What it means for your study
San Diego associations sit between two kinds of wear: salt and fog on the coast, and heat, dry brush and ember exposure on the canyon edges. Fire-resistant roofing, vents, fencing and landscaping cost more to replace than the materials they replace, and a reserve study should price the version the community will actually have to install next time.
Two things to raise with the firm
- Ask whether the firm has adjusted roof and siding costs for current building rules in fire hazard zones rather than like-for-like replacement.
- Coastal condominium towers need the balcony inspection under Civil Code 5551 at least every nine years, coordinated with the reserve study visit.
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 San Diego
Reserve studies and capital planning; lists several western states plus New York and Texas.
From the firms' own sites; not a recommendation. More firms on the statewide list.