A stain appears on the ceiling. A crack develops beside a window. The pipes begin knocking, a drain smells unpleasant, or an appliance suddenly behaves differently. Something may be wrong with the house, but how can you tell what matters, what might be causing it, and when professional help is necessary?

Before You Call a Tradesperson is a practical guide to understanding the warning signs that homes give before the source of a problem becomes clear. From leaks, damp and mould to structural cracks, unusual noises, drainage problems and electrical warning signs, Etienne Psaila explains how to recognise symptoms without jumping to conclusions.

Written for ordinary homeowners rather than technical specialists, this book helps readers distinguish minor concerns from potentially urgent situations, understand why visible damage does not always reveal its source, and describe problems accurately when contacting a plumber, electrician, builder, surveyor or other professional.

This is not a manual for attempting risky repairs. It is a guide to observing more carefully, asking better questions, avoiding unnecessary assumptions and knowing when to leave the investigation to qualified experts.

Understand what your home may be telling you before deciding what needs to be done.

Disclaimer: This book is for general information only and does not replace professional inspection, repair, engineering advice or emergency assistance. Electrical, gas, structural and other hazardous problems must be handled by appropriately qualified professionals. Any trademarks or brand names mentioned remain the property of their respective owners; their use does not imply affiliation or endorsement.