What to Do First If You Find Water Damage

Water damage moves fast, and the order you do things in decides how much of it your insurance actually covers. This is the sequence our team walks homeowners through, from the first minute to the final invoice. You can also download the one page version below and keep it on the fridge, in the truck, or hand it to a customer.

Stop the Leak, Then Document Everything Before You Clean

Shut off the main water supply or the affected fixture first. Then photograph and video everything before you clean anything, including materials, contents, and every affected area. Documentation is what protects your claim later, and once you start cleaning, that evidence is gone for good.

Start Mitigation Right Away

Before you decide anything else, get these on record:

• Photo and video all damage before cleaning. This is the single most valuable thing you can do in the first hour.
• Include materials, contents, and affected areas. Not just the puddle, but everything the water touched.
• Take photos throughout the process. Capture progress and any new findings as they appear.
• Save items that are not damaged. Keep them separate so they are not counted as a loss.
• Start a journal. Dates, names, and what was said, every time you speak with someone about the loss.

Keep Detailed Records Through the Whole Process

Begin drying and mitigation promptly. The faster the structure dries, the less of it has to be removed and replaced.

Remove only what has to go. Materials directly affected by water, or that must come out to reach the leak. Nothing more.

Decide Your Next Steps and Prepare the Claim

If you plan to file a claim, stop before any restoration begins:

• Ensure your claim is approved before starting repairs
• Prior approval prevents out of pocket costs for covered work
• Follow up consistently with your adjuster and build timelines for progress
• Provide requested documentation promptly
• Begin repairs only after approval is confirmed

Nordic can schedule a field inspection before restoration starts, so the loss is documented properly from the very beginning.

Get Estimates and Insurance Approval Before Repairs Begin

Obtain a written estimate from a licensed contractor before starting repairs, then decide whether filing a claim makes sense based on the cost against your coverage and deductible. If you do plan to file, stop and schedule a field inspection before any restoration work begins.

Start Repairs and Finish the Claim

Expect the process to take time, because insurance payments are not immediate. Keep documenting the work as it progresses, photograph any newly discovered damage, and submit change orders for approval before any extra work is performed. When repairs are complete, submit final invoices and photos for supplemental payments and any recoverable depreciation.

Frequently Asked Questions