Who prepares reserve studies in Massachusetts

Ten firms that work here

Each of these firms says on its own website that it takes work in Massachusetts or across the country. Details come from those sites. We list them for information; none pays to be listed, and the list is not a ranking.

1. Criterium-Dudka Engineers

   Hopkinton, MA and Rutland, VT · New England and nearby

   Engineering firm in the Criterium network offering reserve and transition studies for associations in Massachusetts, Vermont and western New Hampshire.

2. Paul Huijing, Inc.

   Holland, MA · New England and nearby

   Engineering practice with condominium services, including reserve and transition studies, across New England, New York and New Jersey.

3. Kipcon

   North Brunswick, NJ, with a Boston office · New England and nearby

   Reserve and transition studies from offices in six states; its founder holds both engineering and reserve specialist credentials.

4. Atlantic Reserve Studies and Engineers

   New Jersey · New England and nearby

   Covers the Northeast from New Jersey to Maine, with reserve studies, transition studies and replacement cost evaluations.

5. The Falcon Group

   Warren, NJ, with regional offices · National

   Engineering firm listing Massachusetts among more than 25 states, with capital reserve studies and transition work; staff hold RS and PRA designations.

6. Association Reserves

   Regional offices nationwide · National

   Has prepared reserve studies since 1986; offers first-time studies and later updates, either revisiting the property or working from records.

7. Reserve Advisors

   Milwaukee, WI · National

   Large engineering-led reserve study provider; its site cites more than 37,000 studies and also offers insurance appraisals.

8. MillerDodson Associates

   Annapolis, MD · National

   Reserve and transition studies for clients across the United States; the present firm dates from 2002 and its predecessor from 1985.

9. Reserve Data Analysis

   National · National

   Says it has prepared reserve studies since 1983 and serves associations in all 50 states.

10. Global Solution Partners

    National · National

    Reserve studies, insurance appraisals, transition studies and capital planning for associations around the country.

Credentials to look for

• Reserve Specialist (RS), awarded by the Community Associations Institute to preparers who meet its experience and education requirements.
• Professional Reserve Analyst (PRA), the credential APRA grants its qualified members.
• Professional engineer (PE), useful where the buildings raise structural, facade or garage questions that go beyond estimating replacement dates.

Questions to ask

• Who will walk the buildings, and will they sign the report?
• Which level of study is in the price, and how many years does the funding plan run?
• Does the firm carry professional liability insurance?
• Can it show a sample report for a similar Massachusetts building?
• Will the plan state its funding method, and does it meet what the buyers' lenders will look for?