Pre-Storm Photo Baseline

Take these photos once a year

Before storm season, spend 20 minutes walking around your house with your phone. If hail or wind hits later, you'll have dated photos that show what everything looked like before. Stay on the ground for all of it.

Outside, from the ground

• Each side of the house, wide enough to show the whole wall and roof edge. Date: ____
• Each roof slope you can see from the yard (zoom in, don't climb). Date: ____
• Gutters and downspouts on every side, close enough to see the metal. Date: ____
• Roof vents, the chimney cap and any metal flashing you can see. Date: ____
• The top and sides of your AC unit. Date: ____
• Siding up close on the side storms usually come from (west and southwest here). Date: ____
• Window screens, window wraps and exterior lights. Date: ____
• Fences, deck rails, the mailbox and anything painted metal. Date: ____

Inside

• Top-floor ceilings, especially near outside walls. Date: ____
• The attic: the underside of the roof, around chimneys, vents and pipes. Date: ____

Paperwork to keep with the photos

• Your insurance declarations page (shows your deductible and any wind or hail deductible). Date: ____
• The year your roof was installed and the shingle brand, if you know it. Date: ____
• Receipts for any roof, gutter or siding work. Date: ____

After a storm

Take the same photos again from the same spots, and add our free 5-Year Storm Report for your address at nobigdealwithjoedeal.com/storm-report. Then book a free inspection at nobigdealwithjoedeal.com/inspect or call or text (859) 420-7382. Whether insurance covers it depends on your policy and the damage. I'll tell you honestly if it's worth a claim.

Joe Deal, No Big Deal Home Solutions