How to Use Record the Repairs

After property damage, repairs often happen in stages. Walls may be opened, materials may be removed, systems may be replaced, inspections may be completed, and finishes may be restored over time. Record the Repairs helps you capture that progress in one organized place so you can show what work was completed, when it happened, and where it occurred.

The tool allows you to upload repair photos, add notes, organize progress by location, and export a clean PDF that can support insurance claims, bank inspections, mortgage holder reviews, and fund release requests.

When to Use Record the Repairs

Use Record the Repairs when you need to show repair or rebuild progress after property damage.

This tool can be especially helpful when you are:

Repairing your home after an insurance claim
Rebuilding after a major loss
Documenting contractor progress
Preparing for a bank or mortgage holder inspection
Requesting release of insurance claim funds
Showing proof of incurred work
Tracking repair milestones
Documenting work before walls, floors, or ceilings are closed
Keeping a clear record of what was repaired or replaced

This tool is useful during the repair phase, after the initial damage has already been documented and work is underway.

What You Need Before You Start

Before using the tool, gather repair-related photos and notes.

These may include:

Photos of demolition or removal work
Photos of framing, roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or other systems
Photos of repairs in progress
Photos of completed repairs
Photos of materials, finishes, fixtures, or equipment
Photos before and after key repair stages
Inspection checkpoints
Contractor updates
Notes about dates, locations, milestones, or completed work

The more clearly you document the repair process, the easier it is for others to verify progress.

How to Use the Tool

Go to the Record the Repairs tool in the Loti Toolbox.
Select Get Started.
Upload photos of repair or rebuild progress.
Let the tool organize your photos by location.
Review the AI-generated descriptions for each image.
Add your own notes, milestones, or important details.
Export your repair record as a clean, downloadable PDF.
Save the PDF with your claim, construction, or loan documentation.
Share the PDF with your insurance carrier, mortgage holder, bank, contractor, claim professional, or other relevant party as needed.

The tool is designed to help you turn repair photos into a structured record that is easier to review and share.

What the Tool Creates

Record the Repairs creates a downloadable PDF that organizes repair progress into a clear and professional format.

Your report may include:

Uploaded repair photos
Photos sorted by location
AI-generated photo descriptions
User notes
Repair milestones
Inspection checkpoints
Progress documentation
A shareable PDF for banks, mortgage holders, insurance carriers, or claim records

This can help show that work has been completed, that repairs are moving forward, and that funds are being used toward the covered work.

Automatic Progress Organization

Repair projects can generate a large number of photos. Record the Repairs helps keep them organized by sorting photos by location.

For example, repair photos may be grouped by areas such as:

Kitchen
Bathroom
Bedroom
Living room
Garage
Exterior
Roof
Basement
Attic
Utility room
Other affected areas

This makes it easier for someone reviewing your file to understand where the work happened and how the repair process is progressing.

AI-Generated Descriptions

Each image can be paired with a concise AI-generated description.

These descriptions help explain what the photo shows, such as:

The area being repaired
The visible work completed
Materials or systems shown
Progress since an earlier stage
Conditions relevant to an inspection or claim review

These descriptions are helpful because people reviewing your claim or repair record may not have visited your home. The descriptions give context to the photos and make the report easier to understand.

Adding Notes and Milestones

You can add your own notes to highlight important details.

Helpful notes may include:

Date work was completed
Contractor or trade involved
Inspection status
Materials installed
Repairs still pending
Issues discovered during repair
Changes from the original estimate or scope
Milestones such as demolition completed, framing completed, rough plumbing completed, or final finishes installed

These notes can help connect the photos to the actual repair timeline and make the record more useful.

Using the PDF for Bank or Mortgage Holder Reviews

Many homeowners with a mortgage may need to show repair progress before claim funds are released. Banks and mortgage holders often want proof that repairs are underway or completed before issuing additional funds.

The Record the Repairs PDF can help support:

Bank inspections
Mortgage holder reviews
Fund release requests
Proof of incurred work
Verification of repair progress
Documentation that work is moving forward

A clear, organized repair record can help reviewers quickly understand the status of the project and what work has been completed.

Using the PDF for Your Insurance Claim

The PDF can also support your insurance claim file.

You may use it to help document:

Repairs completed after the covered loss
Work performed by contractors
Progress tied to prior estimates or payments
Incurred repair costs
Supplemental claim needs
Recoverable depreciation requests
Final repair completion

Keep the PDF with your other claim documentation, including estimates, invoices, receipts, contracts, inspections, and carrier correspondence.

Tips for Better Repair Documentation

For the best results, document repairs consistently from start to finish.

Helpful tips include:

Take photos before, during, and after each major repair stage.
Capture wide shots of the whole room or area.
Take close-up photos of important materials or work.
Photograph hidden work before it is covered, such as plumbing, wiring, framing, insulation, or waterproofing.
Include photos of inspections, labels, equipment, materials, and serial numbers when relevant.
Add notes with dates and milestones.
Save contractor invoices, estimates, and receipts separately.
Keep all repair documentation together in your claim file.

Repair photos are most useful when they show a clear timeline.

Troubleshooting

What kinds of photos should I upload?

Upload photos that show repair or rebuild progress. This may include demolition, framing, systems work, installed materials, finishes, completed repairs, inspection checkpoints, and before-and-after progress.

Is this the same as documenting the original damage?

No. Record the Repairs is focused on repair progress. If you need to document the original damage before repairs begin, use Loti’s damage documentation tool or keep a separate damage photo record.

Can I add my own notes?

Yes. You can add notes to highlight updates, inspection checkpoints, milestones, or other important repair details.

Can I use the PDF for a bank inspection?

Yes. The tool is designed to create a clean, shareable PDF that can help mortgage holders, banks, and insurance carriers review repair progress and approve next steps.

Does this tool release insurance funds automatically?

No. Record the Repairs helps organize and present repair documentation. Your bank, mortgage holder, insurance carrier, or other reviewer is responsible for deciding whether funds can be released.

Can this help with recoverable depreciation?

It may help support a recoverable depreciation request by showing that covered repairs were completed or incurred. You should also keep invoices, receipts, contracts, and any documentation required by your policy or insurance carrier.

Should I keep the original photos?

Yes. Keep your original photos, even after exporting the PDF. The PDF is useful for sharing, but the original files may still be important for your records.

Why This Tool Matters

When progress matters, proof matters.

Repair and rebuild projects often involve multiple contractors, inspections, payments, and claim milestones. Without organized documentation, it can be difficult to show what work was completed or why additional funds should be released.

Record the Repairs helps turn scattered repair photos and notes into a clear, credible record that supports your claim, your repair process, and your recovery.