What it means for your study
Coastal exposure is the single biggest reason two Orange County studies of similar communities can look so different. A railing that lasts 25 years in Irvine may need replacing in 15 in Dana Point. A study that copies standard useful lives without adjusting for the site will look healthy on paper and come up short when the work is due.
Two things to raise with the firm
- Many OC communities are master associations with sub-associations. Check which body owns which components before the study is priced, or two studies will count the same pool twice.
- Condominium buildings with balconies or walkways more than six feet above ground need the Civil Code 5551 inspection, and its report goes into the reserve study.
The statewide rules, briefly
A visual inspection of the accessible major components at least every three years and a board review every year (Civil Code 5550). A funding plan adopted at an open meeting. A reserve summary and the 5570 disclosure form in the annual budget report. And for condominium buildings, the balcony inspection every nine years.
Firms with a base in or near Orange County
Orange County office; also lists Idaho, Washington and Montana.
Irvine base with pages for counties in California and Georgia. Not the same business as Apex Reserve Study, as far as we can tell.
Three offices in the state; studies signed by a CAI Reserve Specialist.
Listed with ECHO, the California homeowner association education group, with offices north and south.
From the firms' own sites; not a recommendation. More firms on the statewide list.