How to Prevent—or Handle—Frozen Water Pipes for Your Omaha Home

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Winter might be harsh outdoors, but when frozen water pipes burst, the real emergency conditions are, ever so suddenly, indoors. Whether you’re thinking ahead to protect yourself from this bad scenario—or you’re thinking on your toes in an actual pipe-burst situation—you can use the following helpful tips from Omaha home restoration experts to ensure that you act smart. Choose your scenario below.

Prevention Tips:

1. Insulate your water pipes.

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not expanding ice from within a pipe that makes it burst; it’s the remaining liquid water finding nowhere else to go but out. Wherever your pipes are warm to the touch, insulation is likely needed. Insulating your pipes not only serves as a preventative measure for pipe bursts, but also reduces the cost you pay for hot water. Ask a local hardware store for pipe insulation that you can install yourself—quickly and painlessly. You can also receive federal tax credits in the process.

2. Seal those seams.

To keep cold wind away from your pipes, seal cracks and holes in your walls with caulking. Simply walk along the walls of your house and feel for drafts. And for fainter drafts, light an incense stick. When the smoke is offset, there’s a draft. 

3. Some doors are best left open.

Did you know? Kitchen and bathroom cabinets can keep warm inside air from reaching pipes under sinks or in adjacent outside walls. It’s a good idea to keep cabinet doors open during cold spells to let warm air circulate around the pipes to prevent freezing.

4. Don’t hesitate to use your taps.

As long as water is running and pressure doesn’t build up, there’s a far lower risk of freeze and pipes bursting. Also, it’s okay to let faucets lightly drip where you believe there could be risk of cold pipes. The slight relief in pressure prevents potential buildup within your pipes.

5. Leaving for a trip? Don’t over-lower the heat.

While understandably it saves money to lower your thermostat when you’re away from home, it’s important to not be overzealous and allow your home to cool excessively in your absence. A home kept reasonably warm will ensure pipes share the same cozy condition.

Emergency Tips:

In the event of a frozen or broken pipe, it’s best to call a certified professional and Omaha home restoration expert immediately. In the meantime, locate the main water shut-off valve in your home. Depending on where you live and your house type, your shut-off valve may be in a utility room (or on an outside wall in a utility area of the house), crawl space, basement or at the meter. Twist it completely clockwise to interrupt the flow of water.

While a pipe burst requires immediate assistance, you can also call a professional any time of year for additional precautionary tips on how to prevent this worst-case scenario. And for the best repair and restoration in the instance of water damage and other incidents, contact a certified, award-winning construction contractor serving homes and businesses since 1987.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

4 Benefits of Replacing Your Old Windows

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There comes a time in the lifecycle of any house when you have to consider replacing the windows. You may be hesitant at first, especially if you don’t how much you stand to gain from the replacement.

  1. Energy Savings

Outdated windows cannot block thermal transfer as well as modern units. In most cases, they lack weatherproofing features, which allows drafts to seep in and increase your energy bills each month. Replacement windows can eliminate this leakage and help you enjoy better savings on utility bills.11222

  1. Enhanced Appearance

Today’s windows come in a wide array of colors and other options, which can be used to give your home a major facelift. No matter the style of your home, we are confident that you will find a window that suits your taste and budget.

  1. Noise Reduction

If you live near the airport or on a busy street, the noise in your house can become disturbing. Replacing your windows with dual-pane glass can make your home more soundproof. After all, who doesn’t want more peace and quiet in their home?

  1. Maintenance Ease

Windows endure the brunt of harsh weather conditions. If your old windows have wood frames, you probably know how hard it is to keep them looking good, especially after many years. Replacement units, on the other hand, tend to be very low-maintenance. A simple wipe every now and then will leave them looking clean and fresh.

With Total Construction Services, replacing your old windows is just one call away. We provide an exciting selection of siding, windows and other home improvement solutions to keep your home in top shape.

Give us a call today at (402) 572-7457 or fill out our online request form to get a FREE estimate on your next window replacement project. From start to finish, we will work with you to develop a plan that fits your exact needs.

How to inspect your roof for storm or hail damage.

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When it comes to the roof, a heavy storm can leave homeowners scratching their heads as to whether or not they’ve incurred damage. The following are a few easy methods to determine if parts of your roof have gone rogue or remained pristine. And you don’t necessarily have to climb a ladder to do it; sometimes a pair of binoculars and a pair of sharp eyes work best.

Damage to Vents are an easy indicator of hail damage
Spotting dents in your vents is a great indicator that your roof has taken some hail damage.
Spot Shingle Damage Easily
The black marks on these shingles indicate areas where damage has occurred. A professional roofing company will mark and count the number of damaged areas.
Professional Damage Assessment Overview
Insurance companies will use a professional assessment to see how much damage has occurred to the entire roof.
Professional Damage Assesment
A good contractor will climb up on the roof and identify spots where damage has occurred by outlining damage with chalk.

Look for missing or creased shingles.

Although these signs are not always obvious and usually require a professional inspection, whenever a gap or unsightly groove in your shingles is in plain view, it’s a telltale sign that it might be time for a new roof.

Look for granules that have been washed or forced off your roof.

These granules normally protect the asphalt layer under your shingles from UV damage, and losing them not only indicates damage, but also speeds the aging of your roof. You’ll spot them in your driveway or your gutters if there’s been damage.

Check if other parts of your home, yard, or car have hail or storm damage.

If they do, your roof most likely needs replacement. The roof has a vast amount of surface area and often receives the heftiest brunt of a storm. Think of any adjacent storm damage on your property as “symptoms” that can diagnose the wellness of your roof.

Look at your own neighborhood.

If your neighbors are having their roof replaced, or roofing contractors are suddenly visiting your neighborhood, there’s a good chance you’ve sustained damage.

While these are a few simple DIY tips that could save you time and possibly alleviate some concerns, you can always call the experts at Total Construction Services for a free assessment and the most capable, experienced craftsmen giving your roof the utmost scrutiny. Serving Omaha, Papillion, La Vista and surrounding areas since 1987.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Hardboard Siding: Is it on your Side?

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The majority of us don’t live in Beverly Hills, so it’s understandable that we install what we can afford when it comes to our siding. However, in the eyes of top construction contractors, this explains the unfavorable trend of hardboard siding that can be seen on homes everywhere that were built new over the past few decades. While this product still has the appearance of real wood and several homeowners who use it have dodged the bullet thus far when it comes to water damage, today’s generation of contractors are receiving a growing number of calls about aging hardboard siding that has fallen victim to rain or water damage, swelling and patches of deterioration.

Smart Solutions to Siding.

The good news? Good contractors. They can make the process of siding selection, repair, or replacement far less daunting—even enjoyable. They understand what modern materials and woods are affordable and best resistant to water. They can adeptly handle your siding complaints, communicate with your insurance, and quickly restore your home’s precious coat of armor.

As siding options are growing—from time-tested woods to newer, modern-day-engineered materials—smart homeowners can explore products that not only look better, but offer greater protection, equity and coverage from insurance. Simply put, there’s an option that can be tailored in the interests of your home and your wallet.

In the storm-prone Midwest, it’s important to remember that when it comes to siding, never just go skin deep—you could be inviting water into your home years later. Hardboard siding may have a nice-looking shell, but underneath you’ll find heat-compressed wood fibers, wax and resin, which require more maintenance down the road and offer less performance than other brands. Ask any professional.

Questions about siding?

Whether you’ve incurred siding damage or you’re looking to upgrade to a better option or receive consultation, you can always call a certified contractor serving homes in Omaha, Papillion, La Vista and Bellevue since 1987.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Home Improvements Can Lower Insurance Premiums

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Whether it’s roof replacement, new siding or simple repair work, improvements to the home not only increase your property’s value and comfort, but can also decrease your insurance rates. Savvy homeowners can take advantage of this one-two punch to ensure that equity is flowing into their homes–while money is flowing back into their wallets. So if you own a home, or if you’re simply scouting for a new home, the following are some helpful pointers to remember.

A simple phone call could do wonders.

It’s important to realize that, while insurance providers try to be accurate, they’re not always able to see and know everything. If you make an upgrade to your home, whether major or minor, let them know. In one case, a homeowner’s insurance rose 30% at renewal time, prompting him to call his provider. In a turn of events, he discovered that they were unaware he’d hired professional roofers to install a new roof. The result? They decreased his rate to 10% lower than it was originally. One phone call made a difference of 40% in his premium, proving that a little communication can really go a long way. When it comes to the house, if you improve it, announce it.

A few good questions might lead to insights.

Even right now one can look at a home for possible savings opportunities. Here’s one good question to ask: Is the roof new? Nothing speaks better to an underwriter than a roof with proof. New roofs are safer for you, but safer for insurance providers to cover. And if a roof is constructed of impact-resistant shingles, you could qualify for further discounts–especially if you live in a region prone to occasional hail or high winds.

Another good question to ask: How’s the siding?
Insurance companies will check a building’s exterior material before insuring the property–and materials such as brick, stone, and concrete or cementitious siding are fire resistant and could attract greater discounts. On the other hand, an exterior such as EIFS siding (which looks like traditional stucco but is actually different underneath the surface) is not as fire resistant, or impact resistant, thereby drawing a higher insurance rate. You can always contact a construction professional to get the clearest answers.

And when you do search for the best contractor, ask them: Are they a Haag-Certified Roof Inspector? Do they hold a current certified installer accreditation from the shingle manufacturer? Choosing the right professional with experience already puts you at an enormous advantage in several ways, including insurance. In fact, that’s worth repeating.

A trusted contractor pays off when it comes to insurance matters.

It’s common knowledge that finding a company with experience and great references is crucial in any roofing, remodeling or restoration project. But here’s a lesser known fact: Working with your insurance provider on any home issue becomes far simpler, and more cost effective, when you hire an ethical construction contractor. They not only work with your best interests in mind, but earn the trust of your insurance company and ensure that all parties are on the same page.

A contractor with a sound insurance claim department can communicate directly and knowledgeably with your provider to reach optimum results. They speak the language insurance companies use, and know which materials will fetch greater cost savings for you. Moreover, a good contractor will work on your behalf and make your satisfaction a top priority–unlike, for instance, a public adjuster who works for a percentage of a settlement which becomes needless money out of your pocket. And by working with a company who has simultaneous expertise on both the construction end and the claims end, you’ll achieve results while avoiding any wedge that a public adjuster can drive between you and your insurance provider, hampering your relationship.

At Total Construction, we’ve served homeowners since 1987 with expertise in roofing, remodeling and repair. We work entirely on your behalf to ensure all projects completed on your home–and the savings you receive–are equally satisfying.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

4 Reasons You Can Trust Us with Your Contracting Needs

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When damage occurs to your commercial property, one of the first things that will come to mind is finding a reliable contractor to assess the situation and offer solutions. With the high number of commercial contractors available for hire, finding the right one can be tricky. When it comes to commercial construction in Lincoln, NE, Total Construction Services is the company that you can trust to get the job done. Here’s why.

  1. We take a personalized approach.

Nothing’s more critical than finding a contractor who listens closely, understands your ideas and has the skill to handle your project smoothly. We map out a custom plan to suit the requirements of each project. In addition, we understand that time is money, so we work fast without sacrificing quality. This ability to ssssmeet your specific needs is what sets us apart from other contractors

  1. We are Haag-certified.

We are proud to be one of the few Haag-certified roofers in the area. This status allows us to address your needs better and provide accurate evaluations for your property. Haag certification is more than mere experience; it’s an assurance of quality.

Total Construction Services also takes pride in being a GAF Master Elite® Roofing Contractor. This award is proof of our experience and high standing in the community, and our ability to provide only the highest standard of sales, service and installation.

  1. We handle insurance matters for you.

You don’t have to deal with your insurance company on your own. We’ve handled insurance claims in Omaha, NE, and surrounding areas for 25 years. We know how insurance companies work and we will work closely with the adjusters to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

  1. We offer a wide range of services.

While other contractors may limit themselves to one specialty, Total Construction provides a variety of expert services. From remodeling, restoration and roofing projects to minor and whole-structure repairs, we can handle the lot from start to finish. This way, you don’t have to contact multiple contractors for your building’s needs.

For more information or to schedule a FREE consultation, give us a call at (402) 572-7457. You can also fill out our online form and we will get in touch.

 

The new trends in shake shingles

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Shake shingles may be the sharpest looking roofs out there. The classic lines instantly give your home an impressive look. Many Omaha homeowners look to cedar shakes to give that extra dash of class. These shakes often come with some drawbacks. Replacement cost for raw materials has increased in recent years, leaving many insurance policies on shaky ground. As your cedar shakes break down over time, you should keep in mind potential replacement materials.

Composite Polymer

(Enviroshake®):

These shakes have the closest look to the wood shingles. Made from polymer reinforced with fiber and resins, these shingles have heighten resistance to cracking and thermal shock. Made from 95% recycled and reclaimed materials, these shingles are resistant to discoloration, and are made from natural fibers to replicate the look of real wood. They are also resistant to mold, mildew and insects.

Plastic and Synthetics

Plastic is a polymer that has no fiber reinforcement. Many varieties of these products exist, and are made to duplicate different looking roof options. Use of plastic roofing has been on the rise, most likely due to lower product costs. Plastic roofing shingles are lightweight, and easy to install. While the costs may be reduced, the look of this shingles often leaves homeowners wanting more.

Clay

Although top of the line clay shingles have minimal water absorption and high resistance to thermal shock and cracking, their inability to withstand freeze-thaw makes them an illogical choice for geographies where cold weather conditions are prevalent. The benefit to clay tiles, is that if properly maintained, they can last a lifetime.

Rubber

Made from recycled materials, rubber offers a sustainable way to keep your home safe. Rubber resists cracking, discoloration, mold, and withstand harsher climates. These shingles generally take a bit of maintenance and can be problematic in windy situations.

With all the options out there, your best option might be to call the roofing experts at Total Construction Services. Our professionals can explain all the options, and help you decide on the best look for your roof.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Seek Omaha Contracting Experts for a Beautiful and Safe Home Remodel

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The economy is in better shape and confidence is returning. This can be seen in neighborhoods nationwide, and especially in Omaha, where more dumpsters are visible in front of homes as remodels are on the upswing once again. So yes, it’s a fantastic time to think about that sensational Omaha home remodel you’ve been dreaming about, including new roofing—as long as you think safety first.

Lead and asbestos and mold, oh my.

While remodels are always exciting, it’s important to protect your family and children first by hiring a qualified Omaha contractor and roofing expert. Why? Because only the best-trained technicians have the experience and equipment necessary to handle the dangerous materials that can sometimes be jarred loose during a remodel—especially in older homes. Examples may include:

Lead.

There are numerous sources of lead in our environment. It doesn’t decompose or rot, so it stays in place for a long time. The major source of lead is from lead contaminated dust—most of which comes from old paint. It can also exist on walls, woodwork, siding, doors, windows and lead plumbing pipes. This poses a more serious risk for children than adults—a risk that you’ll eliminate when you choose the right Omaha residential remodeler who knows how to completely eradicate traces of lead or dust.

Asbestos.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Assume that your home, if it’s older, contains asbestos in the walls and insulation. The only way to be perfectly certain, however, is to have it analyzed by specialists. The right Omaha remodeling team will bring this necessary skill to the job to keep you protected from hazards.

Mold.

Moisture and housing materials, when combined, often create mold. This can become airborne and pose a respiratory threat. But again, in 2015, the right professionals are equipped to handle this in its entirety.

Safe is beautiful.

In the hands of top remodeling professionals, the results for your home will not only be outstanding, but more importantly, thorough. A good remodel goes beneath the surface and does the job correctly, right down to your Omaha home’s underlying infrastructure. When remodeled by experts, you can rest assured that every square foot of your home, including roofing, will look spectacular—and be even safer than it was before the remodel. And that’s a win-win for any homeowner.

Whether you’re looking for top technicians or roofing experts for the job—or your seeking a career in this rewarding field at an award-winning company—contact the experts at Omaha’s Total Construction today.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Considering a remodel? Know this before you begin.

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Without a doubt, home remodeling is an exciting time. In fact, it’s so exciting for many homeowners that they’ll start a project too quickly without doing their research. Remember, before snagging the first available Omaha remodeling and roofing crew and diving into those great ideas—tempting as that might be—it’s important that you to shop around and choose the best Omaha contractor that’s right for you.

Remodeling: make it personal.

Nothing’s more important than finding a contractor that listens closely, sees your exact vision and above all, carries the experience to build your dreams without a hitch. The following are some proof points you can use to ensure you’re welcoming genuine craftsmanship into your Omaha home—and not counterfeit companies:

  • Insured and bonded.
    Make sure any Omaha roofing and remodeling candidate you’re researching has these crucial forms of protection for you, the customer, before starting any job. This will ensure that you’re working with a reputable professional while providing some recourse if something goes wrong. And speaking of insurance, ask your provider for a list of preferred Omaha contractors they often work with.
  • Qualifications and awards.
    On top of making sure a potential Omaha contractor has an active license in Nebraska, look for additional signs of quality. Do they carry IICRC certification? If roofing work is involved, are they HAAG certified? You can also check if they’ve been awarded by local Omaha business groups such as the Better Business Bureau.
  • References.
    Look for customer testimonials about the company. Do they receive positive reviews? What do third parties like Angie’s List have to say? Additionally, you may ask to be introduced to the lead person who may be working on your home and assess their experience for yourself. Remember, this is your home. Be as selective as you like when choosing your Omaha contractor.

Home sweet home improvement.

When it comes to finding the right Omaha home remodeling and roofing professionals, choose them as carefully as you’d select a new furniture set. You won’t regret the results.

For all of your remodeling or Omaha roofing needs or questions—as well as career inquiries within this rewarding field that demands top technicians more than ever—contact the experts at Total Construction today.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Why adjusters call on Omaha’s Total Construction

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Home damage happens. But when the storm season hits, insurance claims skyrocket. That’s why adjusters—amidst the frenzy of trying to handle case after case with unflinching accuracy and best practice—need a go-to Omaha contractor who’s equally reliable. Here are three reasons why many major insurance companies choose us and entrust us to uphold their great reputations.

1) On-site expertise.

With over 25 years serving our Omaha community, adjusters and homeowners have come to trust the Total Construction name. That’s why adjusters call us first for a ladder assist. When roofing is a touch too unstable, too steep, or otherwise troublesome, insurance companies rely on Total Construction to safely and efficiently evaluate any damage. Not only do we assist with on-site inspections in Omaha, we have an in-house insurance division that works directly with adjusters, often serving as a liaison between adjuster and customer. We’ll ensure the most accurate estimates, prevent any discrepancies between parties and make the process far simpler—and more accurate—for everyone.

2) HAAG Certification

All of Total Construction Services inspectors are HAAG-Certified. This might be jargon to most folks, but your insurance agent looks for this certification and so should you.

HAAG Certification ensures that contractors are a true authority when it comes to storm damage, especially when it comes to damage to your Omaha home’s roofing. Inspectors with certification can quickly and accurately inspect for damage and can evaluate appropriately. More important—these conclusions have true credibility. HAAG Certification is more than just experience. It’s the right kind of experience.

3) Award-winning service.

In addition to multiple awards, distinctions and customer testimonials for our work, Total Construction has also won the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award—twice. Amidst a vast choice of construction contractors and Omaha roofing contractors, we don’t just bring the promise of good work. We bring proof.

Insurance companies can’t afford to waste their time on subpar contractors and roofing companies. At Total Construction, we not only understand that, we’ve worked hard to demonstrate it for two decades.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com