Itemize Your Possessions and Secure the List

One of the most important parts of a home renovation process--and a practice that is sometimes overlooked--is the organizing and safekeeping of relevant financial documents that create a detailed file of your house, big-ticket purchases, etc.

In addition to saving invoices, receipts and contracts, this article also recommends filing away paint samples, carpet strips, tile pieces and other decorative elements in the event of an insurance claim caused by large-scale damage. And once you've implemented a filing system that fits, consider storing it in a safe or other fire-retardant storage box to ensure these priceless papers are protected.