Importance Of Documenting Water Damage

Water damage is a common and often costly problem for Missoula homeowners. Whether caused by a burst pipe, leaky roof, or a flood, water damage can cause significant damage to your property. Suppose you are in the process of dealing with water damage. In that case, it is essential to document the damage thoroughly to protect your investment and ensure that your insurance claim is processed accurately before water damage removal begins. 

Water Damage Removal Missoula

Why is it essential to document water damage? The following information on documentation provided by our experts at Five Valley’s Restoration will help you know what to look for and what to prepare.

• First, documentation is essential when dealing with water damage because it provides evidence of the extent of the damage, which can be helpful and often necessary when making an insurance claim. Insurance companies require documentation to support claims, and failure to provide adequate documentation can result in claim denials or reduced settlements. Documentation can also be used to prove that you took reasonable steps to prevent further damage from occurring, such as removing wet materials or calling a professional water damage company for water damage removal.
• Second, documentation can help you keep track of the damage and ensure that all repairs are completed. It is not uncommon for water damage to be extensive and require multiple repairs to restore the home. Keeping thorough records can help you keep track of what has been repaired and what still needs to be fixed. 
• Third, documentation can be useful in the event that you decide to sell your home in the future. Potential buyers will want to know about past water damage, and having detailed records can help you disclose any issues accurately and openly.

When it comes to documenting water damage, the more detailed your records are, the better. Here are some tips for taking photos and keeping good records when documenting water damage:

• Take Photos From Different Angles: Be sure to take photos from various angles to capture the full extent of the damage. Take photos of the affected and surrounding areas to provide the damage’s context and scope.
• Use A High-Quality Camera: Use a high-quality camera or smartphone to take photos and videos of the water damage and the water damage removal process. Ensure the lighting is good and the images are focused on showing the damaged sections and items accurately.
• Take Before, During, And After Photos: Use photos you have from before the damage occurred for reference, then be sure to take photos right after the damage occurs, during the water damage removal, and then after repairs are completed to provide evidence of damage, corrective actions, and final repairs. 
• Make A Detailed List Of Damaged Belongings: Make a list of all the items that were damaged by the water, including furniture, electronics, and other personal belongings. If you have receipts for damaged items, be sure to keep them or other proof of purchase if available. 
• Keep Copies Of Repair Bills And Invoices: Keep copies of all repair bills and invoices, including labor and materials. This will help you keep track of the cost of repairs and aid in getting a fair settlement.
• Hire A Professional Water Damage Restoration Company: When you hire a professional water damage removal and restoration company, they can help you obtain all the information you need to make an insurance claim and work with your insurance to ensure everything is handled correctly. 

Five Valley’s Restoration knows how to handle water damage removal and has experience working with insurance companies to help guide you through documenting and reporting everything you need to get the most out of your insurance claim.