When it comes to commercial real estate, redevelopment, or agency funding, a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) is often the first—and most critical—step in understanding a property’s environmental condition. But as firms across the industry compete for contracts, one question keeps coming up:
“How much should a Phase 1 ESA cost?”
The answer? It depends. And more importantly—it matters.
What Does a Phase 1 ESA Cost?
The typical Phase 1 ESA cost ranges between $2,500 and $5,000, depending on property size, site history, location, and the complexity of environmental records involved. Some firms offer Phase 1 reports for under $2,000, but those often come at the expense of depth, accuracy, and compliance.
What Are You Really Paying For?
At CORE Environmental Consultants, we believe the true value of a Phase 1 ESA lies not just in checking a box—but in protecting your investment, timeline, and liability exposure.
Here’s what should be included in a thorough Phase 1 ESA:
- Full compliance with ASTM E1527-21, including all required historical sources
- A detailed review of adjoining property risks
- Identification of Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs)
- Use of a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP)—not junior staff
- Clear, defensible conclusions and recommendations
The Risks of Chasing a Low Phase 1 ESA Cost
A cheap report might look like a win—until it fails to:
- Identify a leaking underground storage tank
- Recognize past industrial use on adjacent parcels
- Screen for environmental justice (DAC) impact areas in New York
- Qualify you for liability protections under CERCLA or HUD/FHA lending
These oversights can lead to:
- Costly Phase II investigations
- Regulatory delays or rejections
- Contractor change orders and project overruns
- Even the loss of project funding or closing opportunities
Why CORE Charges What We Do
We price our Phase 1 ESAs between $2,500 and $5,000 because we do the job right. Our assessments are conducted by experienced, credentialed professionals who understand New York’s regulatory landscape—from city-specific permitting to state-level Superfund exposure and HUD lead hazard standards.
We live our values:
- Integrity: No shortcuts, ever
- Teamwork: Our staff collaborates to get every detail right
- Ownership: We stand behind our findings
- Overdeliver: We flag risks others miss—before they become your problem
Phase 1 ESA Cost Final Word
The truth about Phase 1 ESA cost is simple: You’re not just paying for a report. You’re paying for protection, clarity, and peace of mind.
If a firm is quoting you $1,800 for an ESA, ask what corners they’re cutting—because you’ll be the one taking the risk.
