Now if it involves cleaning out a sewer line or locating a pipe leakage inside a wall or underneath flooring, that's when a you call in the licensed professional.  

When he removed the pipe underneath, he didn't put something to catch water, and made a big water mess she had to clean up with a towel.  

Also, I watched a well-respected long-time company install some laminate in one of my rentals and noticed that after they had the sink opening cut, and before they attached anything to the countertop, they rolled a coat of clear polyurethane over all the vulnerable cut edges - the sink opening, underneath the dishwasher, at the 45 joints - and let that dry before finishing up the install.

After removing the popcorn ceiling from that room, I found that the finishing plaster underneath was uneven. 

As you've notified us you have soiled the carpets please arrange to have them professionally cleaned within 10 days, send me a copy of your receipt and a date when we may come inspect them after being cleaned.Light fixtures washer dryer - You need someone reliable in the area to diagnose and see when replacement is necessary.

It's a garden.... they aren't trying to build a deck and patio out back.. it's soil and seeds.

With regards to fixing it up, we replaced the old fridge and dishwasher with brand new stainless steel ones, and removed the old carpets from the bedrooms which have nice hardwood floors underneath.

if its an older home with cast iron soil pipe the soil pipe flange was leaded in and they can deteriate over time and fail. 

I go look at it and see what's underneath.  

If you're worried about water, aside from buying non-pressboard vanities, you can also seal the exposed edges of the vanity with a polyurethane (learned this trick from countertop installers who do it underneath the counter where the dishwasher and sink go), set it on a waterproof base/pedestal, or just replace it when it starts to warp and rot.