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Condo Insights <br> <br>#64   Condo Insights    #64     Understanding the Capital Reserve  Study Part 3  Reserve Studies are prepared with  three different levels of service: full  service, update with site visit and  update without a site visit. Specifying the level of service allows for  easy comparison between different  reserve studies and ensures that the  association understands the scope  of the work performed. Knowing  the level of service helps the association understand the methodology used in the study, which is  crucial for interpreting the findings and making informed decisions. Different levels of service  come with different costs. Clearly  stating the level of service helps the  association understand the budget  implications of the reserve study.  Level I is a Full Reserve Study.  It includes both a physical and financial analysis with an engineer   s  site visit. The component inventory list and current component  condition assessments with useful  life and valuation estimates are determined from a visual on-site inspection. This information is used  to conduct the financial analysis  which includes the current fund  status and recommended funding  plan. A Full Reserve Study is recommended if the association has  never had a reserve study, if a substantial time has lapsed since the last  study or if there are concerns about  the accuracy of component inventory, quantities or measurements.  Level II is an update to the previous reserve study and includes an  engineer   s site visit. The report updates both the physical analysis and  financial analysis of an existing report. A site inspection is conducted  to verify and/or make adjustments  to the existing component asset  list, condition assessments, useful  life and component valuation estimates. The financial analysis is updated, including the current fund  status and recommended funding  plan. A Level II Reserve Study is  recommended after major projects and as required by state law.  Level III updates the financial  analysis only, with no site visit. The  current fund status and funding  plan is updated, using information  gathered from board members,  vendors, the association manager  and information contained within  a prior reserve study. A Level III  report is recommended to review,  adjust and verify that the existing  funding plan is accurate and suitable  for current economic conditions.  How should the board approach a  reserve study. First step is to identify firms experienced in preparation of reserve studies. Engineering firms that specialize in reserve  studies and those that specialize  in forensic analyses serve distinct  purposes. Reserve Specialists have  a thorough understanding of how  buildings age and deteriorate and  are qualified to determine if an issue is normal or abnormal based on  their observations. Forensic engineering firms specialize in invasive    or destructive analyses to determine  the exact cause of a specific issue  and the appropriate remedial action.  Look for a reserve study company with multi-disciplined engineers  who have industry accreditation  (CAI   s Reserve Specialist Designation and/or APRA   s Professional Reserve Analyst designation). Ask to  see samples of their work. A detailed  report that utilizes tables, graphs,  pictures, diagrams, spreadsheets and  explanatory graphics make the report easy to understand. These items  are important pieces of a reserve  study and should not be considered  as extras. If possible, have the engineering firm commit to a timeline or  schedule that includes site visit and  delivery of the first draft. It should  be obvious but confirm the report  will be in compliance with requirements in the Structural Integrity Act.  The engineering firm will request  information about the association,  to identify common elements, and  to have clear understanding of the  scope of association responsibilities for operation, maintenance, repair and replacement. Associations  should provide the engineering firm  with the Master Deed, building  plans, the most recent capital reserve study (if one exists), a schedule of recent replacements including date, type and cost of any major  repairs or replacements that have  been performed on the common elements since original construction,  the projected balance in the reserve  fund at the start of the study period,  the amount of the current annual  reserve contribution and the association   s current maintenance schedule and/or maintenance budget.  Condo board members should  expect a comprehensive report  that clearly explains the condition  of their community association   s  common elements and a funding  plan to pay for future replacements.    Jim Yost owns Elite Management  and Advisory Services, LLC and  is co-owner / Managing Partner  for Ocean Property Management  Corporation, based in Wildwood.  The firms provide management  and advisory services to numerous community, condominium  and homeowner associations in  southern New Jersey. He can be  reached at yostopmc@comcast.net.  Karim Kaspar, Esq. is Senior  Counsel with Lowenstein Sandler  LLP. He serves as general counsel  to numerous community and condominium associations throughout New Jersey. He specializes in  complex commercial litigation and  real estate matters and has been active and instrumental in the firm   s  pro-bono activities. He can be  reached at kkaspar@lowenstein.com.  The entire Condo Insights series of articles is available online  at www.oceanpropertymgmt.com.
 
Condo Insights <br>#61 Swimming Pools  Condo Insights  #61 Swimming Pools     Part 3  Sanitizing options and operating costs  Swimming pools are a common amenity in seashore condos because they offer  a comfortable place to swim, exercise,  and cool off. Part 3 in this series will discuss the most common types of disinfection chemicals and systems, costs of operation and budgeting for pool operation.  Health codes require primary chlorine  or bromine sanitation in all commercial  aquatic facilities. Chlorine can handle all  sizes of aquatic facility water, is convenient to use and is an effective way to  kill bacteria and algae. There are various  compounds of chlorine used in swimming pools, some of which are stabilized,  some are not. Stabilizers extend the life  of chlorine in the water. Chlorine can  come in liquid or tablet form. There are  different types of chlorinators, including  inline, floating and saltwater.  While chlorine is typically inexpensive  to use, recent chlorine shortages have  made it significantly more expensive in  recent years. A downside to chlorine is  that it reacts with organic materials like  lotions and sweat and it creates byproducts that cause red eyes, dry skin and  lung irritation.  According to the Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Handbook, understanding  the differences between chlorine and  bromine is crucial for maintaining safe  and effective pool water sanitation. Both  have pros and cons regarding effectiveness, stability, odor, and skin/eye irritation. Chlorine acts as a fast-acting oxidizer, killing bacteria and algae quickly; on  the other hand bromine acts as a slower  ionizer, sanitizing water over a longer  period. Chlorine breaks down quickly  in sunlight, requiring frequent dosing,  especially in outdoor pools; bromine is  more stable making it a better option for  indoor pools or hot tubs where sunlight  exposure is limited. Chlorine can have a  strong, noticeable odor, especially when  combined with other contaminants,  whereas bromine generally has a less potent odor compared to chlorine. Chlorine  can irritate skin and eyes, especially with  high concentrations or prolonged exposure; bromine is generally considered  gentler on skin and eyes than chlorine.  Chlorine is generally more cost-effective  than bromine. Bromine is effective over  a wider pH range than chlorine. Mixing  bromine and chlorine can create bromine  chloride, which is less effective at sanitizing and can also cause a strong odor.  Saltwater pool sanitation systems have  become popular among aquatics facilities  because they produce chlorine without  irritating swimmers    skin. Saltwater  pools have lower levels of chlorine than  traditional chlorinated pools. Chlorine is  produced through electrolysis and uses  the added salt (sodium chloride) to form  hypochlorous acid (which acts as a sanitizer) and hydroxyl ions (oxidant or filter  aid). A downside to saltwater sanitization is that improper maintenance, faulty  sensors, or chemical imbalance can cause  any saltwater pool to become super chlorinated which can damage equipment,  pool surfaces, and become dangerous for  swimming. In addition, salt produced  by the saltwater pool can damage or attack the cement, plaster, and coping of  the pool; and the high salt concentration  found in the saltwater pools may affect  grass, planters, trees, and shrubs near  the pool.  Chemical controller systems offer automated pool chemistry management,  improving safety, reducing workload, and  optimizing chemical use, all contributing  to efficiency and a safer environment for  swimmers and pool staff. Controllers  continuously monitor and adjust pH,  chlorine (or other sanitizers), and other  key parameters, ensuring optimal and  consistent water conditions for swimming. Properly balanced and sanitized  pool water is essential for preventing recreational water illnesses and infections.  Consistent water chemistry minimizes  eye irritation, skin irritation, and other potential health problems associated  with imbalanced pool water.    Controllers automate the process of  dosing and mixing chemicals, reducing  the need for manual chemical adjustments, which in turn reduces potential  for human error. Controllers dispense  chemicals only when and as needed,  minimizing waste and saving money. Automatic chemical control allows for consistent water quality around the clock,  ensuring the pool is always safe and  clean. Controllers can track water chemistry data and alert staff to any problems  or unusual conditions.  By dispensing chemicals only when  needed, chemical costs can be reduced.  Controllers can also be integrated with  other pool equipment, such as pumps  and heaters, optimizing their efficiency and reducing energy consumption.  Automation reduces the need for staff  to spend time on chemical testing and  adjustment, freeing them to focus on  other tasks. Maintaining stable water  chemistry helps prevent corrosion and  damage to pool equipment, extending its  lifespan.  Annual operating costs for pool facilities include: costs for municipal and  county inspections and registration; water quality testing by certified labs; costs  of chemicals and consumables; general  maintenance & repair to aquatic facilities, pumps, motors, filters and heaters;  opening and closing costs; the cost for a  Certified Pool Operator; and service personnel for regular cleaning and operation  of the aquatic facility. Many of these  annual costs (such as for inspections,  registration, testing, CPO, opening and  closing) are fairly consistent year to year.  In New Jersey, a condominium pool is  generally considered a public recreational bathing facility and therefore subject  to the rules and regulations governing  those facilities, rather than being classified as a commercial pool. (NJAC 8:26)  New Jersey defines    public recreational  bathing facilities    as any bathing beach,  swimming pool, wading pool, hot tub, or  spa used by the public or by residents of  multiple living units, including condominiums. Because condominium pools  serve residents of multiple units, they  fall under the category of public recreational bathing facilities and are not considered private. This means that condominium pools in New Jersey are subject  to the same health and safety standards,  including lifeguard requirements, as other public pools.  in New Jersey, public recreational  bathing facilities are required to have a  written standard operating procedure,  also known as an aquatics facility plan.  The plan must include: a diagram of  the facility, evacuation plan, lifeguard  schedule (if not exempt), staff responsibilities, emergency contacts and phone  numbers, location of first aid and rescue  equipment, staff emergency procedures,  location of the emergency shut off switch  for suction outlets, hours of operation,  schedule of operational activities such as  water quality testing and recordkeeping,  and a zone of protection of the lifeguards.  Jim Yost owns Elite Management and  Advisory Services, LLC and is co-owner  / Managing Partner for Ocean Property  Management Corporation, based in Wildwood. The firms provide management  and advisory services to numerous community, condominium and homeowner  associations in southern New Jersey. He  can be reached at yostopmc@comcast.  net.  Karim Kaspar, Esq. is Senior Counsel  with Lowenstein Sandler LLP. He serves  as general counsel to numerous community and condominium associations  throughout New Jersey. He specializes in  complex commercial litigation and real  estate matters and has been active and  instrumental in the firm   s pro-bono activities. He can be reached at kkaspar@  lowenstein.com.  The entire Condo Insights series of  articles is available online at www.oceanpropertymgmt.com.
 
Condo Insights <br>#62    Condo Insights  #62     Understanding the Capital  Reserve Study Part 1  On January 8th,2024 New Jersey  Governor Phil Murphy signed into  law S2760/A4384, commonly known  as the Structural Integrity Act (the     Act   ). This legislation requires that  almost all condominium associations  have capital reserve studies prepared  every five years, defines and requires  adequate funding levels; expands the  scope of reserve studies to include  any major projects that could arise  in the coming 30-year timeframe and  that preventive maintenance schedules be included as part of the reserve  studies. The Structural Integrity Act  is causing a lot of confusion amongst  Boards and unit owners     it is also a  source of financial discipline moving  forward to address past funding  shortcomings.  Why is the Structural Integrity Act  important? According to the United  States Census Bureau, in 2024 there  are almost 3.5 million multi-family  housing units in New Jersey. Over  85% are in buildings that are over 25  years old. Over 63% are in buildings  more than 45 years old. As buildings  get older, they are likely to require  more attention to periodic maintenance and replacement of roofs,  windows & doors, elevators, and to  essential mechanical equipment such  as plumbing, electrical, fire alarm &  fire suppression systems.  Prior to the Act, associations were  not required to have a reserve study.  Many of those that have a reserve  study were not following the funding  recommendations in their study. The  Act requires the reserve study to be  prepared by a licensed professional  engineer or reserve specialist and for  associations to adequately fund their  reserve account for future repairs and  major maintenance projects. Periodic  maintenance and replacement of capital assets require significant financial  investment. The Act is intended to  ensure that condominium associations  no longer have underfunded reserves  and that multi-family residential  buildings are regularly inspected and  properly maintained.  What exactly is a capital reserve  study?  A capital reserve study  (   CRS   ) is a comprehensive report  that analyzes a property   s physical  condition and financial health, specifically focusing on the long-term costs  of repairing and replacing common  area components and recommends a  funding plan to ensure those costs can  be met. In short, a CRS determines  an estimate for the amount of money  an association needs to have saved for  future capital expenditures, such as  roof replacement, paving, or replacement of association equipment such  as elevators, HVAC, fire systems and  recreational facilities. A CRS looks  ahead to what can be expected to be  replaced, renovated or rehabilitated  in the upcoming 30 years.  A CRS includes both a physical  analysis of the property   s common  elements  (inventory,  condition,  remaining useful life) and a financial  analysis of the reserve funds and  projected costs. It involves creating  a detailed list of common area components, including their quantities,  ages, conditions, and estimated  useful lives. The study helps determine the estimated timing of when  components will likely need to be  replaced or repaired, based on their    condition and estimated remaining  useful life. It provides an estimate of  the costs associated with repairing or  replacing those components over the  long term. The study aims to determine the necessary funding level for  the reserve account and recommends  a funding plan to ensure sufficient  funds are available when needed.  The purpose of a reserve study  is to help associations anticipate and  plan for the future costs of repairing  and replacing major common area  components by providing an estimate  of these expenses and when they  are likely to occur. Reserve studies  provide a roadmap for future capital  projects, making it easier for the  board and residents to understand  the association   s financial situation  and long-term plans. Reserve studies  help ensure that associations have  sufficient funds to cover major repairs and replacements, preventing  unexpected financial strains and large  assessments. By identifying potential  problems and planning for future  needs, reserve studies help mitigate  the risk of unexpected and potentially  costly repairs or replacements.  Board members throughout New  Jersey are now tasked with engaging  a qualified engineering firm to prepare a capital reserve study for their  association, many for the first time.  Prior to the Act, the time frame from  engaging the engineering firm, site  visit, preparation of the initial draft of  the CRS, review and approval of the  final CRS was a few months. The Act  has caused a surge in demand for new  CRS business for engineering firms,  and subsequently, the time frame for  the process takes much longer than it  had prior to the Act.  Even though the Act requires associations to have had their CRS prepared by the end of 2024, due in part  to procrastination on part of some  associations and backlog of work for  engineering firms, some associations  are still waiting for a first draft as we  approach the halfway point in 2025.  Historically, engineering firms have  been very efficient and accurate in  preparation of draft reserve studies.  Board members are advised to review  the draft reserve studies closely to  make sure all information is accurate  before finalizing the CRS for their  association.  Jim Yost owns Elite Management  and Advisory Services, LLC and is  co-owner / Managing Partner for  Ocean Property Management Corporation, based in Wildwood. The firms  provide management and advisory  services to numerous community,  condominium and homeowner associations in southern New Jersey.  He can be reached at yostopmc@  comcast.net.  Karim Kaspar, Esq. is Senior Counsel with Lowenstein Sandler LLP. He  serves as general counsel to numerous community and condominium  associations throughout New Jersey.  He specializes in complex commercial  litigation and real estate matters and  has been active and instrumental in  the firm   s pro-bono activities. He can  be reached at kkaspar@lowenstein.  com.  The entire Condo Insights series of  articles is available online at www.  oceanpropertymgmt.com.
 
Condo Insights <br>#63    Condo Insights  #63     Understanding the Capital Reserve  Study Part 2    TheCommunityAssociationInstitute  (   CAI   ) is the trade organization  for community, condominium, and  homeowner   s associations. According  to CAI, a capital reserve study should  include the following: a summary of the  association   s number of units, physical  description of the property, reserve  fund financial condition; a projection of  reserve starting balance, recommended  reserve contributions, projected reserve  expenses, and projected ending reserve  fund balance for a minimum of 30 years;  a listing of the component inventory,  component quantity or identifying  descriptions, useful life, remaining  useful life and current replacement cost;  a description of methods and objectives  utilized in computing the Fund Status  and development of the Funding  Plan, source(s) utilized to obtain  component repair or replacement cost  estimates; a description of the level  of service by which the reserve study  was prepared and the fiscal year for  which the reserve study is prepared.  A physical description of the  common areas and infrastructure  (e.g., roofs, siding, landscaping,  common buildings) is essential  for identifying areas of association  responsibility, potential areas of  concern and estimating future repair  and replacement costs. This allows  the reserve study to accurately assess  the condition of the assets, identify  potential problems, and develop a  realistic plan for addressing them.  A reserve study includes a schedule of  associationassetsincludingacomponent  inventory, quantity, estimated useful  life, estimated remaining useful life,  and replacement cost to provide  a structured, comprehensive, and  easily understandable overview of the  association   s capital assets and future  needs. Atableallowsforeasycomparison  and identification of different  components, their current condition,  and their estimated future needs.  The tabular format facilitates long  term analysis of the association   s  reserve fund status, funding needs, and  the timing of potential replacements. A  clear and transparent overview of the  association   s assets and responsibilities  promotes accountability and informed  decision-making. By identifying the  useful life and remaining useful life  of components, the reserve study  can help the association anticipate  future costs and plan for necessary  repairs or replacements. The tabular  format allows the association to  determine the current replacement  costs, which is essential for developing  a sustainable funding plan for the  reserve fund. In many states, reserve  studies are legally required to provide  this level of detail to association  members and prospective purchasers.  The reserve fund is the savings  account for the association, used to  cover repairs and replacements for  association assets. A reserve study  must analyze the current balance in  the reserve fund, future contributions,  and projected expenses to determine  if the fund is adequately funded and to  develop a sustainable funding plan. An  adequately funded reserve fund allows  the association to cover unexpected  expenses without resorting to special  assessments. Regular maintenance and  timely repairs, funded by the reserve  fund, help maintain property values and  prevent costly deferred maintenance.  The reserve study provides the    board with the data needed to make  informed decisions about budgeting,  maintenance, and capital projects.  A reserve study includes projections  of the starting balance, recommended  contributions, expenses, and ending  balance to help associations plan for  future major repairs and replacements,  ensuring adequate funding and  minimizing the need for unexpected  special assessments. A starting fund  balance establishes the current financial  status of the reserve fund, serving as  the baseline for projections. The study  estimates timing and future costs for  major repairs and replacements of  common area components, such as roofs,  paving, and other infrastructure. The  study analyzes the association   s financial  needs and recommends the necessary  annual contributions to the reserve fund  to ensure the association is adequately  funded for future expenses. The CRS  includes a projected annual ending  reserve fund balance which allows the  association to monitor its financial  health and make adjustments as needed.  Reserve studies are designed to help  associations plan for future expenses,  so specifying the fiscal year for which  the study is prepared ensures that the  recommendations are relevant to the  association   s budgeting cycle. Reserve  studies are often used as a long-term  financial planning tool, and specifying  the fiscal year helps the association track  progress towards their reserve funding  goals. Some jurisdictions or lenders may  require reserve studies to be prepared  for a specific fiscal year, so specifying  the fiscal year ensures compliance  with any applicable requirements.  Reserve studies help associations  plan for the long-term maintenance  and replacement of common area  components, ensuring the property  remains well-maintained and valuable.  By setting aside funds in advance,  associations can avoid unexpected  financial shocks when major repairs or  replacements are needed, minimizing  the need for special assessments. Proper  reserve planning helps protect the longterm value of the property by ensuring  that major repairs and replacements are  addressed in a timely and sustainable  manner. Governing boards have a  fiduciary duty to manage association  funds and property, and a reserve study  helps them fulfill this duty by providing  a clear understanding of the association   s  financial condition and future needs.    Jim Yost owns Elite Management  and Advisory Services, LLC and is coowner / Managing Partner for Ocean  Property Management Corporation,  based in Wildwood. The firms provide  management and advisory services to  numerous community, condominium  and homeowner associations in  southern New Jersey. He can be  reached at yostopmc@comcast.net.  Karim Kaspar, Esq. is Senior Counsel  with Lowenstein Sandler LLP. He  serves as general counsel to numerous  community  and  condominium  associations throughout New Jersey.  He specializes in complex commercial  litigation and real estate matters and  has been active and instrumental in the  firm   s pro-bono activities. He can be  reached at kkaspar@lowenstein.com.  The entire Condo Insights series  of articles is available online at  w w w. o c e a n p r o p e r t y m g m t . c o m
 

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