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What to Photograph After Home Damage for Insurance Purposes

Last updated October 25, 2026

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The short answer

Start with Wide Room Shots

Begin by photographing each affected room from multiple angles. Stand in each corner and take a full view so the entire space is visible, including walls, floors, and ceiling. This gives your insurance company a sense of the overall scope of the damage.

Include doorways and windows in these wide shots. They help establish the room's layout and show how the damage relates to the rest of the home. If you live in Burnsville, with its humid continental climate, water damage can be a recurring issue, so thorough documentation matters.

Capture Close-Ups of the Damage

After the wide shots, move in for detailed close-ups. Photograph water stains, warped flooring, peeling paint, and any visible mold spots. Use a ruler or a coin in the frame to show the scale of the damage.

Also capture the source of the water, such as a leaking pipe, a cracked window, or a hole in the roof. If the damage came from a burst appliance, photograph the appliance itself and the area around it. These details help the adjuster understand what happened.

Take multiple shots of the same damage from different distances. This ensures you have both context and detail in one set of images.

  • Water stains on ceilings and walls
  • Warped or buckled flooring
  • Damaged personal belongings
  • The water source, like a pipe or appliance
  • Any visible mold growth
  • The water line on walls or furniture

Document Personal Belongings

Photograph every personal item that was affected, from furniture to electronics to clothing. Lay items out on a dry surface if possible and take a clear shot of each one. For small items, group them together in one photo with a label.

If you have receipts or serial numbers for valuable items, photograph those documents as well. This provides proof of ownership and value. Do not throw away damaged items until you have documented them thoroughly.

Include the Exterior and Surroundings

Your insurance claim may also cover exterior damage. Photograph the outside of your home, including the roof, siding, gutters, and foundation. Capture any fallen trees, damaged shingles, or broken windows.

Also take shots of the surrounding property, such as a flooded yard or a damaged fence. These images help show how the damage originated and whether it affected more than just the interior. Wide exterior shots can also help establish weather conditions at the time.

Keep a Backup of All Photos

Once you have taken all your photos, save them in at least two places. Upload them to a cloud storage service and also keep them on a physical drive. This protects your documentation in case your home suffers further damage.

You may also want to create a simple list of what each photo shows. This can help you remember details later and makes it easier to discuss your claim with your insurance company. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

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Frequently asked questions

Should I photograph before cleaning up?

Yes, photograph everything before you start any cleanup or repairs. Once you move items or dry things out, the evidence of the damage is gone. Take all your photos first, then begin the cleanup process.

What if I already cleaned up?

If you have already cleaned, still take photos of the affected areas and any items you saved. Note the date and time of the damage, and describe what you saw. Honest documentation is better than no documentation.

Do I need to photograph the outside of my home?

Yes, exterior photos are important. They can show how the damage started, such as a storm-damaged roof or a flooded yard. Include wide shots of the whole house and close-ups of any specific exterior damage.

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