As part of Florida’s new building safety regulations, condominium associations are now required to complete a structural integrity reserve study conducted by a licensed engineer. At Studio A Engineering, every structural integrity reserve study is led by Paul Edwards Pineda, PE (FL PE #61808), a Registered Structural Engineer with decades of experience assessing Florida buildings.
Our structural integrity reserve study reports meet all requirements of Florida Senate Bill 4-D and include detailed reserve funding recommendations. We have completed structural integrity reserve study reports for associations across Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. Verify our credentials through the DBPR.
Our Structural Integrity Reserve Study Process
1. Visual Structural Inspection
Our licensed engineers conduct a thorough visual inspection of all items mandated by Florida Statute, assessing their current condition and identifying any visible signs of wear or degradation.
2. Itemizing the Core Components
The study specifically covers the roof, load-bearing walls, floor systems, plumbing, electrical systems, waterproofing, windows, and any other item with a deferred maintenance cost exceeding $10,000.
3. Estimating Remaining Useful Life
For each component, we use our extensive engineering experience to provide a realistic estimate of its remaining useful life, so your association knows when to expect major expenditures.
4. Estimating Replacement Costs
We provide a detailed estimate of the cost to replace or repair each component at the end of its lifecycle. This forms the financial basis of your association’s mandatory reserve funding.
5. Delivering a Compliant SIRS Report
You receive a comprehensive, sealed report that meets all requirements of Florida law. This official document is a mandatory part of your association’s structural and financial records.
6. Empowering Your Association
A professional SIRS provides the data-driven clarity your board needs to set budgets, communicate with owners, and make responsible financial decisions that protect the entire community.
Structural Integrity Reserve Study vs. Traditional Reserve Studies
Many associations wonder how a structural integrity reserve study differs from the traditional reserve studies they have been conducting. The key difference: a structural integrity reserve study requires a visual inspection by a licensed engineer, specifically examining structural components. Traditional reserve studies often relied on financial estimates without physical assessment. Effective December 31, 2024, associations can no longer vote to waive funding for items identified in a structural integrity reserve study.
Our structural integrity reserve study process is thorough and compliant. We also provide Florida milestone inspections, structural engineering design, and threshold inspections as complementary services.
The Mandatory Components We Analyze
Florida Statute is very specific about what must be included in a Structural Integrity Reserve Study. Our engineers perform a comprehensive evaluation of every required system to ensure your association is fully protected. This includes a detailed assessment of the:
- Roof: Including waterproofing, shingles, tiles, and drainage systems.
- Load-Bearing Walls: Checking for masonry cracks, spalling, or settlement.
- Floors & Foundations: Analyzing slabs, beams, and columns for structural soundness.
- Fireproofing & Fire Protection: Ensuring life-safety systems meet current codes.
- Plumbing & Electrical: Evaluating the age and condition of shared utility infrastructure.
- Windows & Exterior Waterproofing: Checking seals, stucco, and painting to prevent water intrusion.
By itemizing these specific components, we provide a granular level of detail that allows for precise budgeting, ensuring no financial surprises down the road.
