Site Assessments: Hope for the Best, Plan for the Worst

Whether purchasing an existing building to renovate, or buying vacant property for new construction, site inspections and assessments are critical steps in the site selection process. The ability to limit risk and identify environmental hazards is essential for developers who want to make the most of their investments.

Site assessments, performed by qualified environmental professionals, determine the presence of hazardous substances such as asbestos or lead within building materials, or environmental hazards in the form of contaminated soil or groundwater. While obstacles can be expected when dealing with a previously occupied property, some of the less obvious issues can create the greatest complications.

Typically, Phase I Environmental Site Assessments include the collection and review of historical building permits, aerial photographs, and the inspection of the property and surrounding areas. This should also include a close review of all documents related to the property and its previous uses.

The practice of illegal dumping is an unfortunate reality for nearly every commercial property. While historical documents may reveal limited risks for environmental waste, a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment can uncover the property’s true history. This assessment includes the collection of soil and water samples for extensive testing purposes. By boring at various elevations, a complete chemical description of the property gives developers an accurate picture of what lies beneath. It is not uncommon to identify hot spots created by illegal dumping.

Site assessments should not only diagnose problems, but offer a strategy for treating them. It is important to work with qualified professionals such as engineers with EPA certifications, specialized construction management companies and attorneys who specialize in environmental and real estate transactions.

In best-case scenarios, a property will have no problems and the developers can use the site assessment as the green light for moving ahead.

Beyond environmental issues, detailed site inspections conducted by qualified construction management companies are essential for ensuring quality construction and cost savings throughout the building process. Ideally, the contractor will be able to coordinate
a complete turnkey solution that involves all points of development—demolition, cleanup, renovation and construction.

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