The IICRC WRT body of knowledge clearly states that a restorer must inspectall potentially affected areasin a water-damaged structure. Water migration is often hidden and does not always follow visible or obvious paths. Gravity, capillary action, air movement, and building assemblies can allow water to spread far beyond the area initially identified by occupants.

The WRT manual emphasizes that relying solely on visible water, odors, or customer statements is insufficient and can result in missed moisture, incomplete drying, and secondary damage. Hidden moisture may exist behind walls, under flooring, inside cabinets, beneath insulation, or in adjacent rooms not immediately associated with the loss.

A comprehensive inspection includes visual assessment, moisture detection instruments, infrared imaging (verified with meters), and evaluation of building construction features that may facilitate water movement. This approach ensures accurate scoping, proper classification, and effective drying system design.

Inspecting all potentially affected areas aligns with the ANSI/IICRC S500 Standard’s requirement for thorough evaluation and defensible documentation, reducing the risk of undiscovered moisture and future claims.