Your Comprehensive Guide To Capital Reserve Studies

What is a Capital Reserve Study?

A capital reserve study consists of an on-site inspection of your property and an in-depth analysis of your capital assets performed in an effort to optimize reserve funds. It is a planning tool that identifies the amount of funds to be set aside to repair, replace, and restore the assets of a property or community over time. The resulting report presents a plan that is utilized by money managers for long range planning, and by property management staff for daily decision making.

Asset Planning

Asset planning focuses on wisely managing resources to set yourself up for long-term success. By looking ahead at least 20 years, executives will make proper financial decisions that align with their future goals. This helps create a solid budgeting process which plans for asset replacement and maintenance to avoid paying the price in the long-run.

capital reserve study
capital reserve study

Capital Needs and Funds Planning

When it comes to capital needs, having a solid game plan in place is key to keeping your organization in order.  It’s all about making sure you have enough funds set aside as property assets age. Updating your capital replacement plan routinely is very important to help you stay on top of any changes that might affect your budget.

On-Site Inspections

On-site inspections are a crucial part of asset management, ensuring that your properties are well-maintained and any issues are addressed and resolved  in a timely manner. Regular inspections help identify maintenance issues early, which can save time and money in the long run. Whether you choose your favorite  maintenance service or contractor, having a solid plan is essential for setting yourself and your assets up for success. 

Fund Status and Planning

Fund status and planning is crucial for sustaining the financial health of an organization over a long period of time. A solid plan often involves looking ahead at least 20 years, allowing executives to anticipate future needs and allocate resources effectively. Asking the right questions during the budgeting process is crucial, as it helps identify potential gaps and prepares organizations for upcoming expenses.

Why Experience Matters

Experience plays an important  role in effective management and decision-making, particularly in long-term planning and budgeting. When executives and leaders focus on budgets, their experience allows them to predict future challenges and opportunities. Working with an experienced, unbiased partner to provide a clear-eyed analysis of asset status and a replacement schedule ensures future problems can be avoided.

As a neutral third party, zumBrunnen added an extra dimension to our team and helped us bring a $14 million project under budget and on schedule. I was very pleased with the professionalism of zumBrunnen’s project manager, and the value they added to the team.

Ric Sanderson
President - Sundance Design and General Contractors