What to capture at each stage
- Before anything moves
- Wide photos of each room, close-ups of the source, water lines on the walls and any standing water. A short video walking through the area helps too.
- When you call the insurer
- The claim number, the adjuster's name and contact details, and what they told you about mitigation and inspections.
- During the assessment
- A copy of the written plan, the moisture sketch, the water category and the list of materials proposed for removal.
- During removal
- Photos of materials before they come out, plus samples of flooring or cabinets if the insurer asks.
- During drying
- Daily readings, the equipment list and your own notes.
- When mitigation ends
- Final readings showing the materials reached the drying goal, and an invoice that matches the work.
- During repairs
- Repair estimates, change orders, receipts and photos of the finished work.
Physical things to keep
- The failed part: the hose, supply line, valve or fitting, or a photo of the water heater data plate.
- The plumber's invoice describing what failed and what they repaired.
- Receipts for emergency purchases such as fans, tarps, storage or a hotel.
- A list of damaged belongings with their rough age and where you bought them.
- Any letters, texts or emails with an association, landlord or neighbor.
A simple folder structure
| Folder | Contents | Who usually provides it |
|---|---|---|
| 01 Source | Photos of the source, plumber invoice, failed part photos | You and the plumber |
| 02 Insurer | Claim number, adjuster contact, letters and emails | Insurer |
| 03 Mitigation | Assessment, moisture sketches, daily logs, final readings, invoice | Mitigation provider |
| 04 Contents | Damaged item list, photos, receipts | You |
| 05 Repairs | Estimates, contracts, change orders, completion photos | Repair contractor |
| 06 Extra costs | Hotel, meals, storage, rentals | You |
Questions for the adjuster
- Do you need to inspect before removal, or can emergency mitigation go ahead now?
- Is there a limit on mold remediation, or a separate deductible for water damage?
- Does my policy include additional living expenses if the house isn't livable?
- Will mitigation and repairs be paid as separate parts of the claim?
- How will payments be issued if I have a mortgage?
Common questions
Should I write a short account of what happened?
Yes. While it's fresh, write a few paragraphs: when you noticed the water, what you saw, what you shut off, who you called and when. Date it and keep it in the source folder. Over a long claim, memories blur fast.
What if I cleaned up before taking photos?
Photograph what's left, including removed materials in bags or the dumpster, the wet marks and the failed part. Tell the adjuster plainly what you did before the photos and why.
General information for Lakewood, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.