The Importance of a Home Inventory and Documentation of Damaged Items for Insurance Claims

A home inventory is a comprehensive list of detailed descriptions of each item of personal property that you own. This document can help you prove ownership in the case of loss. After a home disaster, documentation of damaged items can also simplify filing a claim for damage to your property. As a trusted Indianapolis restoration company, Five Star Complete Restoration wants to share some important tips for creating these documents. This will help ensure that your lists are both accurate and complete.

Home Inventory: Create a Photo Library

The idea of cataloging one’s possessions is intimidating for many people, and this is understandable. It’s taken your whole life to acquire these possessions. Although the first step may seem like the hardest, a simple way to begin is to walk through your home room by room and use your cell phone to take photos of every item of personal property.

Home Inventory: Put It on Paper and Keep It Pertinent

Once you’ve recorded your possessions visually, it’s time to begin writing a home inventory list. Having all of your personal property in a photographic format will make this task much more achievable. As you write your list, be sure to organize descriptions with photos to keep your progress streamlined. This is where you can share the most pertinent information about each item, including the date of purchase, purchase price, replacement value, and the model or serial number.

Documentation of Damaged Items

When you find yourself dealing with damage or loss, it’s important to have a reputable restoration company on your side. Specifically, a professional restoration service can assist with documentation of any damaged items due to fire, flooding, or other disaster. However, it’s also important to be aware of any existing damage to your home due to undetected water leaks in your roof or plumbing systems, problems with the foundation, and other home system issues. When you buy a new home, you’ll want to ensure the seller discloses any issues or that you discover them through a thorough home inspection. For septic system inspections, you’ll need to hire a specially trained inspector. This is especially important if you are buying an older home.

Store Documentation Safely

It’s essential that you store these documents in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box at your bank. However, it’s also a good idea to take advantage of technology and create a digital copy to also be stored outside your home.

It’s never too late to be ahead of the game by creating a comprehensive home inventory to be prepared in the case of loss or damage to personal property. In addition, Five Star Complete Restoration is ready to be your ally to help you document any damages and restore your home to its original condition. If you’ve experienced loss or dam