Why Reserve Studies Alone Aren’t Enough Anymore

In this episode of Planned, Not Panicked: The Condo Owner Podcast, Alec and Candace break down a major shift happening across the country: more states are now requiring reserve studies for condominium communities — and yet, reserve studies alone are no longer sufficient for long-term planning. The conversation explains what reserve studies do well, where they fall short, and why relying on financial assumptions without understanding a building’s actual physical condition can put communities at risk. You’ll learn how hidden deterioration, construction defects, and system interactions can lead to unexpected repairs, underfunding, and costly special assessments.The episode also walks through a practical six-step framework communities can follow to pair reserve studies with comprehensive building condition assessments, improve transparency with homeowners, and move from reactive decision-making to proactive planning.If you’re a condo owner or board member trying to understand evolving regulations and protect your investment, this episode offers a clear roadmap for planning with confidence — not panic.