What a condominium study looks at
- Building envelope. Roofing, siding or brick, sealants, windows and balcony doors the association owns.
- Structure you can see. Balconies, railings, garage decks, stairs and breezeways.
- Systems. Elevators, boilers or chillers, domestic water pumps, fire alarm panels, sprinklers and the roof-top equipment.
- Site. Paving, sidewalks, retaining walls, lighting and stormwater structures.
- Amenities. Pool, fitness room, lobby and corridor finishes.
For each item the firm records the quantity, estimates the replacement cost and the years left, then builds a funding plan. That plan feeds the four budget figures in 55.1-1965 C.
Read your instruments first
The condominium rule starts with "unless the condominium instruments provide otherwise". Before you book, check the declaration and bylaws for a reserve clause: some set a shorter cycle or name a funding method. If they are silent, the five-year rule stands.
Typical fees for buildings
| Community | What drives the scope | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50 homes | Townhouse rows or one small building; little to inspect | $1,500 to $5,000 |
| 50 to 150 homes | Amenities such as a pool or clubhouse, private streets, a garage | $2,000 to $8,000 |
| 150 to 300 homes | Several amenity sites, long road and pipe networks | $5,000 to $20,000 |
| Over 300 homes | Priced by scope; no published upper figure | From $10,000 |
| High-rise condominium | Elevators, facade, garage decks, mechanical plant | $7,000 to $15,000+ |
Typical ranges, a guide, not a quote. No government or trade body publishes fee figures. The cost guide covers updates and what moves the price.
Before the site visit
- The recorded declaration, bylaws and plats or plans.
- The last reserve study and any updates.
- Three years of budgets and the current reserve balance.
- Recent major work: roof, elevator modernization, garage repairs, with dates and invoices.
- Any engineering or facade reports.