The 7 Inspection-First Principles
These are designed to keep documentation defensible and communication consistent—without “overselling” the claim.
1) Start with observable facts.
Describe what you can see (conditions, locations, quantities) before interpreting cause or outcomes.
Describe what you can see (conditions, locations, quantities) before interpreting cause or outcomes.
2) Photograph systematically.
Use wide-to-close photos, include context, and capture slope-by-slope conditions with consistent framing.
Use wide-to-close photos, include context, and capture slope-by-slope conditions with consistent framing.
3) Preserve a clean timeline.
Record dates for the event, discovery, temporary measures, inspection, and insurer communications.
Record dates for the event, discovery, temporary measures, inspection, and insurer communications.
4) Avoid diagnosing coverage.
Don’t demand outcomes. Keep communication centered on what was found and what is documented.
Don’t demand outcomes. Keep communication centered on what was found and what is documented.
5) Match documentation to the scope.
Ensure notes, photos, and measurements correspond to the same areas being discussed.
Ensure notes, photos, and measurements correspond to the same areas being discussed.
6) Use consistent language.
Repeat the same plain-language descriptions across emails, forms, and conversations.
Repeat the same plain-language descriptions across emails, forms, and conversations.
7) Escalate only when clarity exists.
If information is incomplete, add documentation before escalating. Clarity usually resolves faster than conflict.
If information is incomplete, add documentation before escalating. Clarity usually resolves faster than conflict.
If you only do three things
- Take systematic photos (wide-to-close, consistent framing, slope-by-slope).
- Write a simple timeline (event → discovery → temporary measures → inspection → communications).
- Keep communication factual (observable conditions, not assumptions about coverage).
GAF Certified™
