Reserve Fund Study and Depreciation Report Writer Qualifications

If you are part of a condo board or strata council preparing for your next reserve fund study or depreciation report, one of the first questions you may ask is: who is qualified to write these reports? In this episode of Coffee Chat with Steve, we unpack who the authorized professionals are, how these requirements vary across Canada and the US, and what really defines a quality report.

Who is allowed to author these reports?

In Canada, most provinces follow similar criteria when it comes to who can prepare reserve fund studies or depreciation reports. The following professionals are commonly accepted:

• Professional Engineers (P.Eng.)
• Certified Engineering Technologists (CETs)
• Architects
• Certified Reserve Planners (CRP) – a designation issued through the Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC)
• Quantity Surveyors (QS)
• Other provincially approved professionals, depending on local legislation

These professionals are expected to understand building systems, material life cycles, and capital replacement costs in order to provide accurate long-term financial projections.

In the United States, the field is narrower. Reserve fund studies are typically written by Professional Engineers (PE) and Reserve Specialists (RS) – a designation issued by the Community Associations Institute (CAI).

Are there differences in report quality based on designation?

This is where it gets interesting. While there are official requirements about who is allowed to write these reports, the designation alone does not determine the quality of the final product.

Steve, a professional engineer himself, explains that while he believes engineers are highly qualified due to their technical background, the true differentiator is not the title. It comes down to a combination of:

• Experience with different types of properties and systems
• Attention to detail, especially when inventorying components and planning long-term financials
• Understanding of local building codes and reserve funding strategies
• Use of modern tools and data-driven methodologies

At Reserve Plus and Stelor, the team is made up of both professional engineers and certified technologists. This blend ensures reports are both technically sound and efficiently produced using Stelor's software platform.

Why it matters for strata and condo communities

Hiring a qualified author for your reserve fund study or depreciation report is a regulatory requirement. But selecting someone based solely on their designation could result in missed opportunities. Reports that are not detailed, transparent, or forward-thinking can lead to underfunded capital plans, unpleasant surprises, and higher special levies down the road.

Look for professionals who:

• Have a proven track record in reserve planning
• Use standardized software that reduces manual errors
• Are familiar with your region's construction practices and financial regulations
• Can deliver reports that are clear, tailored, and easy to understand

Stelor BLD supports all qualified professionals by providing them with a structured, logic-based platform that improves report consistency, reduces preparation time, and stores data for future planning and reporting.

Final thoughts

While designations like P.Eng., CET, CRP, and RS all signal competence, it is the individual's commitment to quality and accuracy that truly sets them apart. With tools like Stelor BLD, reserve study authors can improve not only the speed of delivery but also the consistency and usability of the reports they produce.

If you are unsure who is writing your next reserve fund study, take the time to ask about their qualifications, their experience, and their process. And if you are a qualified professional looking to elevate your practice, Stelor BLD may be the platform that transforms how you work.