A Phase I ESA checks the history of a property to see if there may be environmental problems—like leaks, spills, or past uses that could cause contamination.

Yes—if you’re buying or financing commercial property, your lender will likely require it. It also helps protect you from legal and cleanup risks.

A Phase I ESA is common for anyone dealing with commercial property:

✔ Buyers need one before closing a deal or getting a loan

✔ Banks and lenders may require it for financing

✔ Attorneys often advise clients to get one for protection

✔ Developers use it to check for problems before building

✔ Sellers sometimes get one to show buyers the property is clean

It helps protect everyone from hidden risks and surprise costs.

We review old records, past uses, aerial photos, maps, and inspection reports. We also visit the site to look for red flags.

No. A Phase I does not include soil, water, or air testing. If we find signs of possible contamination, we may recommend a Phase II ESA.

If we find a possible issue (called a "Recognized Environmental Condition" or REC), we’ll explain it clearly and tell you what to do next—usually a Phase II.

Most Phase I reports take about 1 to 2 weeks. We work fast to help you keep your deal on track.

A Phase I ESA is valid for 180 days. After that, it may need to be updated for it to stay valid for lender or regulatory use.

Absolutely! Even clean-looking sites can have hidden issues from past uses. A Phase I protects you from unknown risks.

We move fast, keep it simple, and give you clear answers. Our reports are trusted by banks, attorneys, and buyers across NJ.