Reserve Studies in Wisconsin 

How does Wisconsin’s climate affect condominium associations and HOA Reserve Studies?

Wisconsin’s long winters, heavy snowfall, freeze-thaw cycles, ice accumulation, road salt exposure, and seasonal moisture can accelerate deterioration of common-area components. Roofing systems, pavement, concrete, exterior finishes, drainage systems, decks, railings, and waterproofing can be particularly susceptible to these conditions. Communities along Lake Michigan may also experience lake-effect snow and increased moisture, while northern Wisconsin properties can face longer periods of freezing temperatures and snow accumulation. A professional Reserve Study considers these local conditions when estimating the remaining useful life of common-area components and projecting future repair and replacement costs. This helps Wisconsin associations establish realistic funding plans and prepare for major capital expenditures before they become unexpected financial burdens.

What components are included in a Wisconsin Reserve Study?

Every community is unique, and the components included in a Reserve Study depend on the association’s governing documents and maintenance responsibilities. A Wisconsin Reserve Study typically evaluates major common-area components such as:

• Roof systems, including snow and ice protection components
• Gutters, downspouts, and roof drainage systems
• Exterior siding, stucco, masonry, and stone veneer
• Painting, staining, and exterior sealants
• Windows, doors, and common-area glazing
• Waterproofing and building envelope systems
• Asphalt roads, parking lots, and driveways
• Concrete sidewalks, curbs, stairs, and retaining walls
• Bridges, boardwalks, and pedestrian walkways, where applicable
• Clubhouses, community centers, and maintenance buildings
• Swimming pools, spas, and pool equipment
• Tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts
• Playgrounds, parks, picnic areas, and recreational amenities
• Fencing, gates, entry monuments, and perimeter walls
• Site lighting and electrical infrastructure
• Irrigation systems and landscaping improvements
• Stormwater drainage systems, detention ponds, and culverts
• HVAC systems serving common areas
• Plumbing and mechanical equipment serving shared facilities
• Fire protection and life safety systems
• Elevators and accessibility equipment
• Generators and emergency power systems, where applicable
• Mail kiosks, signage, and other common-area improvements

A professional Reserve Study evaluates applicable components, estimates their remaining useful lives and replacement costs, and develops a long-term funding plan for future capital repairs and replacements. The specific components included depend on the association’s maintenance responsibilities, property configuration, and governing documents.

How often should a Reserve Study be updated?

Reserve Studies should generally be updated at least every three years, with reserve funding and major capital needs reviewed annually as part of the association’s budgeting process. Regular updates help ensure that replacement costs, component conditions, remaining useful lives, and reserve contributions reflect current conditions rather than outdated assumptions. Learn more about updating your Reserve Study

Do Global Solution Partners perform Reserve Studies throughout Wisconsin?

Yes. Global Solution Partners provides professional Reserve Studies, Property Condition Assessments (PCAs), Insurance Appraisals, and long-term capital planning services for condominium associations, homeowners associations (HOAs), commercial properties, municipalities, resorts, and nonprofit organizations throughout Wisconsin. We proudly serve communities in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Racine, Appleton, Waukesha, Eau Claire, Oshkosh, La Crosse, Sheboygan, Sturgeon Bay, and communities across the Badger State.

Can Global Solution Partners perform Reserve Studies for resort and hospitality communities?

Absolutely. We have extensive experience working with resort properties, destination hotels, golf communities, lakefront developments, vacation ownership properties, and hospitality destinations throughout Wisconsin, including Door County, Wisconsin Dells, Lake Geneva, and other resort areas. Our Reserve Studies account for the unique maintenance and capital planning challenges these properties face, helping owners and associations make informed long-term financial decisions.

What are the new Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Lending Guidelines?

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac continue to place increased emphasis on the financial health and physical condition of condominium communities. Lenders may review factors such as reserve funding, deferred maintenance, structural concerns, insurance coverage, and capital improvement planning when evaluating a condominium’s eligibility for financing. A professionally prepared Reserve Study can provide association boards with valuable information about the condition of common-area components, anticipated repair and replacement costs, and long-term reserve funding needs. While a Reserve Study alone does not determine whether a community meets Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac requirements, current lending standards have increased the importance of recent reserve planning and documentation for many condominium communities. Watch or read more about the latest Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac requirements

Does a Reserve Study help prevent special assessments?

A Reserve Study cannot guarantee that a special assessment will never be necessary, but it can significantly improve an association’s ability to anticipate major expenses before they become urgent. By identifying future repair and replacement projects, estimating their timing and cost, and establishing a long-term funding strategy, boards can make more informed contribution decisions and reduce the risk of large, unexpected funding shortfalls.

Why should our Wisconsin association choose Global Solution Partners?

Global Solution Partners combines nationwide Reserve Study experience with local knowledge and a Wisconsin-based Project Manager. Our experienced Reserve Specialists provide comprehensive physical evaluations, realistic replacement cost estimates, customized funding plans, and responsive service to help Wisconsin association boards confidently plan for future capital needs. Each study is prepared in accordance with CAI National Reserve Study Standards.

How much does a Reserve Study cost?

Reserve Study pricing varies based on the size and complexity of the property, the number of buildings and common-area components, available documentation, and the scope of the evaluation. A smaller Wisconsin condominium association with limited common assets will generally require less analysis than a large community with multiple buildings, private roads, recreational facilities, or extensive mechanical systems. Global Solution Partners prepares a customized proposal based on the specific characteristics and needs of each property.

How long does a Reserve Study take to complete?

Most Reserve Studies can be completed within approximately 30 days once the necessary property information has been received and the site evaluation has been performed. Timing can vary depending on the size of the property, the number of components being evaluated, document availability, site access, and project complexity. Our project management team keeps clients informed throughout the process and works to keep each study moving efficiently from setup through final report delivery.

What are reserve funds?

Reserve funds are money accumulated over time to pay for major repairs and replacements of association-maintained assets. Rather than requiring current owners to absorb the full cost of a roof replacement, pavement project, or other major expense when it occurs, a properly planned reserve program allows the cost to be funded gradually. A Reserve Study helps boards understand how much should be set aside based on the anticipated timing and cost of future capital projects.

How do I request a Reserve Study proposal?

To request a proposal, provide Global Solution Partners with basic information about your Wisconsin property, such as the number and type of buildings, number of units, property age, common-area amenities, and location. Our team will review the information, determine the appropriate scope of work, and prepare a proposal tailored to the property rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Request a Reserve Study proposal Learn more about the Reserve Study proposal process

What do you receive when you hire Global Solution Partners?

• Professional Reserve Studies completed in accordance with CAI National Reserve Study Standards
• Experienced Reserve Specialists (RS) and knowledgeable project managers
• Wisconsin-based project management with knowledge of local communities and property conditions
• Detailed on-site evaluations of common-area components
• Practical reserve funding recommendations—not just numbers
• A complimentary board presentation to review study findings and answer questions
• One complimentary revision following report delivery

Global Solution Partners provides accurate, reliable Reserve Studies that help Wisconsin condominium associations and homeowners associations budget responsibly, plan for future capital repairs and replacements, and reduce the risk of unexpected special assessments. With nationwide experience and a local Wisconsin presence, Global helps communities make informed decisions about their long-term capital needs.