Reserve study in Columbus
Columbus is the largest city in Ohio and still adding housing, much of it as townhome condominiums and planned communities in the suburbs around the outerbelt. Newer associations often have their first real reserve conversation when the developer hands over.
- City population, 2020 Census
- 905,748
- County
- Franklin
- Where declarations are recorded
- Franklin County Recorder
Turnover from the developer
Many associations around Columbus are relatively young, so the first boards elected by owners often inherit a budget the developer wrote. Treat that budget as a starting point, not a plan. A first study with a site visit (CAI calls it a Level I, full study) builds the component list from scratch and tells you whether the developer's reserve line was realistic.
Ask for the as-built drawings and the paving and roofing warranties before the provider visits. Those documents shorten the visit and make the useful lives in the report specific to your buildings rather than generic.
What to make sure is in scope
Private streets and parking: asphalt in central Ohio is resurfaced on a cycle, with crack sealing between. Get both in the study as separate lines.
Retention ponds, which many suburban Columbus plats include: aerators, outlet structures, bank erosion and dredging. These are easy to leave out and expensive to fund all at once.
Roofs and siding on townhome buildings, if the declaration makes them the association's responsibility. Read the maintenance chart in your declaration first; the study should follow it.
Property values and your insurance numbers
Ohio counties reappraise every six years with an update at the third year. The Franklin County Auditor publishes the values. They are a tax figure, not a replacement cost, so don't use them for the study; but owners often quote them at budget meetings, and it helps to explain the difference.
What to have ready for a Columbus provider
- Declaration and bylaws, with any amendments
- The developer's budget and reserve balance at turnover
- Site plan or plat showing streets and ponds
- Roof, paving and siding work since construction, with dates and invoices
Fees and timing
Fees in Columbus follow the statewide picture: a full study runs from about $1,500 to $20,000 depending on scope (fee table). Order about four months before the start of your fiscal year so the draft reaches the budget meeting, and remember the budget must carry adequate reserves under Ohio Rev. Code 5311.081 unless owners waive them.
Get a quote in Columbus
Three short steps: the community ZIP, who to reach, then three taps about the association.
We are a free introduction service, not a reserve study provider. We find a provider that works in your part of Ohio and tell you who it is before anything is passed on. The provider pays us a fee if you go ahead.
Thank you. Your request is with us.
Expect a short message from us inside a business day naming one provider that works in your county with associations your size. Reply yes and they will be in touch to scope the study and put a proposal in writing; reply no and your details go nowhere.