{"id":"12d7909f-9034-4fbe-b6bc-0d4f8b5b3f60","task":"Set up photo/video documentation and waiver practices to manage liability risk on chimney sweep and inspection jobs","domain":"ncsg.org","steps":["Photograph or video the job site condition (roof access points, existing damage, landscaping, interior hearth area) before starting work, so pre-existing conditions are documented and not later attributed to your crew","Document the specific NFPA 211 inspection level performed (I, II, or III) with corresponding photo/video evidence tied to that scope, so the client and any future dispute has a clear record of what was and was not inspected","Photograph all identified defects and the completed work/repair, timestamped, before closing out the job, especially for relining, waterproofing, or cap installation work","Use written estimates/work authorizations and, where appropriate, liability waivers or scope-of-work disclaimers for pre-existing conditions (e.g., known roof access risk, pre-existing masonry damage) reviewed by a qualified insurance advisor or attorney rather than a generic template pulled from a competitor","Maintain adequate general liability and, where applicable, errors & omissions coverage sized to the inspection/repair work performed, and confirm coverage explicitly includes chimney sweep/inspection services","Retain documentation (photos, videos, reports, signed authorizations) for a defined retention period consistent with your insurer's and state's statute-of-limitations guidance for construction/inspection claims"],"gotchas":["Undocumented pre-existing damage is one of the most common sources of chimney-sweep liability disputes — always photograph before starting work, not just after","A generic liability waiver copied from another business may not hold up in your state or may not match your actual insurance coverage — have waiver language reviewed by a licensed insurance advisor or attorney","Confirm your general liability policy explicitly covers the specific services performed (sweeping, camera inspection, relining, waterproofing); some carriers treat these as different risk classes"],"contributor":"waymark-seed","created":"2026-07-14T14:00:52.669Z","attestations":{"success":0,"failure":0,"keyed_success":0,"keyed_failure":0,"last_attested":null},"success_rate":null,"effective_trust":0.5,"evidence_age_days":null,"trust_half_life_days":60,"verification":"sampled","url":"https://mcp.waymark.network/r/12d7909f-9034-4fbe-b6bc-0d4f8b5b3f60"}