Free home repair guides
Free guides to help you hire well, avoid scams and stay safe, built on guidance from agencies like the FTC, EPA and CPSC.
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The problems people most often need a professional for, starting with what to do first.
The guides most people need first: what to do when water gets loose, and how to hire someone you can trust.
Burst pipe? Immediately turn off water, ensure safety, and start drying. Then, hire qualified pros for repairs/cleanup and understand your home insurance.
Learn what to do in the first 48 hours after water damage to limit harm, prevent mold, and know when to call professionals, following key safety steps.
Learn how to hire a home repair contractor safely by checking licenses, getting written estimates, and understanding payment terms.
Pick the part of the house you are dealing with.
Learn to spot roof hail damage from the ground, understand how insurance claims work, and find tips for hiring a roofer after a storm.
Learn safe steps if your boiler or radiators are not heating, including critical safety checks and how to find a qualified heating technician.
Learn warning signs of a clogged sewer line, who is responsible for the pipe, and how to hire a plumber or contractor to fix it.
Learn chimney fire warning signs, what to do during and after a fire, and how to hire a qualified professional for annual inspections and cleaning.
Learn how to hire for emergency home repairs quickly and safely, avoiding scams by understanding insurance, checking credentials, and smart payment practices.
Discover how moisture causes mold in attics and crawl spaces, what to inspect, and when to hire professionals for effective, lasting mold control.
Learn how to clean up washing machine, dishwasher, or toilet overflows, understand insurance coverage, and find help to prevent future incidents.
Learn immediate safety steps for a ceiling leak, how to find the source, why quick drying is crucial, and who to hire for repairs and water damage.
Decide if your roof needs replacing. Learn how to hire a roofer, what estimates and contracts should include, and how to protect your money.
Learn what smoke and soot damage you can clean yourself, when to call professionals, and how to hire a cleanup company after a fire.
Learn how homeowners insurance handles water damage claims, what's typically covered, step-by-step claim filing, and who to hire for repairs or negotiation.
Learn what a furnace tune-up covers, what you can do to prepare for winter, and how to hire a qualified heating and cooling technician.
Learn what causes ice dams and roof leaks, how to handle them safely, file an insurance claim, and prevent future problems by hiring the right help.
Learn what's normal for a heat pump in cold weather, how to maintain it yourself, and how to hire a qualified HVAC technician for service or replacement.
If your water heater is leaking, prioritize safety first, then evaluate if repair or replacement is best, and finally, learn how to hire a plumber.
Learn when to test for mold, how to clean it, when to hire a professional, and what to look for in a mold cleanup company.
After a house fire, prioritize safety first. Then, protect your insurance claim by documenting damage before starting cleanup or repairs.
After a storm, prioritize safety, then protect your home from further damage, document everything for your insurer, and learn how to find reliable help.
Learn about sewage backup health risks, personal protection, cleanup steps, and how to hire a professional, including insurance.
Discovering water in your basement requires quick action to ensure safety, identify the source, and decide on the right professional help and insurance steps.
Learn what to do after storm roof damage: prioritize safety, document damage, make temporary repairs, and avoid common contractor scams.
Learn how to decide if you need furnace repair or replacement, what a proper installation involves, and how to hire a qualified HVAC contractor.
Learn how to safely clean up water damage, what the restoration process involves, and how to choose a reliable cleanup company for your home.
Learn how to prevent frozen pipes, safely thaw them, and when to call a plumber to protect your home from costly water damage.
No heat? First, ensure safety from CO and gas leaks. Then, check your furnace filter. If issues persist, call a qualified HVAC technician.
Learn simple ways to find hidden water leaks at home, including meter tests and toilet checks, and know when to call a licensed plumber.
Learn to spot fake FEMA inspectors and avoid disaster repair scams. Real FEMA inspections are free, and warning signs can help you hire contractors safely.
The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel certain sales made at your home, workplace, or temporary seller locations.
Learn when to leave asbestos undisturbed in your older home and when it's critical to call a trained, accredited professional for safety.
Understand your radon test results, what the EPA recommends, and how to decide if your home needs a radon reduction system to protect your health.
Learn where to put smoke alarms, how to test them monthly, when to change batteries yearly, and replace the units every 10 years.
Learn where to place carbon monoxide alarms, recognize poisoning symptoms, and safely operate portable generators to protect your home and family.
Learn when to safely clean mold yourself after a leak and when to call a professional, focusing on size, source, and safety.
If your home was built before 1978, specific lead-safe renovation rules apply to protect your family from lead dust during projects.
Learn to spot home repair scams after a storm by recognizing common red flags, vetting contractors, and understanding safe payment practices.
Learn how to compare home repair quotes line by line to understand differences in cost, materials, and services, helping you choose the right contractor.
Figures and rules come from sources like the FTC, EPA and CPSC, listed at the end of every guide.
Every guide is automatically checked against its sources, and pressure tactics, guarantees and endorsements are blocked.
We are not a contractor, we do not recommend companies, and no one can pay to be mentioned.
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