By: Brian Johnson
Assessing property damage is a crucial task that needs a careful eye and lots of experience to make sure all the damage is found and dealt with properly. Damage can come from many sources, like floods, fires, storms, or even just wear and tear over time. Knowing how to properly assess this damage is important for insurance claims, repairs, and making sure future problems don’t happen. Here’s some advice from experts on how to do it right.
Understanding Property Damage
First, it’s important to know the different types of property damage. Water damage can come from floods, broken pipes, or heavy rain. This type of damage often affects walls, floors, and personal belongings. Fire damage, on the other hand, not only burns and chars materials but can also cause smoke and soot damage throughout a property. Wind damage often happens during storms or hurricanes and can affect roofs, windows, and outside structures. Structural damage can be more hidden but is very serious. It includes cracks in walls, foundation problems, and other issues that affect the stability of the building.
When you first notice damage to your property, the initial step is to ensure safety. Make sure there are no immediate dangers like broken glass, exposed electrical wires, or structural instability. If there are, it might be necessary to call professionals like electricians, plumbers, or structural engineers to address these hazards before you begin a detailed assessment.
Once the area is safe, start with a general inspection. Walk around the property and take note of all visible damage. Take pictures or videos from different angles. This documentation will be very useful for insurance claims and when hiring repair services. It’s also a good idea to write down your observations. Note where the damage is, what it looks like, and any possible causes you can identify.
When Property Damage Inspection May Require Expert Help
After the initial inspection, it’s time to call in the experts. Depending on the type of damage, you might need to contact different professionals. In some cases, the damage might be extensive enough that you need to hire a public adjuster like Dolphin Claims. Public adjusters are professionals who work on your behalf to negotiate with the insurance company and ensure you get a fair settlement.
Joe Ford, Co-Founder, Dolphin Claims told our team “I once helped a family whose insurance initially offered $50,000 for severe storm damage, but our thorough inspection revealed hidden issues that increased the settlement to $150,000. We always recommend professional help for complex cases like water damage, mold, or after major disasters. Remember, insurance companies have experts on their side, so having your own expert team to work with can level the playing field.”
When dealing with insurance, having thorough documentation is key. Provide your insurance company with all the photos, videos, and notes you took during your inspection. Be prepared to answer their questions and provide any additional information they might need. Jacob Hale, Lead Acquisitions Specialist, OKC Property Buyers said “I’ve learned that thorough documentation is your secret weapon when dealing with insurance claims. I once helped a homeowner who had meticulously photographed and videoed storm damage to their property. Their detailed records led to a 30% higher payout than initially offered. I always advise being present during the insurance adjuster’s visit – it’s your chance to showcase every bit of damage and ask questions.”
It’s also important to keep track of all expenses related to the damage. This includes emergency repairs, temporary housing if you can’t stay in your home, and any other costs you incur because of the damage. Keep all receipts and invoices, as these will be needed for your insurance claim. Carl Fanaro, CEO, NOLA Buys Houses said “In my 23 years of buying houses, I’ve learned that keeping track of every expense after property damage is crucial. I once helped a homeowner who meticulously documented all costs, from emergency roof repairs to hotel stays, and their claim payout was 40% higher than initially offered. I always advise using a simple spreadsheet or app to log expenses and store digital copies of receipts.”
Prevention is also a key part of managing property damage. Once the immediate issues are addressed, think about ways to prevent future damage. For water damage, this might mean fixing leaks promptly, installing a sump pump in the basement, or improving drainage around your home. Jessica Henderson, Founder, Sell My House Fast Houston, TX said “I’ve learned that preventing property damage is just as crucial as handling it. I once worked with a homeowner who installed a smart water leak detector, which caught a small pipe issue before it became a major flood. This simple device saved them over $10,000 in potential water damage repairs. I always advise my clients to invest in preventive measures like regular inspections and modern safety devices.”
Assessing property damage can be overwhelming, but taking it step by step and involving the right professionals can make the process more manageable. Ensuring safety, documenting everything, working with your insurance, and planning for the future are all important parts of effectively dealing with property damage. With these tips, you can handle property damage assessments with confidence and care.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
