No trade body or state agency publishes reserve study prices. The ranges below are typical of the prices that firms and cost guides publish. They are a guide, not a quote: a firm will price your community after asking about it.
Full study with a site visit, by size
| Community | Typical fee | Usually |
|---|---|---|
| Under 50 homes | $1,500 to $5,000 | Few buildings and amenities |
| 50 to 150 homes | $2,000 to $8,000 | Garden-style complexes, a clubhouse or pool |
| 150 to 300 homes | $5,000 to $20,000 | Many buildings, roads, larger amenities |
| Over 300 homes | From $10,000 | Priced case by case |
The three levels
The Community Associations Institute's reserve study standards describe three levels of study, and the fee follows the level.
- Full study (Level I). A site visit, a complete component inventory with quantities, condition, life and cost, and a funding plan. This is the one priced above, and the one to get if you have never had a study.
- Update with a site visit (Level II). The firm revisits the property and revises an existing inventory. Firms commonly put this at roughly half to four-fifths of a full study's fee.
- Update without a site visit (Level III). A desk review of costs, balances and the funding plan. Often under $1,000.
What pushes a New Hampshire quote up
- Distance. A firm based in Massachusetts or New Jersey may add travel time for Coos or Carroll County.
- Waterfront and infrastructure: docks, dams, private roads, culverts, wells and septic systems.
- Building type. Older mill conversions and mid-rise buildings with elevators and fire systems take longer to inspect.
- Season. In the mountains, some firms prefer to visit between May and October so roofs can be seen.
Questions
Why is a lake or mountain study sometimes dearer?
Travel time, and more components: docks, private roads, septic systems and heavy-snow roofs all have to be inspected and priced. Ask whether travel is included.
Is the cheapest proposal the best value?
Not always. Compare the level of study (full, update with a site visit, update without one), who visits, and whether the firm will present to the board.