Picture taking hints on a fire loss

10/15/2019 (Permalink)

Photos are critical. Below are some hints and best practices that your contractor should use to document the loss to prevent misunderstandings. They should:

• Use the highest resolutions on the tablet, camera, or phone
• Pay attention to lighting and use the time and date option
• Start with the exterior of the home always going left to right
• Take interior pictures also left to right from the entry door of every room
• Take floor and ceiling pictures including trim and lighting
• Properly label cause of loss pictures
• Document preloss issues (especially on contents)
• Document contents separately from the structure pictures
• Not switch between vertical and horizontal pictures with the camera or phone.

It is not unusual for the carrier (insurance company) to request video documentation which is a walk through video which shows all affected and unaffected areas of the home. Technology is growing so quickly that these videos can now document the loss and even accurately measure each room in 3D. Drones may be used to measure and document the roofs and outside areas of the home. Some carriers have separate companies that they contract with to document and price contents.

After taking the pictures the next step is to make them usable. The contractor will need to create folders and label and sort the “before” structure and contents pictures. They should also have “during” and “after” folders with time stamps. There should also be folders for any contents deemed unsaveable, discarded, or moved off site. Before pictures also help the restoration company reset your contents in their original locations after cleaning.

Another advantage of quality pictures becomes evident when reconstruction is necessary. The company you hire to put the structure back to preloss condition will probably have never seen your home before the fire. Pictures truly do show 1000 words and help you explain what you want it to look like when finished. Good pictures can also help fill out the unsavable lists if you have a large loss and some areas of the home are actually missing. SERVPRO Of Manistee, Ludington, and Cadillac hopes you never have a large fire but if you do, hopefully these tips will help make it easier.