Taking proper photographic documentation of property damages is an important step in the claims process. Photographs can help to document the extent of the damage, as well as any unique features of the damage. They can also be used to help verify the cause of the damage.
There are a few things to keep in mind when taking photographs of property damage:
- Take digital photographs and video of each room in the house.
- Make sure all photos are clear and in focus. In addition, you should check that the lightning is just correct and that nothing is overexposed or underexposed.
- Include a scale in each photo, such as a ruler or tape measure, to show the size of the damage.
- Take photos from different angles to get a complete picture of the damage.
- If possible, take close-up photos as well as wider shots to show detail.
- Additionally, make sure to note the date and time that each photo was taken.
- Label your photos accordingly. The more detailed, the better.
- If electronics are part of the damages, photograph the serial numbers of your major appliances and expensive items.
- Furthermore, it os a good idea to scan important family documents into a cloud based storage. While you are doing this, include the home pictures. This way, you can have your documents with you wherever you go..
- Give access to the cloud storage folder to a trusted individual.
If your property is damaged, you may need to evacuate immediately.
Keeping a record of your personal possessions as well as the inside and outside of your home (including any custom carpentry work) can be extremely beneficial when dealing with your insurance company and damage restoration contractor. Setting it up takes some time, but it might pay off in the long run.
