Why Hire a CAI Reserve Specialist for Your Capital Reserve Fund Study?

BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS STAFF • Aug 10, 2020

Are You Putting Your Most Valuable Assets in the Hands of the Most Qualified Professionals? 

Community associations rely on qualified reserve specialists to assist them in extensive reserve planning to keep their communities running smoothly. A reserve study professional's goal is to give client association boards the tools to anticipate and prepare for the repair and replacement of their communities’ common elements. The National Reserve Study Standards provide a consistent set of terminology, calculations, and expectations so reserve study providers and those they serve together can build a successful future for millions of community association homeowners across the country.

Why You Should Hire Credentialed Professionals

A Community Association operates as a truly specialized type of organization. Board Members have fiduciary responsibilities which compel them to make decisions that can have profound financial and social impact on their neighborhood. One of the primary responsibilities of a community association is to protect, maintain, and enhance the assets of the association. To accomplish this objective, associations must develop a Capital Reserve Fund Study - a multi-year plan to help anticipate and responsibly prepare for timely repair and replacement of the community’s common elements. Receiving professional and accurate advice or guidance on important issues can make the difference between prosperity and distress.

Reserve Specialist Designation

CAI Platinum Plus Partner

Community Associations Institute (CAI) designations help ensure that study providers have the knowledge, experience, and integrity to provide the best possible service to your association. If your provider holds a CAI designation, he or she has made a substantial commitment and investment in their education and career, and your community's welfare. To help ensure that you have the expert guidance you need to manage your community's assets most effectively, look for professionals with the designations and certifications.


The Reserve Specialist designation is awarded to qualified reserve specialists who, through years of specialized experience, can help ensure that community associations prepare their reserve budget as accurately as possible. Reserve Specialist designees must meet comprehensive requirements including preparing at least 30 reserve studies over the last three years, holding required degrees, and complying with strict rules of conduct outlined by CAI’s Professional Reserve Specialist Code of Ethics.

Reserve Specialists Build Long-Term Relationships with Community Associations

Every proactive community association should have a properly funded reserve account to provide funding for replacement of their infrastructure. BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS principal engineer retains a Reserve Specialist designation from the CAI. With every project, whether small or large, old or new, a licensed engineer will be in charge of the capital reserve fund study. Each capital reserve fund study will include three phases: Physical Analysis, Reserve Analysis and Meeting Participation. 

Interested in our Reserve Fund Study Services?  BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS is here to help!

Whether a 20-story high-rise building in the city or a 200-unit residential community in the suburbs, future financial preparation is an integral element in the life of the community. Capital improvements help keep a community looking fresh and prevent deterioration. BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS will work with your association to create a Reserve Fund Study that is tailored to the needs of your community and will continue to work with the association to answer questions years after the study has been completed. Click to contact us online to discuss our Capital Reserve Fund Study Services today!

SHARE CONTENT

Bustamante Blog

A Guide to Understanding the Permitting Process for Homeowners

Navigating Residential Construction Permits

By BUSTAMANTE STAFF • 25 Mar, 2024
Understanding the permitting process is crucial to ensuring your project proceeds smoothly, without legal hiccups or delays. This guide aims to demystify the world of residential construction permits for homeowners, offering a roadmap through the bureaucratic maze...
Community Associations Required to Conduct Regular Structural Inspections & Reserve Studies

New Legislation Enacted to Ensure Safety for NJ Condominium & Cooperative Buildings

By BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS STAFF • 16 Feb, 2024
On January 8, 2024, New Jersey passed legislation to help protect and maintain the structural integrity of certain residential building structures. This legislation is effective immediately.
Regular Monitoring & Review with Professional Construction Oversight Services

Budget-Friendly Tips for Residential Construction Projects

By BUSTAMANTE STAFF • 16 Jan, 2024
Embarking on a residential construction project is both an exciting and daunting task. As civil engineers with years of experience in construction oversight services, BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS has seen how costs can escalate quickly if not properly managed.
A Review of Residential Hardscape Surfaces – GRAVEL & PAVERS

Pavement Choices for Your Home - GRAVEL & PAVERS

By BUSTAMANTE STAFF • 01 Dec, 2023
Are you thinking about updating or expanding your driveway - or constructing a new one? Let’s take some time to deep dive into the benefits of each type of common pavement material: ASPHALT, CONCRETE, GRAVEL/STONE & PAVERS. This article will talk specifically about gravel driveways and the various types of pavers available...
A Review of Residential Hardscape Surfaces – ASPHALT & CONCRETE

Pavement Choices for Your Home - ASPHALT & CONCRETE

By BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS STAFF • 19 Oct, 2023
Are you thinking about updating or expanding your driveway - or maybe constructing a new one? Last year, I decided to take the plunge and update my gravel driveway. I took some time to deep dive into the benefits of each type of common pavement material: ASPHALT, CONCRETE, STONE GRAVEL & PAVER BLOCKS. This installment will talk specifically about Asphalt and Concrete pavement surfaces. Gravel and the different types of Concrete Paver Blocks will be discussed in the next installment...
Basilica of St Peter

Italian Architectural Accomplishments From a Structural Engineer’s Point of View

By Greg Bustamante • 22 Sep, 2023
From a structural engineer’s point of view, it was overwhelming to imagine how they built such beautiful, ornate masterpieces without all our modern technologies. Today as engineers, we are required to provide drawings, documents, material, and design specifications before a project begins.
Essential Warm Weather Tasks & Tips Around the House, Gutter Cleaning

Summer & Fall Home Exterior Maintenance

By BUSTAMANTE STAFF • 01 Aug, 2023
Maintain Your Home’s Exterior. As the seasons change, so should your home maintenance tasks. Now that winter and spring are through, you can tackle exterior maintenance projects you couldn’t do during wet or frozen weather. These maintenance tasks will prepare your home for summer when the sun is bright, and the temperatures are high.
Changing Climate Patterns Create Uncertainty 100 Year Flood

ONE HUNDRED YEAR FLOOD – Is Your Home Protected?

By BUSTAMANTE STAFF • 30 May, 2023
Contrary to popular belief, “100-Year Flood” does not refer to a flood that happens every century. Rather, the term describes the statistical chance that a flood of a certain magnitude will occur over a 24-hour period, in a certain area, once in 100 years.
It’s Important to Evaluate the Structural Conditions That Are of Concern

The Difference Between Structural Inspections & Home Inspections

By BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS STAFF • 04 Apr, 2023
Home Inspectors look at the home in general terms evaluating conditions that may cause the house to be unsafe, function improperly, or have major mechanical issues. A structural inspection often takes place after the home inspector submits their recommendations and points out possible structural issues that the homeowner should take a closer look at. A licensed engineer is the only professional that can provide an opinion on the structural integrity of a home.
Potential Signs That Your Roof May Need Some Attention

Replace or Repair the Roof Over Your Head?

By BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS STAFF • 30 Jan, 2023
Does It Make More Sense to Replace the Roof or Repair It? Over time, your roof will start to show indications of wear and tear. While there are a few things that can indicate your roof is no longer in its best shape, any one sign on its own doesn’t necessarily mean your roof needs replacing. Proper upkeep of your roof helps ensure that it stays in good condition to maximize future resale value and keeps you and your belongings protected from weather in the meantime...
More Posts
Share by: