Professional Engineer (P.E.)-led, Florida-compliant SIRS to help your association comply with state law, plan for major repairs, and protect property value. Serving Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
What Is a Structural Integrity Reserve Study?
A Structural Integrity Reserve Study (SIRS) is both an engineering inspection and a financial plan. It is a visual, PE-led review of your building’s key structural and safety-critical systems, combined with a reserve funding analysis to ensure you can pay for future repairs or replacements when they’re needed.
Required by Florida Statute §718.112(2)(g), this study applies to many condominiums and co-ops three stories or higher. Our team at Criterium-Cromer Engineers has been performing reserve studies and building evaluations across South Florida for decades. We also provide reserve studies and other condominium and homeowner engineering services for associations throughout the region.
Florida SIRS Requirements
- Who Needs a SIRS? Condo/co-op buildings ≥ 3 habitable stories.
- When Due: Initial SIRS for existing associations (pre-July 1, 2022) by December 31, 2025; thereafter at least every 10 years.
- Performed By: Florida-licensed Professional Engineer or architect (or qualified reserve specialist/analyst).
- Board Responsibility: Failure to complete a SIRS is a breach of fiduciary duty under Florida law.
What’s Included in a SIRS
Florida law specifies the components to be inspected and analyzed:
- Roof
- Structure (load-bearing walls, columns, slabs, foundations)
- Fireproofing & fire protection systems
- Plumbing systems
- Electrical systems
- Waterproofing & exterior painting
- Windows & exterior doors
- Other structural components costing >$10,000 and affecting any of the above
For each, the report includes: current condition, remaining useful life, cost projections, and a funding plan that complies with statute (reserves for these items cannot be waived).
Note: SIRS is different from the Milestone Inspection required under §553.899. Many associations require both – ask us if you’re unsure.
Why a SIRS Matters
- Safety First: Identify risks early and plan repairs before they escalate.
- Budget Clarity: Reduce surprise assessments with a clear roadmap.
- Compliance: Avoid legal penalties and fulfill board duties.
- Property Value: Strong reserves boost buyer, lender, and insurer confidence.
- Transparency: Share clear, plain-English findings with owners.
Our Detailed SIRS Process
- Initial Consultation: Review documents, discuss scope, answer questions.
- On-Site PE-Led Inspection: Roof, structure, electrical systems, and building envelope – tailored to South Florida construction types.
- Assessment & Analysis: Life cycle and cost modeling with local pricing and environmental factors (e.g., salt air, hurricane exposure).
- Reserve Funding Plan: 30-year projections with straight-line or pooled cash flow options that meet statutory requirements.
- Report & Presentation: Executive summary, tables, charts – reviewed with your Board live.
- Follow-Up Support: DBPR reporting guidance and consultation on implementing recommendations.
Optional Add-Ons
- Full Reserve Study Integration: Add non-SIRS components for a complete funding plan. Learn more.
- Property Condition Assessment: Deeper dive into building systems. Details here.
- Upgrade Recommendations: Consider higher-durability materials or efficiency improvements.
- Alternate Funding Scenarios: Compare special assessment vs. annual increases while maintaining compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a SIRS differ from a standard reserve study?
SIRS includes an engineer/architect‑verified inspection of specific statutory components. A standard reserve study may not. Learn more.
Can our milestone inspection count toward SIRS?
Sometimes – if it covers the required visual inspection items. We’ll review your prior reports to determine overlap.
How much does a SIRS cost in South Florida?
Costs vary by building size, complexity, and location, typically ranging from a few thousand dollars upward. Request a free proposal tailored to your property to get an exact price.
How often should we update the SIRS?
Follow Florida law (every 10 years for most), but consider updates when major repairs are completed or costs change significantly.
Request Your Proposal
Request a Proposal or call 305‑250‑2936 to schedule your SIRS. Not ready yet? Contact us with questions – we’ll guide you through the process and statutory requirements.