Winter has a way of exposing weaknesses in condo buildings—and in association finances. From frozen pipes to failing boilers, cold weather puts building systems under maximum stress. When reserves aren’t adequately funded, winter is often when those gaps become impossible to ignore.
Reserve funds are savings set aside for major repairs and replacements, things like roofs, HVAC systems, plumbing infrastructure, elevators, and exterior work. These aren’t “if” expenses; they’re “when.” Proper reserve planning spreads costs over time and helps associations avoid financial emergencies.
Winter doesn’t cause reserve shortfalls, it exposes them.
- Aging systems fail under stress
- Emergency repairs cost more
- Deferred maintenance becomes urgent
- Early-year budgets leave little room for surprises
When repairs can’t wait and reserves are thin, associations are often forced into rushed decisions or special assessments.
If your association is experiencing:
- Frequent emergency repairs
- Delayed capital projects
- Reserves used for operating expenses
- Regular special assessments
…it may be time to take a closer look at reserve funding.
Winter is an ideal time to reassess reserve balances, review reserve studies, and make adjustments before the next emergency hits. Proactive planning reduces financial strain and community tension. It's also a great time to addressing deferred maintenance items (like a new roof) that can be handled as soon as temperatures rise. Condoly can help you to gather bids for your next major project.
If your association would like help planning ahead and building financial reserves, Haus Financial Services (HausFS) helps condo associations understand their financial position and plan confidently for the future. From reserve analysis to long-term strategy, HausFS helps boards move from reactive decisions to informed planning.
Click here to learn how Haus Financial Services can support your association.
