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RHODE ISLAND PROPERTY ADVISORY COMPANY | ARMENY INC | HENNESSY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Reserve Studies
Our reserve studies blog is a resource for HOAs, property managers, and owners that want to protect their investments and plan for long term success. Our expert guidance helps you make data driven decisions for sustainable property maintenance and financial stability.


Top Questions to Ask Your Reserve Study Provider
Choosing the right reserve study provider is an important decision for an HOA, condo association, or common interest community. The right partner creates a reserve study that helps protect property values, guides long-term planning, and reduces the likelihood of special assessments.
If your board is reviewing or planning reserve studies in Rhode Island, these are the most important questions to ask your reserve study provider before moving forward.
Dec 173 min read


End-of-Year Reserve Fund Checklist for HOAs
As the year winds down, HOA boards are busy closing financials, planning budgets, and preparing for the upcoming year. One of the most important tasks during this period is completing a thorough End-of-Year Reserve Fund Checklist for HOAs. This ensures your community remains financially strong, legally compliant, and fully prepared for the ongoing upkeep of its major components.
Dec 94 min read


The Role of Inflation and Cost Escalation in Reserve Planning
Inflation has quietly become one of the biggest threats to long-term community stability yet many HOA and condo boards still underestimate how rapidly material, labor, and construction costs rise. The Role of Inflation and Cost Escalation in Reserve Planning is now more important than ever for Rhode Island communities, especially as associations navigate aging buildings, fluctuating vendor pricing, and capital projects that no longer match historical budgets.
Nov 295 min read


Sample Reserve Study Report: What to Expect
A Reserve Study is one of the most important financial planning documents an HOA, condo association, or community board will ever receive. Although, most board members have never actually seen a full example or understood what each section really means.
Nov 214 min read


Understanding Percent Funded: Is Your HOA or Condo Association Underfunded?
Is Your HOA or Condo Association Underfunded? Learn how percent funded works, why it matters, and how reserve studies protect long-term property values. Hennessy Reserve Partners explains key risks, common mistakes, and how Rhode Island associations can get back on track.
Nov 144 min read


How Reserve Studies Protect Property Values Over Time
Maintaining property value is a constant responsibility for condominium and homeowner associations. Every element of your community’s infrastructure naturally wears down over time. Reserve studies in Rhode Island are designed to anticipate these future costs and ensure that communities have a plan and the funds ready to preserve both aesthetics and value.
Nov 103 min read


Using a Reserve Study for Creating a 30-Year Capital Plan
A Reserve Study is a snapshot of your property’s current condition and a roadmap that helps boards make smart, data-driven decisions about repairs, replacements, and long-term spending. When used correctly, it becomes the foundation for a comprehensive 30-year capital plan that keeps your community financially healthy and prepared for the future.
Oct 305 min read


Choosing the Right Partner for Your Reserve Study in Rhode Island
Selecting the right firm for Reserve Studies in Rhode Island is one of the most important decisions your HOA or condo association will make. A well prepared reserve study sets the foundation for your community’s long-term financial health and ensures that capital projects are anticipated, funds are properly allocated, and surprises are minimized. But not all firms offer the same level of expertise, especially when it comes to local laws, weather conditions, and community dyna
Oct 203 min read


What Rhode Island Law Says About Reserve Studies
What Rhode Island Law Says About Reserve Studies: Understanding Rhode Island’s Legal Framework
Under the Rhode Island Condominium Act (R.I. Gen. Laws §34-36.1), associations must establish adequate reserves for future capital expenditures and major repairs. Even though the law doesn’t explicitly mandate the completion of a “reserve study,” it does require boards to ensure reserves are “sufficient” to meet anticipated needs. A reserve study is the only credible way to prove t
Oct 164 min read


Common Reserve Study Mistakes HOA Boards Make
If you avoid these common reserve study mistakes, you can save your association from financial strain and homeowner conflict. Whether you’re establishing your first study, need to Update Your Reserve Study in Rhode Island, or want clarity on the Difference Between Reserve and Operating Budgets, our team provides clear, actionable insights.
Oct 63 min read


Do Small Associations Still Need a Reserve Study? Here’s Why the Answer Is Yes
Many small HOAs and condo associations wonder if the process of Reserve Studies in Rhode Island is truly necessary. After all, with fewer units and a smaller budget, it can feel like a luxury rather than a necessity. But the truth is, even the smallest associations benefit tremendously from a professionally prepared reserve study.
At Hennessy Reserve Partners, we’ve seen firsthand how small boards that take the time to plan properly end up saving money, avoiding special asse
Sep 293 min read


How Reserve Studies Help Avoid Special Assessments
Working with condominiums and homeowner associations, few topics stir up more frustration among board members and homeowners than special assessments. These unexpected charges, often running into thousands of dollars per unit, can strain budgets, create tension within communities, and even lower property values. The good news? With a well-prepared reserve study, your association can plan ahead, keep finances healthy, and drastically reduce the need for sudden special assessme
Sep 183 min read


Understanding the Physical vs. Financial Analysis in Reserve Studies
Reserve studies for community associations and condo boards aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. A strong reserve study is equally rooted in the physical and financial realities of your property. At Hennessy Reserve Partners, we emphasize that understanding the physical vs. financial analysis in reserve studies is the key to long-term stability and peace of mind for your community.
Sep 123 min read


How Often Should You Update Your Reserve Study in Rhode Island
One of your most important responsibilities is ensuring your community is financially prepared for the future. That’s where having reserve studies in Rhode Island comes in. There’s no question that having a reserve study is important but it’s also important to know how often you should update your reserve study in Rhode Island.
Sep 53 min read


The Difference Between Reserve and Operating Budgets (Explained for Boards)
One of the most important financial responsibilities for HOA, condo boards and other associations is understanding the difference between reserve and operating budgets. Both are essential to keeping your community running smoothly yet each serves a very different purpose. Mismanagement of one or confusing the two can lead to financial strain, deferred maintenance, and even special assessments that frustrate homeowners.
Aug 303 min read


Why Your Rhode Island Condo Association Needs a Reserve Study
One of the most critical tools for financial stability and property preservation is a reserve study. At Hennessy Reserve Partners, we’ve seen how Rhode Island Condo Association Reserve Studies protect homeowners, prevent financial crises, and build trust between boards and residents.
Aug 274 min read


What Components Are Included in a Reserve Study in Rhode Island?
What exactly does a reserve study include? At Hennessy Reserve Partners, we walk our clients through the critical reserve study components that protect both property values and community stability. Let’s look at the top elements typically included and how they’ve helped Rhode Island communities we’ve worked with.
Aug 213 min read


What Is a Reserve Study? A Simple Guide for Reserve Studies in Rhode Island
At Hennessy Reserve Partners, we specialize in performing professional reserve studies throughout Rhode Island by helping associations plan ahead, avoid special assessments, and protect property values. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know.
Aug 176 min read
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