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What’s different about Global Solution Partners?
That’s easy. We’re responsive. We respond immediately (within 48 hours if all necessary property and financial data is included) to requests for proposals, questions about the proposals and questions after the report is delivered are addressed professionally. Our responsiveness is unsurpassed in the industry. We value our relationships and pride ourselves in an expedient, pro-active communication.
How big is Global Solution Partners?
Over 10 years in business, we have grown exponentially over the last several years and is poised to have a record year. We have over 70 team members spread nationwide.
The principals all have 30+ years industry experience. We are CAI certified, and every Reserve Study is overseen by a Certified Reserve Specialist. All team members receive ongoing training, support and oversight.
What services does Global Solution Partners offer?
We offer a wide array of services including: Reserve Studies, Insurance Appraisals, Property Condition Assessments (PCAs), Transition Studies, Contractor Solutions, Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS) and Milestone Inspections.
Who do you serve?
We serve communities, resorts, commercial properties, and non-profit organizations. Our services are tailored to meet the unique needs of each sector.
How can I get started with your services?
You can get started by filling out our RFP Questionnaire. If you are interested in our Contractor Solutions Service you can fill out this questionnaire. Our team will discuss your needs and develop a customized plan for your property.
Where can I find more resources and case studies?
Additional resources, case studies, and sample reports are available on our website under the “Resources” page.
How can I stay updated with your latest news and offerings?
You can follow us on social media platforms like Twitter “X”, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram for updates and announcements.
Reserve Studies FAQ
What is a Reserve Study?
A Reserve Study is a financial planning tool used primarily by homeowner associations (HOAs), condominium associations, and other property-owning organizations to ensure they have adequate funds set aside for future major repairs and replacements of common elements. A Reserve Study includes a component list, an assessment of the condition of the components, an estimated remaining life of each component, and an estimated replacement cost of each component.
Is the Reserve Study an engineering analysis or a thorough inspection?
No. The Reserve Study site visit is not intended to be an engineering analysis, property condition assessment (PCA), or specialty inspection. The Reserve Study site visit is visual in nature and designed to evaluate the current condition of a representative sampling of the Association-owned assets to create a guideline for future replacement timing and costs.
Does Global Solution Partners manage our budget or provide financial advice?
No. Global Solution Partners will make a recommendation in the form of a customized reserve funding plan. Global Solution Partners is not responsible for drafting or finalizing the Association’s budget; we do not act as financial/tax advisors or accountants.
What is the difference between straight-line funding and cash flow/pooled funding? Which method of funding does Global Solution Partners use in its reports?
Global Solution Partners’ reports are prepared using the cash flow/pooled funding method. However, the straight-line funding amounts per component are included in the report if a client wishes to use them for reference.
The cash flow/pooled funding combines all assets into a single “pool” of funding, allowing for more flexibility in addressing varying replacement needs as they arise. This method determines the needed level of reserve allocation by projecting reserve funding and disbursements over a time frame of 30 years and testing different levels of funding until a minimum allocation level is found that maintains a Net Reserve Balance over a specific funding objective. The objective of the cash flow/pooled method is to remain “cash-positive”. The benefit of the cash flow/pooled method is greater flexibility in terms of allocating money for the replacement of assets. Additionally, it often results in an initially lower reserve fund contribution from the membership with smoother incremental increases over time, making it more favorable among Associations. The cash flow/pooled method is easier to work with, as money in the cash flow/pooled reserves can be used for any reserve item and does not require a membership vote.
Straight-line funding is the most conservative approach to funding. This method allocates an equal amount of money each year for a specific asset’s future replacement. For example, roofing, painting, paving, and pool maintenance each have their dedicated funds, and adequate money is placed in each bucket before the replacement can be completed. This typically results in an initially higher reserve fund contribution from the membership. The straight-line funding approach may prove to be a challenge when the replacement of an asset is needed earlier than anticipated. The Association must decide whether to allocate money from one asset to another, levy a special assessment on the membership, or obtain a loan; all three of these options typically require a membership vote.
What are Long-Lived Items and Operational Items?
Long-Lived Items are capital assets with a useful life expectancy beyond the 30-year study period. These items typically include building structures, iron fencing, and full replacement of concrete flat work. In some instances, Global Solution Partners may include an allowance for the general maintenance and upkeep of these assets throughout the study period instead of full replacement.
Operational Items are lower-cost repair/replacement items and routine expenses. These items typically include general landscaping, system maintenance contracts, thru-wall AC units, smaller-capacity water heaters, administrative costs, and utilities.
How did you determine the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) and the associated costs?
Global Solution Partners determines the Remaining Useful Life (RUL) components/systems based on industry standards, historical data, current visible condition at the time of the site visit, and expert judgment.
Global Solution Partners determines the replacement/maintenance costs of components/systems based on specific information provided by the client, professional experience, cost estimating guides, and our proprietary database. The estimated costs are to be viewed as general guides for the sole purpose of assisting in financial planning.
What is the difference between an allowance and a full replacement cost?
An allowance is a budgeted amount set aside for repairs or upgrades, while the full replacement cost is the total expense required to replace an asset completely.
How does Global Solution Partners determine if an asset is a Reserve Item?
Per Community Associations Institute (CAI) guidelines, the following three-part test identifies which components should be funded through the reserves. An asset must meet all three criteria listed below to qualify as a reserve expense:
- Association Responsibility – The association has the obligation to maintain or replace the existing asset.
- Limited Useful Life Expectancy – The asset must have a “reasonably anticipated” limited useful life.
Predictable Cost – The cost of the asset repair or replacement can reasonably be estimated.
Why are warranties not a sufficient reason to delay saving for capital asset replacements?
Having a warranty is not a sufficient reason to delay saving for capital asset replacements because most warranties decrease in coverage as time goes on, have limitations, may not cover all types of failures, and do not account for the full replacement costs after the warranty period ends.
What is the difference between a Level 2 (L2) Update and a Level 3 (L3) Update, and which one should I order?
Global Solution Partners offers two types of updates – one with a site visit and one without a site visit.
Level 2 – A Reserve Study Update with a new site visit
Global Solution Partners will update the Association’s current reserve fund and evaluate the component list, remaining life, expected life, inflation rate, interest rate, costs, and community changes provided by the client and make adjustments accordingly. New photos from the site visit will be included in the report. A new site visit is recommended if there have been significant changes to the property (ie: a new phase/section/buildings, a new pool/clubhouse, new roofs on the buildings, etc…) or significant changes to the reserve fund balance. An update with a site visit is necessary if the most recent site visit was conducted more than three years ago.
Level 3 – A Reserve Study Update without a site visit
Global Solution Partners will update the Association’s current reserve fund and evaluate the component list, remaining life, expected life, inflation rate, interest rate, costs, and community changes provided by the client and make adjustments accordingly. We suggest this option if there have been no significant changes to the property since the last site visit, and the most recent site visit was conducted within the last three years.
Transition Studies FAQ
What is a Transition Study?
A Transition Study visually assesses the condition and adequacy of the common components being transferred from a developer to a homeowner association and documents any damage, deficiencies, or unfulfilled obligations the developer is obligated to correct prior to turnover. A Transition Study performed by Global Solution Partners also includes a Reserve Study with a 30-year projection.
Why are Transition Studies important for homeowners associations?
Transition Studies are crucial because they help identify potential issues with the development before the HOA assumes control. This proactive approach allows for necessary repairs or adjustments to be made, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the community.
What does a Transition Study typically include?
A Transition Study typically includes:
- A thorough inspection of common areas and facilities.
- An assessment of the condition of infrastructure such as roads, utilities, and landscaping.
- A review of as-built plans and developer warranties.
- Recommendations for repairs or maintenance.
When should a Transition Study be conducted?
A Transition Study should be conducted towards the end of the developer’s involvement, ideally before the HOA takes over the responsibility for common areas. This timing allows for the identification and rectification of any deficiencies.
Who conducts the Transition Study?
Global Solution Partners employs experienced professionals specializing in property and facility assessments. Our team conducts detailed inspections and provides comprehensive reports to ensure a smooth transition for your HOA.
How long does a Transition Study take to complete?
The duration of a Transition Study can vary depending on the size and complexity of the development. Typically, the process takes a few weeks from initial inspection to the delivery of the final report.
What happens if issues are found during the Transition Study?
If issues are identified during the Transition Study, we provide a detailed report with recommendations for corrective actions. These recommendations can be used to negotiate repairs or adjustments with the developer before the transition is finalized.
How can Global Solution Partners assist our homeowners association with the transition process?
Global Solution Partners offers expert guidance throughout the transition process. We assist with conducting the Transition Study, reviewing developer obligations, and ensuring that all aspects of the development meet the necessary standards for a smooth transition to HOA management.
How do we get started with a Transition Study for our homeowners association?
To get started with a Transition Study, head over to our RFP Form. Once we receive your accepted proposal, our team will promptly start working on your comprehensive transition study report.
What are the costs associated with a Transition Study?
The cost of a Transition Study varies based on the size and complexity of the development. We provide customized quotes to ensure that our services meet your budget and requirements.
Contractor Solutions FAQ
What is the Contractor Solutions service?
The Contractor Solutions service is our one-stop-shop quoting service that provides up to three bids for your large-scale community construction and maintenance projects from vetted contractors.
How do I request quotes for my community?
Go to the link that has been emailed to you, or go to the service page on our website and click on the link to fill out the request for the quote.
How long will it take to get a quote?
Up to 60 days. A representative from each of the three vetted contractors will contact you within a week to set up a site visit to complete a detailed estimate. They will send you the final quote within days.
Who will be contacting me?
A representative from each of the three vetted contractors will contact you within a week to set up a site visit to complete a detailed estimate.
Are the contractors local?
Yes, the contractors are typically national or regional companies who work locally in your area.
Does the community pay for the Contractor Solutions service?
No, the service is free to the community.
How does Global Solution Partners benefit from offering this service?
Global Solution Partners gets paid a commission from the contractor if the proposal is accepted, much like a Realtor or insurance agent.
Does the community have to use one of the provided quotes?
No. This is a no-obligation offer to the community.
What are the qualifications of the contractors providing quotes?
Global Solution Partners has partnered with a prominent contractor vetting firm, which has developed a system of vetting and tracking the quality of construction contractors. This system has been successfully utilized by the insurance industry for many years. These are contractors regularly used by the country’s most prominent insurance companies for large-scale community projects.
Are the contractors providing quotes licensed and insured?
Yes. Global Solution Partners has partnered with a prominent contractor vetting firm, which has developed a system of vetting and tracking the quality of construction contractors.