Environmental & Engineering

Environmental
The First American Commercial Due Diligence Services environmental division provides a full range of advisory services relating to the environmental aspects of real estate investment. At the core of our environmental consultancy is an understanding and appreciation of the time and cost sensitivity required for the success of most real estate transactions. Our experts have both technical environmental knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of real estate. We provide a broad range of high quality, cost-effective services.

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I ESA)
This is generally considered the first step in the process of Environmental Due Diligence. Information obtained through these assessments can greatly impact the economics of a property transaction, affecting the owner, buyer, seller and lender.

This assessment includes such items as a site inspection, interviews, and record reviews for the specified property.

Phase II Environmental Site Assessment (Phase II ESA)
Phase II ESA is a subsurface investigation to evaluate potential contamination at a property. This report is typically undertaken upon the recommendation within a Phase I ESA that determined a likelihood of site contamination.

Transaction Screen
The Transaction Screen process includes a questionnaire completed by the owner and major occupant of the property and is generally requested when a Phase I ESA is deemed unnecessary.

Engineering Consulting
First American Commercial Due Diligence Services has assembled a comprehensive staff of engineers, architects and construction professionals to provide high quality consulting. Our experts are distinguished in the industry, not only for their technical knowledge but also for their comprehensive understanding of real estate. This unique combination of technical, regulatory and real estate knowledge continues to be an invaluable resource for our clients.

Construction Loan Monitoring
Through this service, First American Commercial Due Diligence Services advises the lending institution on the construction and direct-cost budgetary aspects of a construction project. The services are provided in two separate phases: pre-construction and construction monitoring.

Property Condition Assessment (PCA)
This report is used by lending institutions to create a cash reserve against a loan to maintain the value of the asset during the loan term.

Deferred Maintenance Assessments (DMA)
This assessment is used to reduce the value of real estate in estate situations, thereby reducing estate inheritance taxes.

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