What is a site inspection?

A site inspection is a limited visual inspection of the associations, area components.  It is limited because it does not generally include interfacing or destructive testing. The purpose for the site inspection is to generate information to support the funding plan of the reserve study report.

It is far less than an engineering study, the purpose of which is to determine the structural integrity of common area components.  In older projects it is often wise to have an engineering study conducted that would provide additional information for the reserve study. Since an engineering study is far more detailed and far more expensive than the site inspection of the reserve study, the engineering study is generally performed only when there are significant questions about the condition of common area components that clearly cannot be determined by a limited visual inspection.

The reserve study site inspection consists of identifying all association common area components, quantifying by counting or measuring, evaluating current condition, determining useful life and remaining useful life, and determining major repair or replacement cost. This seems relatively straightforward but can actually be relatively challenging, as some common area components may not be readily accessible. An example of this would be some pumps or exhaust fans for elevator shafts, elevator braking mechanisms and door assembly mechanisms.

An experienced reserve consultant has knowledge about what components should exist based upon the major components observed in the type of property is being evaluated.