Reviewed June 7, 2026
Water damage
Good photos make cleanup, insurance, and provider conversations easier. Take wide shots first, then closeups.
Quick answer
What to photograph before cleanup, demolition, drying, and insurance review.
Capture the condition before anything moves. Wide photos help show where the water traveled and closeups support material-level decisions.
Closeups are useful when they show texture, swelling, staining, seams, or scale. Pair them with wide room photos so the location is clear.
Drying documentation helps show what equipment was used, what materials were removed, and whether moisture improved over time.
Do not enter unsafe areas for photos. Avoid rooms with electrical hazards, sewage, floodwater, or sagging ceilings.