Restoration logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Restoration logo
  • NEWS
  • PRODUCTS
    • New Products & Technologies
    • Submit Your Product
    • Interactive Product Spotlights
  • EDUCATION
    • KnowHow.
    • Podcasts
    • Trade Shows & Expos
    • Training & Certification
    • Webinars
    • Whitepapers
  • TOPICS
    • Water Damage
    • Fire & Smoke Damage
    • Mold
    • Contamination
    • Odor
    • Contents
    • Architecture
    • Catastrophe
    • Cleaning
  • BUSINESS
    • Managing Your Business
    • Insurance/Legal Matters
  • BUYER'S GUIDE
  • VIDEOS
    • Ask Annissa
    • Ask the Expert
    • Ironclad Marketing Minute
    • TradeTalks
    • Video Channel
  • INFOCENTER
    • Mold and Mycotoxins
  • THE EXPERIENCE
    • Convention & Trade Show
    • R&R Special Issue
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • Archive Issues
    • Contact
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP

Restorer's Perspective: The Benefits of 360 Photos in Restoration

By Norm Richert
Photos courtesy of Norm Richert

Water-damaged carpeting in a living space. Photos courtesy of Norm Richert

August 20, 2018

In today’s restoration climate, documentation is the name of the game. There are continuous innovations in technology in the restoration industry, including how we take and store photos of our jobs. By taking 360° photos, upon arrival at the property, the 360° camera documents condition and damages to the property – and gives you the ability to look back later at every single angle and square inch of space. Explaining to the owner that you are taking photos of everything in the area can eliminate complaints and reduces the potential for fraud by the property owner.

One of the major benefits of using 360° photos is that it saves time on scoping damages and allows for creating a more accurate estimate by reviewing the photos while preparing the estimate. The 360° camera captures everything visible in the area in an instant. Also, by rotating and zooming in and out, others within a company reviewing documents and estimates can see everything for themselves in a way 2D images don’t allow. This opens the door for those in-house reviewing estimates to see if anything was missed, and make sure the estimate and scope of work are on par before submitting it to the insurance company or adjuster. Taking final photos after the project is done can also ensure, in a whole new way, the project was done right.

damaged roof sheathing

This is damaged roof sheathing. A camera was placed inside the soffit after a tree fell on the roof. Photos courtesy of Norm Richert

Real-World Experience

I now use the 360° camera on every claim. This technology has allowed me to decrease the amount of time on every claim and provides greater details than standard digital photos. Previously, I used to take the photos, measure the damaged areas, and then wrote notes on everything that was needed to restore the property. Now I take the 360° photos, measure the damaged area, download the 360° photos and review the 360° photos while I prepare the estimate. There are two computer monitors on my desk and I review the 360° on one monitor and prepare the Xactimate estimate on the other monitor.

These photos can show a large area or can be used within inches of the object for a close-up view of the damaged area. A 360° camera takes photos upside down, horizontal, and of course right-side up. Since the camera can be used in any position, using the camera on a selfie stick, it is easy to obtain information off data plates on water heaters, furnaces and air conditioners.

On major losses, I upload the 360° photos to a website and send an email to my client (the insurance company) with a link to the website, so they can now see exactly what I saw during my visit to the insured property. This allows the client to view the 360° photos, adjust the reserve, and be on the same book and page when the insured has questions. To be more transparent, I have also shared the 360° photos with the insured to allow them to view the condition of their roof or damages.

Smoke and fire damage

Smoke and fire damage in a small bathroom. Photos courtesy of Norm Richert

Tech Specs

Using the auto setting on the 360° camera works for most photos, but changing the setting on the camera can make a difference between a not so good photo and a usable quality photo.

Smoke damage

Smoke damage in a hallway and living room. Photos courtesy of Norm Richert

Software for the 360° camera is also another consideration. The 360° cameras I have used have free software which can be downloaded. All the 360° software I have used will work but some manufacturer’s software works better for property damage.

The cost of a camera is about the same as a good quality digital camera. All the features of the 360° cameras should be evaluated before deciding which one to purchase. Additional equipment likely includes a tripod, selfie stick, and a smart phone (camera is activated from an app on the smart phone).

360° photos

Even personal property, like this bookcase, can be documented with 360° photos.

For taking photos in fire damaged building or dark areas, several battery-operated LED lights will be necessary to get good usable photos. To view the 360° photos, which are large files, an SSD (solid state drive) in the computer allows for moving the images faster and zooming in and out.

Happy documenting and estimating!

KEYWORDS: restoration business restoration business management

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Norm Richert owns and operates Central Consulting & Adjusting, and has been adjusting claims in Central Missouri for the past 37 years. He recently renovated a building listed on the national historic register, which was built in 1855 that had extensive water and mold damage. For additional information on 360° photos or to view the latest uses of the 360° camera, send an email to norm.ccas@socket.net.

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • mold remediation

    Fighting Mold and Bacteria Damage

    Successful mold remediation can be multidisciplinary,...
    Cleaning and Sanitation
    By: Josh Woolen
  • certifications and licenses for restoration professionals

    Certifications and Licenses Every Restoration Company Needs

    Restoration companies need to make sure they have the...
    Restoration Training/Education
    By: Sharon Elzarat
  • a wall covered in moss and fungus

    Zero Tolerance for Toxic Molds: Essential Steps for Successful Remediation

    Understanding the importance of zero tolerance for toxic...
    Mold Remediation
    By: Michael A. Pinto CSP, SMS, CMP, RTPE, FLS, ERS and Kendra Seymour
You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Manage My Account
  • eNewsletter
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service
  • Manage My Preferences

More Videos

Popular Stories

water on basement floor

How Much Water Causes Water Damage?

hurricane

To CAT or not to CAT? Who Should Stay Home

flooded living room

Baseboard Water Damage - Causes, Repair and Prevention

Submit Your New Product/Technology to R&R!

Would you like to promote a new restoration, remediation or cleaning product/technology with Restoration & Remediation? Fill out the question below to start your submission:

Events

September 3, 2025

The Experience Convention and Trade Show

The Experience Convention & Trade Show logoJoin us in Las Vegas for The Experience Convention & Trade Show, the leading event for cleaning, restoration, and remediation pros, packed with hands-on demos, expert speakers, and high-impact networking. Happening September 3–5, 2025 at Caesars Forum—this is where the industry comes to learn, connect, and grow!

View All Submit An Event

Poll

Doffing PPE

When you are doffing your PPE, do you sanitize between every step?
View Results Poll Archive

Products

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary

The Cleaning, Restoration, Inspection, and Safety Glossary.

See More Products
Prepare for CATASTROPHE with R&R!

Related Articles

  • employee training

    The Benefits and Importance of Hands-On Training in the Restoration Industry

    See More
  • hiring and retaining employees in your restoration business

    Hiring in a Challenging Market: The Power of Non-Traditional Benefits

    See More
  • Restorer's Perspective

    Restorer's Perspective: The Gathering of Professionals

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • secrets-of-insurance-game.jpg

    Secrets of the Insurance Game

  • COVER pdf.jpg

    How to Get More Restoration Jobs in 14 Days... (ebook)

  • social media white paper

    Optimizing Social Media from a B2B Perspective

See More Products

Related Directories

  • Rytech Restoration of the Midlands

    No one plans for the destruction caused by water, fire or mold, but when it happens, the team at Rytech Restoration of The Midlands is here to help. Our certified specialists provide 24/7 emergency service to get you and your Columbia SC home or business back to normal as quickly as possible. From residential homes to commercial buildings, we specialize in mold remediation, water damage restoration, and fire and smoke damage cleanup. Our live specialists are ready to answer your questions and dispatch a local specialist to your door. Schedule a free inspection and estimate today!
  • Exit Strategies 360

    For 20 years we've specialized nationally in the valuation and sales of exceptional disaster restoration companies. Ensuring your best Exit Ramp℠, we provide key answers, allowing you to apply energy and efforts strategically, maximizing value, salability and wealth preservation options. (All communication is 100% Confidential.) Your retirement will thank you.
×

Stay ahead of the curve with our eNewsletters.

Get the latest industry updates tailored your way.

JOIN TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Directories
    • Store
    • Want More
    • Submit a Press Release
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eNewsletters
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Reprints
    • Marketing Services
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing