Reserve Fund Studies (Depreciation Reports)
Long-Term Financial Planning for Strata Corporations in British Columbia
Beginning in 2026, Norton Appraisals and Consulting Inc. will offer Reserve Fund Studies (Depreciation Reports) to support strata corporations and bare land developments across Nelson, the Kootenays, and the Southern Interior of BC. These reports provide a clear, 30-year outlook on major repair and replacement costs for common property assets—helping strata councils plan responsibly and comply with provincial legislation. Our approach combines rigorous site inspections with local cost forecasting and practical funding strategies tailored to each client.
Common Use Cases
Helping Stratas Plan With Confidence and Compliance
Our Reserve Fund Studies are designed to serve a wide range of strata properties and planning needs:
- Condominium and Townhouse Stratas — Managing shared assets such as roofs, siding, and mechanical systems
- Bare Land Stratas — Planning for infrastructure maintenance including roads, water systems, and communal areas
- Strata Councils and Property Managers — Meeting BC legislative requirements and preparing for AGM discussions
- Developers — Creating initial reserve plans for new strata developments or phased build-outs
- Lenders and Advisors — Requiring reliable funding projections for risk assessments or refinancing
If your strata is unsure whether a study is required or overdue, we’re happy to assess your situation and provide guidance.
Our Process
What to Expect When You Work With Us
We take a collaborative and transparent approach, keeping clients informed at each step. Our Reserve Fund Study process includes:
- Project Scope & Quote
We provide a clear quote within 2–3 business days based on property size, asset complexity, and reporting requirements. - Site Inspection & Physical Inventory
A detailed walk-through of the property is conducted to document and photograph all major building systems and common property components. - Cost Forecasting & Life Expectancy Modeling
We estimate remaining life and replacement costs using region-specific data and verified pricing sources. - Funding Plan Development
We prepare a custom 30-year plan with multiple contribution scenarios (baseline, optimized, threshold), allowing councils to compare paths and make informed decisions. - Review & Finalization
A draft report is delivered within 2–3 weeks of inspection. After board or manager review, we incorporate feedback and issue a final report.
Who We Work With
Supporting Stratas Across the Kootenays and Southern Interior
Our Reserve Fund Studies are designed for a variety of property types and stakeholders, including:
- Strata Corporations and Bare Land Stratas — Ensuring long-term planning and regulatory compliance
- Property Managers — Helping clients maintain healthy reserves and avoid special levies
- Developers and Builders — Preparing responsible funding plans for new or phased strata projects
- Engineering and Legal Professionals — Providing supporting documentation for maintenance planning or disputes
- Board Members and Owners — Gaining peace of mind through clear financial projections and transparent planning tools
We work with clients across Nelson, Cranbrook, Fernie, Castlegar, Kimberley, and expanding regions throughout British Columbia.
Property Types We Appraise
From Homes to Hospitality—We Cover a Full Spectrum of Real Estate
Norton Appraisals provides valuation services for a wide range of property types across British Columbia, including residential, commercial, industrial, and special-use properties. Our experience spans diverse markets, from urban hubs like Kelowna and Cranbrook to smaller communities across the Kootenays and Southern Interior
Residential
Single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums
Duplexes, triplexes, and multi-unit dwellings
Acreages, rural homes, and waterfront properties
Heritage homes and unique custom builds
Commercial & Industrial
Office buildings, business parks, and retail storefronts
Industrial facilities, warehouses, and manufacturing spaces
Hotels, motels, and restaurant venues
Multi-family apartment buildings
Development land for residential or commercial use
Special-purpose properties such as gas stations and self-storage units