Leaks and squeaks have been known to be nightmares in the construction industry. Why? Because they can be so costly and time-consuming to repair. However, a painful amount of patience is all it usually takes to discover a leak. Not very expensive when you consider the alternative. Use a water hose to flood the area around the leak. Start at a level below the suspect spot, and work upward in 10-to-15-minute intervals. A helper in the attic with a flashlight could prove to be an invaluable assistant. Finding the leak before calling the repair contractor can reduce a $500 roof repair to one that can be fixed for $75 or less. And that's the On The House tip for today.