Inadequate assessment can destroy investment returns through unexpected remediation costs after purchase that often exceed initial property investment. Undiscovered contamination reduces property value and affects both current operations and future sale potential. Legal liability from tenant or buyer exposure creates significant ongoing costs while insurance coverage denial for known issues eliminates crucial protection during claims events. Environmental permit violations may require immediate remediation and ongoing monitoring, while code compliance issues can delay occupancy or prevent intended property use. Professional assessment prevents these costly surprises by identifying risks before purchase commitment and providing negotiation leverage based on actual environmental conditions.