Why is my house .com

Why is my house ?

Illustration of a homeowner thinking about a problem in her house

Finish the sentence. You get ranked causes, a self-test you can do in minutes, an urgency rating, and what the fix actually costs — DIY and professional.

81 diagnosis guidesEvery cause ranked by likelihoodSources cited

Emergencies — read these first

Browse by what is going wrong

Moisture, Water & Mold

Humidity, condensation, wet basements, crawl spaces and mold growth.

All 14 moisture, water & mold guides →

Plumbing, Drains & Sewer

Water pressure, leaks, drains, sewer lines, septic systems and water heaters.

All 11 plumbing, drains & sewer guides →

Electrical, Lighting & Power

Flickering lights, tripping breakers, warm outlets, panels and power loss.

All 7 electrical, lighting & power guides →

Heating, Cooling & Air

Uneven temperatures, weak airflow, humidity control, dust and energy use.

All 22 heating, cooling & air guides →

Foundation & Structure

Cracks, settlement, sloping floors, sticking doors and structural movement.

All 8 foundation & structure guides →

Roof, Attic & Gutters

Leaks, stains, shingles, attic ventilation, ice dams, gutters and chimneys.

Pests & Wildlife

Insects, rodents, termites and animals in attics, walls and crawl spaces.

All 9 pests & wildlife guides →

Smells & Odors

Musty, sewage, gas, rotten-egg, burning and chemical odors — and which are emergencies.

Windows, Doors & Exterior

Drafty windows, foggy glass, siding, brick, stucco and exterior trim.

Yard, Drainage & Property

Grading, standing water, driveways, patios, decks, fences and retaining walls.

Services explained

What each contractor actually does on site, and how to judge the bid.

Repair cost guides

Typical ranges, national averages and the line items behind the number.

Compare your options

Two contractors, two recommendations — here is what separates them.