There was a lesson to learn for my former landlord; wait until after your county approves drilling on your rental property before you lease the entire place out for just $10 for the next 5 years I take joy knowing that your property has a lifetime drilling restriction as you are to close to the river, who would even think that 200 feet from the Platt River would be a safe and environmental place to be drilling anyway.

The primary thing you need to focus on is whether the environmental engineer recommended no further action.

Environmental?

I really love the idea of building with less waste, and in a more environmentally efficient way, but ultimately it's also about cost and time.

Seems Home Depot is more environmentally conscious on this matter than some of HD's competitors:http://www.ecocenter.org/healthy-stuff/reports/vin...

A typical homeowners policy can exclude things like environmental factors (mold, etc.). 

Federal regulations have been written that give consistent and concrete direction to home and commercial builders on construction of accessible buildings and units.The seven basic requirements of fair and accessible housing are:An accessible building entrance on an accessible route.Accessible public and common use areas.Usable doors (usable by a person in a wheelchair).Accessible route into and through the dwelling unit.Light switches, electrical outlets, thermostats and other environmental controls in accessible locations.Reinforced walls in bathrooms for later installation of grab bars.Usable kitchens and bathrooms.- See more at: http://autismnow.org/articles/reasonable-accommodations-and-accessibility-in-housing/#sthash.eHAZrjM4.dpuf

At least the environmental consulting company we own (Masek Consulting Services, Inc., now in our 26th year) is getting quite a bit of work at properties where old buildings will be replaced by new apartments.    

Our legal counsel recommended that we have inspector do Environmental Phase I and Property Assessment test (hazard materials such as asbestos, mold, or lead paint) on the property based on the boilerplate disclaimers in the purchase and sales agreement.

Once the Market Analysis or BPO is completed you will be able to determine if the project is feasible-  and if it is, then you and your Project team can complete the Predevelopment Phase that will include architectural drawings, site plan, elevations, construction estimates, soils and environmental testing, just to  list a few.