Whether the water came from a river, storm surge, heavy rain, or a failed sump, the field job is to record what was wet, how high, and what is disaster-related. Your job is access, honesty, and photos.
What inspectors look for
- High-water marks on walls, insulation, cabinets, and exterior siding
- Consistent water lines across rooms at similar elevations
- Silt, staining, swelling of doors, and moisture patterns that match entry points
- Which levels were affected (crawlspace, basement, first floor garden apartment, etc.)
- Mechanical systems and appliances that sat in water
Access problems after a flood
- Clear a safe path to doors and utility areas if you can.
- Unlock exterior buildings and detached units you want considered.
- If mold, sewage, or structural risk makes areas unsafe, say so - do not force the inspector into collapse zones.
- Have keys for outbuildings and gate codes ready.
Garden apartments & below-grade units
Below-grade spaces often take the worst of a flood - or almost none of it. Be precise: inches of water are not the same as four feet. Inspectors and later reviewers compare neighbor patterns, marks on the building, and what your unit actually shows. For a hard look at false claims, see I Have Never Been More Disappointed in People and our honesty page.
Before the inspector arrives
- Shoot water lines and wet materials early (photo guide).
- List rooms and levels that took water.
- Separate pre-existing wet basement issues from the disaster if both exist - explain both honestly.
- Gather flood policy info if you have NFIP or private flood coverage.
- Use the preparation checklist.
If the first decision looks wrong
Check insurance-order denials and missing documents first. If real water damage was missed or access was incomplete, follow the appeals guide with photos and a clear timeline.