My attached patio cover is pulling away from the house. What's the first step to fix this?

This is a serious structural issue and needs immediate attention. First, carefully inspect the ledger board where the canopy attaches to your house. Look for signs of rot, loose fasteners, or compromised flashing above it. Water intrusion often causes the ledger to rot, losing its ability to hold the canopy securely. This isn't a DIY job. You'll need a licensed general contractor and likely a structural engineer to assess the damage properly. Any structural repair or replacement will require a building permit to ensure safety and code compliance. Repair costs vary widely depending on the extent of the rot and if your house's framing is also affected.