THE HOMEOWNER’S NOTEBOOK
Assessment checklist and official resources.
Organize safe observations and useful questions before arranging paid work.
Keep a private damage record.
Use the printable checklist to record discovery time, safely observed rooms, access restrictions and questions about scope. Keep photos and policy details in your own records.
Open the damage record checklistOfficial water-damage guidance.
Frozen water lines
City of Minneapolis guidance on frozen service lines, risk factors and what residents should do.
Read official guidance: Frozen water linesDrying and mold prevention
EPA guidance on controlling moisture and addressing water-damaged areas.
Read official guidance: Drying and mold preventionDocumenting flood damage
FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program explains photographs and inventory records for flood claims.
Read official guidance: Documenting flood damageQuestions about restoration work.
Understand water removal, drying records, written scopes and how to separate cleanup from repairs.
Explore restoration needsPrepare for a restoration assessment.
Have your address, affected rooms and water-source details ready.