Environmental Due Diligence Guides
Topic clusters covering Phase 1 ESA cost, Phase 2 budgets, timelines, SBA policy, ASTM E1527-21, and free checklists— with deep links to our cost calculator and 50 state guides.
Cost
- Phase 2 ESA Cost (2026)Typical Phase 2 Environmental Site Assessment cost ranges in 2026—subsurface sampling, lab work, and reporting after Phase 1 RECs. Planning estimates by scope and property type.
- Environmental Assessment Cost (2026)Environmental assessment cost for commercial real estate—Phase 1 ESA, Phase 2 testing, transaction screening, and how scopes differ. 2026 U.S. planning ranges.
Timeline
- How Long Does a Phase 1 ESA Take?How long does a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment take? Typical 7–14 business day timelines, rush options, and what delays records or complex site history.
- Phase 1 ESA Timeline (2026)Phase 1 ESA timeline from LOI to closing—week-by-week due diligence milestones, consultant engagement, records review, site walk, and lender review.
SBA
- SBA Phase 1 ESA RequirementsSBA Phase 1 ESA requirements for 504 and 7(a) loans—when environmental due diligence is required, NAICS risk tiers, and ASTM E1527 alignment.
- SBA Environmental Due DiligenceSBA environmental due diligence process—questionnaires, Phase 1 ESA timing, Phase 2 triggers, and how borrowers plan budgets for SBA 504 and 7(a) CRE loans.
ASTM & findings
- ASTM E1527-21 ExplainedASTM E1527-21 explained for commercial buyers—Phase 1 ESA scope, User responsibilities, REC definitions, and why lenders require the standard.
- REC vs HREC vs CREC ExplainedREC vs HREC vs CREC in Phase 1 ESA reports—ASTM E1527 definitions, examples, and how findings affect Phase 2 decisions and deal risk.
Free resources
- Phase 1 ESA Checklist (Free)Free Phase 1 ESA checklist for commercial buyers—documents to gather, site access, lender questions, and timeline planning before you order ASTM E1527 due diligence.
- Commercial Property Due Diligence ChecklistFree commercial property due diligence checklist—environmental, legal, physical, and financing workstreams for CRE acquisitions and refinances.