Experts in Building Restoration & Structural Design
What Our Clients Are Saying
Experts in Building Restoration & Structural Design
What Our Clients Are Saying
– Property Manager, Douglas Elliman
“Over the years I’ve developed a good working relationship with Merritt and I feel it’s important for everyone to know that they go above and beyond for their clients.”
– Regional Facility Manager, JP Morgan Chase
“I would like to thank the Merritt team for their hard work and accomplishments on our account… excellent job!”
– Managing Director, AKAM Associates
“Working with the team at Merritt Engineering is always a pleasure. They respond quickly in an easy to understand manner.”
New Jersey Capital Reserve Studies
Engineering-Based Capital Planning by Merritt Engineering
Plan today. Protect tomorrow.
Recent changes to New Jersey law require many condominium associations, cooperatives, homeowners’ associations, and planned communities to evaluate their long-term capital needs through professionally prepared Capital Reserve Studies.
Merritt Engineering helps boards and property managers understand the condition of their community’s major assets while developing practical, engineering-based plans for future repairs and reserve funding.
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What is a Capital Reserve Study?
A Capital Reserve Study is a long-term planning tool that evaluates the condition and expected service life of a community’s major common-area components. The study helps associations anticipate future repair and replacement costs while supporting responsible reserve funding decisions.
Rather than reacting to unexpected failures or costly emergency repairs, associations can use a Capital Reserve Study to plan ahead and budget for future capital improvements.
Typical components evaluated include:
- Roof systems
- Building envelope and façades
- Structural components
- Parking garages
- Sidewalks and paving
- Waterproofing systems
- Site improvements
- Other major common elements
New Jersey’s Capital Reserve Study Requirements
Recent legislation established new requirements for many community associations throughout New Jersey.
Depending on your community, these requirements may include:
✔ Professionally prepared Capital Reserve Studies
✔ Long-term capital funding plans
✔ Periodic updates
✔ Engineering evaluation of major common-area components
If you’re unsure whether your association is affected, Merritt Engineering can help you understand the requirements and determine the next steps.
Why Choose Merritt Engineering?
Unlike firms that focus primarily on reserve funding calculations, Merritt Engineering provides engineering-based Capital Reserve Studies backed by decades of experience evaluating buildings throughout New Jersey and the Tri-State Area.
With over 40 years of experience, our team understands not only what components require future investment—but why, based on their condition, expected service life, and overall building performance.
Our Services Include
- Capital Reserve Studies
- Structural Evaluations
- Building Envelope Assessments
- Roof Evaluations
- Parking Garage Assessments
- Concrete & Façade Evaluations
- Waterproofing Consulting
- Construction Administration
- Long-Term Capital Planning
Who We Serve
We work with:
- Condominium Associations
- Cooperative Associations
- Homeowners’ Associations
- Planned Communities
- Property Management Companies
- Community Association Boards
Why Start Now?
A Capital Reserve Study is more than a regulatory requirement—it is an investment in the long-term financial and physical health of your community.
An engineering-based evaluation can help:
- Prioritize future capital projects
- Reduce the likelihood of unexpected special assessments
- Support long-term budgeting
- Improve decision-making
- Protect property values
- Provide boards with greater confidence when planning future repairs
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a Capital Reserve Study?
Many condominium associations, cooperatives, homeowners’ associations, and other planned communities in New Jersey may be subject to the new requirements. Merritt Engineering can help determine whether they apply to your association.
Who can prepare a Reserve Study?
Under New Jersey law, Reserve Studies may be prepared or overseen by qualified professionals, including licensed New Jersey Professional Engineers.
How often must the study be updated?
Generally, Capital Reserve Studies should be reviewed or updated at least every five years.
How long does a Reserve Study take?
The schedule varies depending on the size and complexity of the property. Our team will work with you to establish a timeline that meets your community’s needs.
Ready to Plan for the Future?
Whether your community is beginning to evaluate New Jersey’s Capital Reserve Study requirements or simply wants to develop a proactive long-term capital plan, Merritt Engineering is here to help.
With a dedicated New Jersey team and more than 40 years of engineering experience, we’re ready to assist community associations throughout the state.
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