Our Process

Site Inspection

On-site evaluation of common elements by a licensed Professional Engineer. We assess current conditions and establish realistic remaining useful life estimates.

Reporting

Clear, board-ready reporting with detailed component inventories, cost projections, and funding recommendations based on defensible engineering assumptions.

collaboration

Engineer-led review of draft findings with the Board and management. We walk through assumptions, answer questions, and ensure clarity before final delivery.

Sample Report Excerpts

The Component List

  • Detailed inventory of common elements with quantity and location
  • Current cost estimates based on local market data
  • Estimated useful life and remaining useful life for each component

Straight-Line Funding

Component Method

  • Each component funded individually to full replacement cost
  • Annual contributions calculated by remaining useful life
  • Clear, itemized tracking and predictable funding targets

Pooled Funding

Cash Flow Method

  • All components funded within a single reserve pool
  • Contributions structured to maintain positive balances over time
  • Flexible funding model with long-term financial stability

Reserve Study vs Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS)

Understanding the difference helps boards determine what is required and what is appropriate for their property.

Traditional Reserve Study
Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS)
  • Comprehensive capital planning report
  • Evaluates all common area components
  • Useful life and replacement cost estimates
  • Flexible funding plan options
  • Updated every 3 to 5 years
  • Used by condos and HOAs
  • Required for certain Florida condominium buildings
  • Focused on structural and safety components
  • Mandatory funding under Florida law
  • Includes statutory components
  • Initial and recurring update requirements
  • Compliance-driven reporting

We can prepare both a Traditional Reserve Study and a SIRS together in one coordinated engagement for a complete and efficient evaluation.

About Us

Florida Reserve Studies and SIRS by Professional Engineers

Reserve Study Engineers is a dedicated division of Criterium-Cromer Engineers, a licensed Professional Engineering firm serving condominium and homeowner associations in South Florida.

We focus exclusively on Reserve Studies and Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS), while operating under the depth, oversight, and accountability of an established engineering practice. All work is performed under the responsible charge of licensed Professional Engineers and grounded in real-world building evaluation, not spreadsheet-only assumptions.

The result is clear, defensible reserve planning that supports informed budgeting, statutory compliance, and confident board decision-making.

Our Engineering Team

All reserve studies are prepared under the direct oversight of licensed Professional Engineers with specific experience in condominium and HOA reserve planning.

Our team specializes in Reserve Studies and Structural Integrity Reserve Studies (SIRS), delivering clear, defensible analyses aligned with Florida Statutes, industry standards, and real-world building conditions.

LICENSED PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS (P.E.)
RESERVE STUDY SPECIALIZATION

What Our Clients Say About Us

Trusted by Florida Condo and HOA Boards

★★★★★

Extremely responsive, detail-oriented, and knowledgeable. Our Structural Integrity Reserve Study was thorough and clear. Highly recommended.

Julie, Board Vice President

Coral Gables, FL

★★★★★

We interviewed five firms and Criterium-Cromer was clearly the best choice. They delivered a comprehensive, realistic reserve study and helped us understand the process with confidence.

Janie, Board President

Hollywood, FL

★★★★★

Working with Criterium-Cromer was a pleasure. The process was streamlined, communication was clear, and the team was responsive and detailed throughout.

Margia, Property Manager

Bay Harbor Islands, FL

★★★★★

Professional and knowledgeable team. They understood exactly what was required for our SIRS study and helped us navigate the new state requirements.

Samuel, Board President

Plantation, FL

★★★★★

Very professional service with a clear report, strong follow-up, and helpful guidance. Very happy with the result.

Jacques, Board President

Miami, FL

★★★★★

So glad we chose Criterium-Cromer for our SIRS study. Professional, knowledgeable, and thorough in explaining the process and report.

Janice, Board Treasurer

Miami Beach, FL

★★★★★

Excellent professional service with detailed inspections. A pleasure to work with on both our engineering report and reserve study.

Rosie, Board Vice President

Coral Gables, FL

★★★★★

Helpful from start to finish. The on-site inspection was meticulous, with clear photos and summaries. We were very impressed with the thoroughness.

Milton, Board President

Pompano, FL

★★★★★

Our property management office has worked with Criterium-Cromer on multiple properties. Their expertise and professionalism are consistently impressive.

Anabell, Property Manager

Miami, FL

★★★★★

Professional, knowledgeable, and on schedule. It was a pleasure working with them on our reserve study.

Board Member

Davie, FL

★★★★★

Detailed and easy-to-understand SIRS study. The data and analysis were presented clearly. Thank you for a great job.

Alexandra, Board President

Hollywood, FL

★★★★★

Professional, knowledgeable, and patient. The engineer explained each step clearly, making a complex process easy to understand.

Maha, Board Treasurer

Miami, FL

Testimonials shown are excerpts from verified Google reviews, edited for brevity.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Reserve Study?

A Reserve Study is a long-term capital planning report that evaluates the major common area components of a condominium or HOA and estimates the remaining useful life and future replacement costs.

It includes:

  • Component inventory
  • Condition assessment
  • Cost estimates
  • Funding plans to guide annual reserve contributions

The goal is to help boards plan responsibly and avoid unexpected special assessments.

What is a Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS)?

A Structural Integrity Reserve Study, or SIRS, is a Florida-specific reserve study required for certain condominium buildings under state law.

It focuses on structural and life-safety components, including:

  • Roof
  • Load-bearing walls
  • Exterior painting and waterproofing
  • Floors and foundations
  • Fireproofing and fire protection systems
  • Plumbing and electrical systems
  • Windows and exterior doors
  • Any other item with deferred maintenance that impacts structural integrity

SIRS has specific statutory requirements that differ from a traditional reserve study.

Who is required to obtain a SIRS in Florida?

Most condominium buildings three stories or higher must obtain a SIRS.

Boards must ensure the study is completed and funding is implemented in accordance with Florida statutes. Noncompliance can create legal and financial exposure.

Why should a Professional Engineer prepare our Reserve Study or SIRS?

A Professional Engineer provides:

  • Technical evaluation of structural and building systems
  • Realistic useful life estimates
  • Cost assumptions based on South Florida construction conditions
  • Clear documentation suitable for board records and audits

Engineer oversight is especially important for SIRS, where structural judgment and compliance accuracy matter.

How much does a Reserve Study cost?

Pricing depends on:

  • Property size and complexity
  • Number of components
  • Scope: traditional reserve study or SIRS

We provide fixed proposals based on your property details so boards know exactly what to expect.

How often should a Reserve Study or SIRS be updated?

Traditional reserve studies are typically updated every 3 to 5 years.

For SIRS, Florida law requires updates at least every 10 years after the initial study, though boards often update sooner to reflect current conditions and pricing.

Regular updates keep funding aligned with real costs and prevent contribution shortfalls.

How long does the process take and what do you need from us?

Most studies are completed within a few weeks, depending on property size and document availability.

We typically request:

  • Governing documents
  • Prior reserve studies, if available
  • Maintenance history
  • Financial information
  • Access for site inspection

After inspection and analysis, the board receives a clear, organized report with funding recommendations suitable for budgeting and owner communication.

Request a Proposal

Questions? Call us at: 305-363-3037