Lesson 20 — Required Photos for Each Inspection Type

Every inspection type has its own specific photo requirements. Following these requirements precisely prevents rejections and reduces the need for corrections or re-visits. This lesson outlines the standard NMFS photo sets for the most common inspection categories.

1. Standard Exterior Photo Set (Used in Most Inspections)

These photos are required for almost every inspection unless the order specifically says otherwise:

  • Front of the house

  • Left side of structure

  • Right side of structure

  • Rear of property (if safely accessible and only if vacant or you are on an insurance loss inspection)

  • Address verification (house numbers, mailbox, sign, meter)

  • Street view looking left

  • Street view looking right

  • Driveway / parking area

  • Any visible damages

  • Any occupancy indicators

These photos form the foundation of nearly all work order types.

2. Occupancy Inspection Photo Requirements

For occupancy checks, include:

  • Full standard exterior set

  • Front door photo (required for contact attempt verification)

  • Door hanger placement photo (if required)

  • Photos supporting occupancy decision:

    • Vehicles

    • Curtains/blinds

    • Lights on/off

    • Packages

    • Personal items

  • Photos of any hazards or safety concerns

Consistency and clarity matter here.

3. No Contact Inspection Photo Requirements

Similar to occupancy checks, including:

  • Full exterior set

  • Front door photo

  • Photo of any posted signs (No Trespassing, Dogs, etc.)

  • Any damages or hazards

  • Any occupancy indicators

Door hanger requirements vary by client — follow the order instructions.

4. Initial Vacant / Initial Secure Inspection Photos

These require a more complete exterior documentation:

  • Full exterior set

  • Address verification

  • Signs of forced entry

  • Broken windows

  • Damages or vandalism

  • Security concerns

  • Utility meters

  • Photo verifying utilities ON/OFF status

  • Any code violation postings

  • Any city notices

Interior photos only if the work order allows access.

5. Property Condition Report (PCR) Photos

PCRs require comprehensive exterior documentation:

  • Full exterior set

  • All visible damages

  • Condition of roof, siding, gutters

  • Yard condition

  • Trash or debris on site

  • Condition of driveway, walkways, fences

  • Utility meters

  • Any signs of past repairs

  • Code violation notices

  • City / HOA postings

These are detail-heavy inspections.

6. Loss Draft / Insurance Inspection Photos

If interior access is allowed, follow instructions exactly.

Exterior:

  • Full exterior set

  • Damages being claimed

  • Any unfinished repairs

  • Contractor vehicles onsite

Interior (if authorized):

  • Photos of completed repairs

  • Photos of any remaining damage

  • Photos verifying materials used

  • Close-ups of workmanship issues

Always match the insurance checklist.

7. Vacancy Check Photo Requirements

These are focused on verifying a change in occupancy:

  • Full exterior set

  • Front door photo

  • Occupancy indicators (or lack of them)

  • Yard condition

  • Trash or personal items left outside

  • Utility meters

  • Any signs of recent move-out

  • Photos supporting the conclusion of vacant or occupied

8. Disaster / Damage Inspection Photos

Capture all visible storm or damage-related issues:

  • Structure-wide photos (front, left, right, rear)

  • Close-ups of damage (roof, siding, windows)

  • Interior photos if authorized

  • Yard damage

  • Fallen trees, branches, flooding, debris

  • City postings or disaster tags

  • Utility meters (if damaged or off)

Take both wide angle and close-up photos of each issue.

9. Form 30 / HUD Inspection Photos

Follow HUD-required checklist exactly.

Typically includes:

  • Exterior condition photos

  • Specific required angles

  • Utility verification

  • Hazard documentation

  • Code violation or posting photos

HUD inspections require accuracy and clarity.

10. Meter Read / Utility Verification Photos

Required for utility-focused inspections:

  • Clear, readable meter close-up

  • Wide shot showing meter location

  • Meter tag/lock (if present)

  • Reading displayed clearly

  • Photo showing ON/OFF status

  • Surrounding area (if meter is missing or inaccessible)

11. Drive-By Inspection Photos

Drive-by inspections are limited but still require:

  • Street-view photo(s) of the property

  • Zoomed-in photo if needed for clarity

  • Photo showing occupancy indicators

  • Any obvious damages

  • Follow any client-specific instructions

You do not approach the home or exit your vehicle unless required.

12. Re-Inspection / Recurring Inspection Photos

These are similar to the original inspection type:

  • Full exterior set

  • Any changes since previous visit

  • Improved or worsening conditions

  • New damages

  • Updated occupancy indicators

  • Yard or structure changes

Consistency is key — same angles each visit help show changes over time.

13. Photo Quality Standards (Applies to ALL Inspections)

All photos must be:

  • Clear

  • In focus

  • Upright (not sideways)

  • Properly lit

  • Showing the full subject

  • Free of obstructions

  • GPS-enabled

Photos that don’t meet quality standards may cause the inspection to be rejected.

Previous Lesson
Back to Course
Next Lesson