Building the record in order
Do this before and during cleanup, not after. Once materials are gone, the evidence is gone with them.
Start a single folder
One physical folder and one phone album or cloud folder named for the date of the flood. Everything goes there.
Capture the exterior
Photograph where water came from: the swale, street, driveway or window well, and any debris lines or mud on the outside.
Shoot each room wide, then close
Stand in the doorway for a wide photo, then capture each wall, the water line with a tape measure, and damaged items up close.
Record serial numbers
Furnace, water heater, washer, dryer, freezer, and electronics. A clear photo of the data plate is enough.
Log conversations
Note the date, time, name and summary of every call with your insurer, adjuster and contractors.
Keep every receipt
Cleaning supplies, fans, dehumidifier rental, hotel stays, meals if displaced, dumpster fees.
Room-by-room worksheet
| Category | What to record | Done |
|---|---|---|
| Water height | Highest silt line in inches, photographed with a tape measure | ☐ |
| Flooring | Type, approximate age, room dimensions, sample saved | ☐ |
| Walls | Material, finish, height removed, photos of open cavity | ☐ |
| Built-ins | Cabinets, wet bar, shelving, vanities and their condition | ☐ |
| Appliances | Make, model, serial number, whether submerged | ☐ |
| Furniture | Description, approximate age, photos in place before disposal | ☐ |
| Stored contents | Box-by-box list or video, focusing on higher-value items | ☐ |
| Electrical | Outlets, switches, panel, and whether an electrician inspected | ☐ |
Documents to gather
Common questions
Is video better than photos for a flood claim?
Use both. A slow video walk-through gives context and shows how rooms connect, while still photos capture details like serial numbers and silt lines more clearly. Narrate the video with what you are seeing and the date.
Should I keep damaged items until the adjuster visits?
Ask your adjuster. Some items can go once they are photographed and a sample is saved; others, like expensive appliances, may need to be seen in person. Get the answer in writing if you can.
General information for Castle Rock, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.