Getting Bids

• Estimates from licensed contractors will help you determine the extent of the damage to your house. To get the best idea, you should get at least two bids from two separate contractors, asking each contractor to check the home's structure, plumbing and wiring for any potential hidden damage. Estimates from contractors can vary widely in price, although some contractors will offer free estimates. Getting several estimates will help you find the best deal.
  
  

Doing the Work Yourself

• Compare the work that needs to be done to your own abilities and decide what you can repair or replace yourself. For example, if the vandals put graffiti on the outside of your home, you can likely repaint the exterior yourself. If you're skilled at home repair, you may be able to handle larger jobs like replacing flooring or repairing appliances. Doing some of the work yourself can cut down significantly on the overall cost of repairs.
  
  

Covering the Cost

• Creating a household budget will allow you to see how much you can afford to pay out of pocket for repairs. Subtracting your living expenses from your total income will show you how much excess you have at the end of the month, which you can put toward the cost. You may have to dip into your emergency savings account to cover larger jobs.
  
  

Finding Additional Funding

• If your income and savings do not cover enough to repair your house, you can open a loan or a line of credit. If you own your home, you can open a home equity loan, which allows you to borrow money against the equity in your house. A personal loan does not require that you put down your house as collateral, but it may have a higher interest rate than a home equity loan. For smaller jobs, you can use a credit card or line of credit through a bank.