Important boundary
This page is general documentation guidance only. It does not determine coverage, interpret policy language, estimate payment, negotiate claims, or act as legal, insurance, public-adjuster, or contractor advice. Your insurer, policy terms, and local requirements control claim decisions.
Photo checklist before cleanup changes the scene
- Wide photos from each affected room entrance.
- Mid-range photos of walls, ceilings, vents, returns, cabinets, doors, trim, floors, and contents.
- Close photos of residue texture, oily streaks, smoke staining, and soot around air pathways.
- Photos showing the likely source area, if safe and accessible.
- Photos before and after any required emergency mitigation or disposal.
Room-by-room notes
Write down which rooms have visible soot, odor, staining, oily film, or vent residue. Include rooms where smoke smell returns after doors and windows have been closed.
Source event notes
Record the date, approximate time, likely source, weather if relevant, whether HVAC was running, which doors or windows were open, and whether anyone used fans, vacuums, sprays, towels, or paint.
What was cleaned, moved, or discarded
Keep a simple list of items or surfaces that were cleaned, moved, discarded, or protected. If safety requires immediate disposal or emergency action, follow safety instructions first and document what happened afterward as best you can.
Contractor and professional records
Keep inspection notes, estimates, invoices, work authorizations, moisture or odor findings, equipment notes, and cleanup recommendations from independent providers. Do not alter records or descriptions; keep them factual.
Important limits
This page does not tell you what your policy covers. It does not advise you to file or not file a claim. It does not say a restoration provider, insurer, or adjuster will agree with your description. It only helps you preserve factual context when you need to explain the event.