Why the first photos matter most
Once extraction starts, the evidence of how far the water spread and how deep it stood disappears fast. Adjusters rarely arrive before extraction, and most policies expect you to take reasonable steps to prevent more damage, so the cleanup can't wait. You square those two facts by photographing everything first, then letting the work go ahead.
Your phone timestamps every photo, which makes it the right tool. Take wide shots of each whole room, then medium shots of each wall and close-ups of the damage, labels and serial numbers. Short videos that pan slowly around a room help too. Don't delete anything, even the blurry shots.
Photo list
- The source: the failed fitting, appliance, pipe, window or roof area, plus its label or data plate
- The water itself: its depth against a wall or a ruler, and its color if it isn't clear
- Every affected room, wide, from the doorway
- Each wall with a visible waterline or stain
- Close-ups of the flooring, including a corner of carpet peeled back
- Damaged items in place before they move, then grouped for disposal
- Model and serial numbers on electronics and appliances
- Rooms that stayed dry, for comparison
Damaged item inventory
| Item | Room | Approximate age | Brand or model | Condition after water | Photo reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Example: area rug | Basement family room | About 5 years | Store-bought, wool blend | Soaked, odor | IMG 0142 to 0145 |
| Example: box of documents | Storage closet | Various | Not applicable | Bottom third wet | IMG 0150 |
| Example: office chair | Suite 210 | About 3 years | Brand and model from the label | Base and casters wet | IMG 0163 |
What to collect from the contractor
Signed scope or work authorization
Read it before you sign and keep a copy. Flag any direction-to-pay or assignment language and ask your insurer about it.
Moisture map and daily readings
These show how far the damage reached and justify the number of drying days.
Equipment log
A record of how many dehumidifiers and air movers ran, where and on which dates.
Photos of removed materials
Ask for photos of the cut drywall, pad and insulation before they leave the site.
Itemized estimate
Ask for line items in the format your insurer uses, so you can check each one against the log.
General information for Aurora, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.