Property Damage Assessment Sheet
A comprehensive guide for evaluating property damage following a disaster.
Property Damage Assessment Sheet
Use this sheet to systematically assess and document damage to your property.
Severity Key: 0 = None | 1 = Minor (cosmetic) | 2 = Moderate (functional impact) | 3 = Severe (unsafe / needs immediate repair)
Exterior Damage
| Item | Severity (0–3) |
Photo # | Notes / Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roof, Shingles / Tiles | |||
| Roof, Ridge Cap / Flashing | |||
| Roof, Soffit & Fascia | |||
| Gutters & Downspouts | |||
| Chimney / Fireplace Exterior | |||
| Siding / Cladding | |||
| Exterior Paint / Stucco | |||
| Windows, Glass | |||
| Windows, Frames / Seals | |||
| Exterior Doors | |||
| Garage Door(s) | |||
| Foundation, Visible Cracks | |||
| Foundation, Water Intrusion | |||
| Porch / Deck / Patio | |||
| Steps / Walkways | |||
| Driveway / Pavement | |||
| Fencing / Gates |
Interior Damage
| Item | Severity (0–3) |
Photo # | Notes / Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ceilings, Water Stains / Collapse | |||
| Walls, Cracks / Bulging | |||
| Walls, Moisture / Mold | |||
| Interior Doors / Frames | |||
| Hardwood / Laminate Floors | |||
| Tile / Stone Floors | |||
| Carpet | |||
| Basement / Crawlspace Flooding | |||
| Insulation | |||
| Attic, Structure / Insulation | |||
| Staircase / Railings | |||
| Kitchen Cabinets / Countertops | |||
| Bathroom Fixtures | |||
| Fireplace / Chimney Interior |
Utilities & Mechanical Systems
| Item | Severity (0–3) |
Photo # | Notes / Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Panel / Breakers | |||
| Wiring, Visible Damage | |||
| Outlets / Switches | |||
| Plumbing, Pipes / Joints | |||
| Water Heater | |||
| Sump Pump | |||
| HVAC, Furnace / Air Handler | |||
| HVAC, Ductwork | |||
| Central A/C Unit (Outdoor) | |||
| Gas Lines / Meter | |||
| Septic System / Sewer | |||
| Solar Panels / Generator | |||
| Internet / Cable / Phone Lines |
Outbuildings, Yard & Vehicles
| Item | Severity (0–3) |
Photo # | Notes / Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detached Garage / Shed | |||
| Barn / Workshop | |||
| Pool / Hot Tub | |||
| Trees, Fallen / Damaged | |||
| Landscaping / Garden | |||
| Retaining Walls | |||
| Vehicles on Property | |||
| Outdoor Furniture / Equipment |
Personal Property & Contents
| Item / Category | Severity (0–3) |
Photo # | Approx. Value / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Furniture | |||
| Electronics / Appliances | |||
| Clothing / Bedding | |||
| Tools / Equipment | |||
| Valuables / Collectibles | |||
| Documents / Records | |||
| Other: ___________________ |
Immediate Safety Hazards, Check All That Apply
| ✓ | Hazard | Action Taken / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Structural collapse risk | ||
| Active gas leak | ||
| Electrical hazard / exposed wiring | ||
| Standing water / flooding | ||
| Sewage backup | ||
| Fire damage / smoldering | ||
| Mold / hazardous materials | ||
| Fallen trees or debris blocking access | ||
| Property secured / boarded up |
Documentation Checklist
| ✓ | Task | Details / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photographs taken of all damage | ||
| Video walkthrough recorded | ||
| Insurance company notified | ||
| Claim number obtained | ||
| Insurance adjuster appointment set | ||
| Contractor estimates requested | ||
| Emergency repairs / tarping completed | ||
| Receipts for emergency expenses saved | ||
| Local authorities / building dept. notified | ||
| Copy of assessment shared with insurer |
Additional Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I document after a storm or natural disaster damages my property?
Photograph and video everything before any cleanup begins. Document each damaged area with photos taken from multiple angles, note the date and time, and describe what you believe caused each type of damage. List damaged items with approximate values. Save all repair receipts, contractor estimates, and correspondence with your insurance company. This sheet provides a systematic format to capture all of it.
How do I file a homeowner's insurance claim for property damage?
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible after the damage occurs, most policies require prompt notice. Provide your policy number and a brief description of the damage. Do not make permanent repairs before an adjuster has inspected the damage. Make only emergency temporary repairs to prevent further damage and keep all receipts. Use this assessment sheet to organize your documentation for the claim.
Should I hire a public adjuster for property damage claims?
A public adjuster is a licensed professional who works on your behalf (not the insurance company's) to assess damage and negotiate your claim. They typically charge 10–15% of the claim settlement. Consider a public adjuster for large, complex claims where you believe the insurer's initial offer is too low. For smaller, clear-cut claims, filing directly with solid documentation is usually sufficient.