and exterior systems, that drive the majority of long-term reserve funding needs.
In many condominium and HOA associations, roughly 70–80% of total reserve funding risk is concentrated in about 10 major components.
If those items are misunderstood or underfunded, the details elsewhere do not matter.
Where ReserveScan™ Fits
ReserveScan™ is not a replacement for a full reserve study.
It is a preliminary reserve planning snapshot designed to help boards understand their biggest reserve risks first, before committing to a full engineering report.
ReserveScan™ focuses intentionally on the highest-impact reserve components, providing:
A clear view of where funding is heading
Identification of potential funding gaps
Documentation of assumptions and risks
A board-ready report to support planning discussions
This approach avoids false precision while helping boards act responsibly.
Get the First Step Checklist to see If a $297 ReserveScan™ makes sense for you.
ReserveScan™ vs a Full Reserve Study
ReserveScan™ is ideal when:
Your board needs clarity now, not months from now
You want to understand reserve risk before spending thousands
You are preparing for future compliance or lender review
You need documented good-faith planning
You want to know whether a full study is truly necessary
A full reserve study is appropriate when:
Certification is required by law, lenders, or documents
Your association is large or complex
Detailed component inventory is necessary
Engineering sign-off is required
Many boards use ReserveScan™ as a first step, then commission a full reserve study later with better insight and stronger preparation.
What You Receive with ReserveScan™
A board-ready reserve planning report
Focused review of top high-impact components
Estimated reserve funding and expense analysis
30-year funding trend projection
Cost verification against National Baseline Tables
Standard inflation and interest assumptions
Clear explanation of risks, assumptions, and funding considerations
Reports are typically delivered within 3–5 days.
Why Boards Choose This Approach
Boards are not looking for perfection on day one.
They are looking to avoid being caught unprepared.
ReserveScan™ helps boards:
Stop guessing
Identify real reserve exposure
Document fiduciary diligence
Plan next steps with confidence
All without the cost or delay of a full engineering study.
This same approach is explained on the ReserveScan™ homepage for boards who want to see exactly what is included.
Frequently Asked Question
Is ReserveScan™ accurate enough if we are considering a reserve study?
ReserveScan™ provides a reliable early estimate using standardized reserve methodologies, national cost baselines, and verification steps. While it is not a substitute for a licensed engineer’s report, it is accurate enough to identify funding gaps, understand major reserve risks, and determine whether a full reserve study is appropriate.
Start with Clarity
If your board is searching for a reserve study, ReserveScan™ helps you understand what matters most first.
Start Your ReserveScan™ for $297
A smart, cost-effective way to plan responsibly today and prepare for tomorrow.
Transparency and Compliance
ReserveScan™ provides an Estimated Reserve Study as a preliminary financial planning assessment. It is not an engineering report or a certified reserve study. Associations should consult licensed professionals where required.
