Before you hire an engineer for a reserve fund study

Questions to ask every firm

• Who signs the report? Ask for the name of the licensed professional engineer who will review and sign it, and check their licence with Professional Engineers Ontario.
• Is there professional liability insurance? Ask for a certificate.
• What will they inspect? Ask what areas will be visited and how, including the roof, the garage and a sample of units or balconies.
• Can you see a sample report? Look for plain language, clear priorities and a funding plan you could explain to owners.
• What is included in the funding plan? Ask about the length of the projection, the contribution options and how costs were estimated.
• Is the fee fixed? Ask what is included, and what would trigger extra charges.
• When will the report be ready? Get a delivery date in writing.
• Who answers questions afterwards? Ask whether the engineer will speak with the board or property manager once the report is delivered.
• Is the firm independent? Ask whether they also sell repair work on the building, and how they handle that.

Documents to gather

• The previous reserve fund study
• Drawings and specifications, if available
• Records of recent repairs and major maintenance
• Warranty documents, if the building is new
• Insurance or other consultants' reports on the building
• The current reserve fund balance and annual contribution
• Number of units, floors and parking levels