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What to do when a home problem appears

Most repair mistakes come from rushing. This order puts safety first, then understanding, then the decision. These pages are general information, not a substitute for a licensed professional.

1. Check for danger

Gas smell, burning, sparks, water near electrics or a sagging ceiling mean stop and get safe first. Run through the stop and call now checklist. For electrical symptoms, read what electrical problems are not safe to DIY.

2. Work out what is going on

Match your symptom to a guide: a water leak, a tripping breaker, an AC that stops cooling or a wall crack. If you suspect a hidden leak, try the water meter leak test.

3. Decide who fixes it

Use the DIY or pro decision guide, then gather photos, dates and model numbers with the document before you call checklist.

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