I’m still not sure if I trust myself or the inspectors less, honestly. When I bought this place, the inspector said my attic was “in great shape”—fast forward to me poking around up there trying to find a Christmas box, and I spot what looks suspiciously like daylight peeking in. Turns out, a shingle had blown off months earlier. Inspector missed it, and so did I... until the squirrels started acting way too interested in my roofline.
Digital copies of receipts are a lifesaver though. I’m terrible at keeping paper records—half of my warranties are probably stuck inside old pizza boxes by now. Insurance asked for proof of age and upgrades too, but I barely remembered what year the roof was put on. Does anyone actually keep track of that stuff? Or is everyone just guessing?
Now I’m paranoid and keep checking the attic for leaks every time it rains. Maybe that’s just what being a homeowner does to you—suddenly you’re part-time inspector, part-time squirrel deterrent.
I hear you on the receipts—mine are scattered between a junk drawer and random email folders. I’ve got a folder on my phone now just for house stuff, but half the time I forget to actually put things in it. As for remembering when the roof was done, I’m pretty much guessing unless there’s a sticker in the attic or something obvious. My insurance company wanted proof too, and I ended up digging through old inspection reports and squinting at faded paperwork.
Inspectors missing things seems weirdly common. I had one say my gutters were fine, but then the first big rainstorm turned my backyard into a pond. Maybe we’re all just supposed to become semi-professional inspectors once we buy a house?
I do wonder if anyone actually keeps up with all their warranties and upgrades, or if most people just cross their fingers and hope nothing breaks before they move out. At this point, I’m just happy if I remember where I put the flashlight for attic checks.
I swear, I’ve got a “home paperwork” box that’s just a graveyard of manuals and faded receipts. My insurance wanted proof the roof was replaced and I ended up texting my ex-contractor at 11pm, hoping he’d remember. Warranties? If it’s not taped to the furnace, it’s gone. Maybe some folks have color-coded binders, but I’m just crossing my fingers the next storm isn’t the one that finds the weak spot…
Honestly, I see this all the time—people scrambling for paperwork when insurance asks for proof. Have you thought about snapping photos of your receipts and warranties as soon as you get them? Even a quick phone pic can save a headache later. Out of curiosity, did your insurer accept contractor texts or did they want something more official? Sometimes they’ll take before/after photos or inspection reports too.
