A Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) is a mandatory financial planning tool required by Florida law for all condominium and co-op associations. Unlike a physical safety inspection, the primary goal of a SIRS is to ensure your community is financially prepared for future major repairs and replacements.
Performed by a licensed engineer or architect, this study involves a detailed visual analysis of your building’s most critical components. We estimate their remaining useful life and their future replacement costs. This provides your association with a data-driven roadmap to set adequate reserve funds, preventing budget crises and protecting property values for all residents.
Our Structural Integrity Reserve Study Process
1. Visual Component Inspection
Our licensed engineers conduct a thorough visual inspection of all items mandated by Florida Statute, assessing their current condition and identifying any visible signs of wear or degradation.
2. Itemizing the Core Components
The study specifically covers the roof, load-bearing walls, floor systems, plumbing, electrical systems, waterproofing, windows, and any other item with a deferred maintenance cost exceeding $10,000.
3. Estimating Remaining Useful Life
For each component, we use our extensive engineering experience and industry data to provide a realistic estimate of its remaining useful life, so your association knows when to expect major expenditures.
4. Estimating Replacement Costs
We provide a detailed estimate of the cost to replace or repair each component at the end of its lifecycle. This forms the financial basis of your association’s mandatory reserve funding.
5. Delivering a Compliant SIRS Report
You receive a comprehensive, sealed report that meets all requirements of Florida law. This official document is a mandatory part of your association’s structural and financial records.
6. Empowering Your Association
A professional SIRS provides the data-driven clarity your board needs to set budgets, communicate with owners, and make responsible financial decisions that protect the entire community.
Comply with Florida Law and Secure Your Building's Future
Your Questions About the Structural Integrity Reserve Study Answered
Q: Is a SIRS the same as a Milestone Inspection?
No, and this is a critical distinction. A Milestone Inspection is a physical safety inspection focused on finding existing structural deterioration. A Structural Integrity Reserve Study, on the other hand, is a financial planning tool to budget for future replacements. Florida law requires associations to complete both.
Q: Who can perform a Structural Integrity Reserve Study?
According to Florida Statute, a SIRS must be performed by a licensed engineer or architect. This ensures that the estimates for useful life and replacement costs are based on professional expertise and sound engineering principles.
Q: Our association already has a reserve study. Do we still need a SIRS?
Yes, most likely. The Structural Integrity Reserve Study has specific legal requirements about which components must be included (roof, structure, windows, etc.). Many older, traditional reserve studies may not meet these new, stricter standards. Our team can review your existing study to see if it complies.
Q: How does a professional SIRS benefit our association?
Beyond legal compliance, a professionally prepared Structural Integrity Reserve Study helps prevent surprise special assessments, protects property values by showing financial stability, and provides a transparent, data-driven basis for setting annual budgets. It follows best practices outlined by national organizations like the Community Associations Institute (CAI).