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INDEPENDENT WORKSReserve Studies & Insurance Appraisals

Reserve Studies for California HOAs

Independent reserve studies and balcony inspection support for California community associations. Fixed-fee quotes.

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Margery J. Schultz, founder of Independent Works, LLC

Prepared by Margery J. Schultz, founder

Inspecting buildings since 2008 · 2,000+ reports

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No obligation. We never share your information.

Who does HOA reserve studies in California?

Independent Works, LLC prepares reserve studies for California HOAs and community associations. Margery Schultz leads every study. She has inspected buildings since 2008 and written more than 2,000 reports. We do full studies and updates, and we support SB 326 balcony inspections. Every study has a fixed fee, quoted up front.

What California requires

Reserve studies (Civil Code §5550)
Your HOA must have a reserve study with a visual inspection of the common-area components at least every 3 years. The board reviews the study each year.
Balcony inspections (SB 326, Civil Code §5551)
Associations must have load-bearing balconies, decks and walkways inspected on a recurring schedule.

We'll confirm exactly what your association needs on a free call.

General information, not legal advice. Last reviewed .

What we do in California

  • Reserve studies

    Full reserve studies for new clients, and updates to keep an existing study current.

  • Component inventory and funding plans

    A list of every common-area component, its remaining life and cost, and a funding plan the board can adopt.

  • SB 326 inspection support

    We coordinate the balcony, deck and walkway inspection and fold the results into your reserve study.

High-rise condominium beside a seawall and lawn on the bay

Who we work with

We prepare studies for the people who run California associations.

  • Board members

    A report and funding plan you can explain to owners and adopt with your budget.

  • Property managers

    One proposal for the board, and a draft to review before it's final.

  • Association attorneys and CPAs

    Signed reports with documented replacement costs and assumptions, ready for budget and state reporting where required.

How we work →

California HOA questions

How often does a California HOA need a reserve study?
California law calls for a reserve study with a visual inspection of the common-area components at least every 3 years. The board reviews the study every year and updates it if needed.
What's the difference between a reserve study and an SB 326 inspection?
A reserve study plans for the cost of repairing and replacing common-area components over time. An SB 326 inspection checks load-bearing balconies, decks and walkways. The inspection results then go into the reserve study.
Do you work with property managers in California?
Yes. We work with property managers and boards. You get one proposal for the board, and a draft report to review before it's final.
How is pricing set?
Every study has a fixed fee. We quote it after we review your community, including its size, buildings and common areas.
How do we get started?
Call us or send the form. We start with a short call about your community. Then we send a written quote.

Get a California Quote →

Get a fixed-fee quote for your California HOA

(727) 204-6000

Tell us about your community, or call. We'll set up a short call, then send a written quote.

No obligation. We never share your information.

Call (727) 204-6000Get a Quote