Avoid these Fire Loss Documentation Mistakes

Building a complete record includes restorers documenting beyond the visible fire damage

By Kayla McGowan

Welcome back to another month of Technical Tip Tuesday. This month, the team at DocuSketch is sponsoring the entire series.

We’re starting the series off strong by discussing some of the biggest documentation mistakes you can make on a fire loss. One of the most common is documenting only the visible damage. Remember, smoke can travel far beyond the point of origin.

Fire Month
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Another frequently missed step is documenting the exterior of the property. Capture each elevation, soot staining, smoke exit points, and other conditions that help tell the complete story of the loss. Your documentation shouldn’t stop after the initial assessment. You should document the site conditions, PPE you’re using, equipment and its placement, and the work you perform throughout the job.

Follow the loss, not just the fire. Consistent, thorough documentation helps you support your scope, justify your estimate, and protect your business.

We’ll see you next week for more Technical Tip Tuesday. Take care!

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Kayla McGowan is the SPAR Partner Manager for PuroClean, where she manages and strengthens the company’s vendor partnership ecosystem. In her role, she serves as a key liaison between PuroClean, approved vendor partners, internal stakeholders, and Franchise Owners, helping connect the network with trusted tools, services, and products that support operational success.

With more than 10 years of experience in marketing and communications within the restoration and cleaning industry, Kayla has built her career around connecting people, ideas, and resources that move the industry forward. She is the former Editor-in-Chief of Restoration & Remediation (R&R) Magazine and continues to contribute to R&R as a writer, bringing her industry knowledge and perspective to its audience.

Kayla holds a B.S. in Criminal Science and an M.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. She also serves as Co-Chair of the Restoration Industry Association’s Marketing Committee.

Her industry credentials include Microbial Warrior®️, Certified Forensic Operator®️, and High Risk/High Level Decontamination Specialist™️. Passionate about elevating the restoration industry and the professionals within it, Kayla enjoys building meaningful relationships, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for collaboration. Outside of work, she is a food lover who enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.