Hardboard Siding: Is it on your Side?

Posted by Total Construction Roofing Omaha on

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

Posted by Total Construction Roofing Omaha on

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

Maintenance is a must for your Omaha roof

Posted by Total Construction Roofing Omaha on

With the potential for hail storms to roll through greater Omaha, your roof is in constant danger of bombardment. Thinking that your roof suffered damage in a storm and calling for an inspection isn’t always enough to warrant an insurance claim. Many insurance companies look at a variety of factors when determining if insurance will cover damage.

1. How wide spread was the hail damage?

Damage to a singular roof in your Omaha neighborhood or area might raise a red flag for insurance companies. If a number of residents from a particular area all file claims, insurance companies are more likely to approve the claim for your property. It is important to speak with neighbors in your vicinity, if you think you have any hail damage to your Omaha roofing.

2. Negligence is cause for denial.

Just about all insurance policies imply that it is the homeowners responsibility to provide routine maintenance. If your Omaha roofing was in need of repair prior to a storm, an insurance company can deny your claim based on the lack of care. Often times insurance companies do not want to pay for the cost of an entire new roof, so showing that you provide routine maintenance (fixing leaks, address damage as it occurs) can increase your standing with your insurance company.

3. Have a certified 3rd party look at your roof!

At Total Construction Services, we have HAAG certified inspectors who are trained to examine and estimate the amount of damage and the work required to fix your Omaha roofing. We work directly with insurance adjusters, providing inspection services and estimates upon request of insurance providers.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Why adjusters call on Omaha’s Total Construction

Posted by Total Construction Roofing Omaha on

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

The surprise storms that shook eastern Nebraska—and the aftermath

Posted by Total Construction Roofing Omaha on

It caused millions of dollars in damage. It leveled nearly half a town’s homes and businesses—including a whole school and a church—and caused grief and suffering for many Nebraskans. It even led federal warning coordination meteorologist, Greg Carbin, to coin the phrase “Nebraska Nasty”.

According to the Omaha World-Herald, the June weather of 2014—with its wildly destructive hailstorms and tornadoes—placed our state on the list of the nation’s most remarkable weather of 2014. It’s a distinction that is as tragic as it is unexaggerated. After all, four EF4 tornadoes occurred in Nebraska in one day. Much of the town of Pilger, NE, was leveled by tornadoes, while other towns, such as Blair, were pummeled by softball-sized hailstones being hurled by winds up to 90 mph.

It’s a disaster still being felt by many nearly eight months later.

But thankfully, progress is returning. A growing number of Pilger’s 73 homes that were destroyed are now being rebuilt, and Blair’s once 550 building permits have skyrocketed to nearly 5,000.

For towns like Pilger and Blair, top-level contractors are more necessary than ever. And that’s why Total Construction is once again on the scene, working closely with insurance companies and homeowners alike to provide solutions and the peace of mind that comes from experience.

When storms hit, we act.

Total Construction Services carries a strong history of expert repair amidst the worst storm damages suffered by Nebraska homeowners. Just as we’ve been widely present in the wake of last year’s terrible streak of storms, we’re also equipped for whatever 2015 can deliver—and ready to combat the Midwest’s unruly storms with decades of hardened Nebraska experience.

We know construction—and insurance.

With an In-House Insurance Claims Center, Total Construction works with adjustors from several insurance companies year-round. We can expertly address every need and concern—down to the slightest detail—with a strong local knowledge of the best materials and best practices to do repairs right the first time. Our job is to make the process seamless between adjustor and homeowner, leaving both parties satisfied.

Nobody wants disaster to strike. But when it does, we’re here to help with our comprehensive approach to service that has twice earned us the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award. We can help you restore the calm after the storm.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Is there mold in your household? Telltale signs and what to do.

Posted by Total Construction Roofing Omaha on

While mold is especially prevalent in homes during the stormy season—and often dangerous to human health—it’s also a solution easily fixed once the problem is identified. The following are a few quick tips to recognize mold and rid of it fast.

Bodily symptoms. If you’re suffering from allergies, there’s a chance mold is growing somewhere in your home. Whether you’re experiencing sore eyes, sneezing, runny nose or most of all, a spike in your allergies while you’re at home, it’s time to call a mold remediation expert.

Visible signs. While most people can spot mold with their eyes, they can just as easily overlook it, too. Don’t just ignore small growths that may appear as harmless marks of soot or dirt. This could be a sign of a mold growth in your infrastructure and it’s important to take action immediately. Also take note of any discoloration on walls, ceilings and floors, which could hint that mold is dwelling underneath.

Suspicious odor. You know that musty smell that you associate with mold? Well, if you detect it, it’s probably a positive indicator. Don’t dismiss it.

Water problems. With our especially torrential rain season this year running through September, always remember that water is the mother of mold. If you’ve had water problems in the house—whether recently or with past leaks or floods—it’s a fairly good sign you could have mold. Even internal house leaks caused by faulty pipes, for example, oftentimes lead to mold. It’s simple. When water dwells in the house where it should not, so can mold.

What to do next.

If you have mold, it’s time to get bold. Contact a mold remediation expert immediately—even if you’re uncertain. They can help to better detect mold, utilize the right equipment for the job, and remove it fast so your home is restored to a clean bill of health.

For professional mold remediation or water damage repair, you can always call the experts serving the Omaha Metro and beyond since 1987.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Looking for a great Contractor? Seek a Preferred Insurance Vendor.

Posted by Total Construction Roofing Omaha on

Whether your home has incurred storm or hail damage, fire damage, water damage or otherwise, you’ll need two professional parties to assist you: your insurance company and, of course, a construction contractor. The good news is, you can kill two birds with one stone by asking your insurance about a Preferred Insurance Vendor—that is, an experienced Construction Contractor who’s on their VIP list for providing dependable service again and again.

Preferred means Progress.

Working with a contractor who has a preferred relationship with your insurance ensures a quick response for the policyholder and the best possible service in the least amount of time. Why? A preferred vendor doesn’t make the cut by being mediocre. They have to earn such a status. It’s proof that they offer a professional level of efficiency and a full scope of work that’s essential in the claims process. For example, a few telltale traits of a preferred vendor may include:

• An in-house Insurance Claims Division, which lends even more speed and experience to getting the job done at the right price.
• HAAG-certified Roof Inspection capabilities, which means the contractor can assist your adjuster in identifying the right building materials and help you avoid unnecessary costs.
• Many years of estimating experience and close collaboration with adjusters, engineers, architects, building inspectors—the entire array of professionals—to keep all processes smooth.
• A sound warranty to back up its claim of quality work.

Of course, these are just a few benefits of a preferred vendor—in addition to the obvious perk of saving you time trying to hunt down a good contractor.

Remember, like all businesses, insurance companies are also interested in customer retention. And that’s why they won’t waste everyone’s time by suggesting a subpar contractor.

Total Construction has served the Midwest since 1987 with quality repair, restoration and remodeling. We’ve worked with several well-known insurance providers and continually win awards for our level of service. And that’s why customers prefer us, too.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Storm damage? Avoid a waiting list.

Posted by Total Construction Roofing Omaha on

If hail or high winds have affected your property, don’t fret—expert repair services are available to you at a minimal wait. Total Construction is operating at fuller strength than ever to address this season’s first wave of major storms. From handling homeowner’s claims across Omaha, to claims across the Midwest including the aftermath in Red Oak, Iowa, our company carries the proven capacity and experience necessary to get you back to normal fast—wherever you live, whenever a storm hits.

Want efficiency? Seek experience first.

To ensure that we can serve you quickly—and complete the job thoroughly—our fleet operates in conjunction with our in-house insurance claims center and veteran estimators. It’s a one-two punch of experience that can expertly address both your property needs and all paperwork that arises. We’re also affiliated with a network of top third party roofers in the nation, giving us greater experience handling emergency situations and providing faster—yet finer—repairs to each home we serve. We can eliminate the obstacles that often cause delays or discrepancies in the repair process. It’s a part of our skillset.

Want more proof? Seek awards.

Total Construction has been serving Omaha and surrounding areas for 27 years. In that time, we’ve been awarded the Better Business Bureau Integrity Award and been honored as a GAF Master Elite roofing contractor—a feat that only 3% of North America’s roofing contractors have ever achieved. Add that to a list of satisfied customer testimonials that continues to grow.

When a storm hits, it’s our duty to inform you that better options are available. Because we’ve seen the grief a damaged home can cause—but moreover, seen the joy when a home is well repaired, on time.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

A trend that’s lowering premiums and growing fast.

Posted by Total Construction Roofing Omaha on

Alternative shingles can lower premiums and lessen storm damage.

Modern-day homeowners (thanks to modern technology) are catching on to an emerging piece of wisdom in the construction world: a roof can now provide more than just protection. It can also lower insurance costs, resist fire, resist the impact of hail and enjoy greater longevity.

In other words, the age of traditional wooden shingles (or “shake” shingles) is slowly giving way to alternative shingles that are better for the home and the wallet. And that’s exactly why new-option shingles are fast becoming a trend: there’s no sacrifice on safety, quality, value or aesthetical appeal. It’s a win-win—and then some.

The alternative to wooden shingles: a new tradition for homeowners.

While, of course, several homes still use wooden shingles, an increasing amount are switching to alternatives that include concrete slate-type shingles and polymer plastic shingles, to name a few—not only for their homes, but for their insurance companies who highly approve.

How you can educate yourself.
If you’re looking for proof or where to begin, start by asking the right questions. You can ask a qualified construction contractor about the non-flammable rating when looking at potential shingle alternatives. You can also ask for options that are class 4 impact-resistant, which may qualify you for insurance discounts up to 30% or more. In certain hail events, insurers are even known to waive your deductible if you use class 4 shingles.

It’s also good to check with your homeowner’s association for the neighborhood standards when it comes to roofs. Older neighborhoods may use neutral tones (which alternative shingling can often match in color). But newer neighborhoods, at a growing rate, are exploring bolder, more colorful options than the earthy monotones of the past. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter roofs. Variety is becoming the new standard.

But above all else, a better roof is all about the insurability and longevity of your home. And that’s something that all homeowners can agree on.

For more information on exploring roofing alternatives and lowering insurance premiums, you can always call the experts at Total Construction serving the metro since 1987.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

Times are changing: Important information about your roof in 2014.

Posted by Total Construction Roofing Omaha on

2014 marks new changes in the roofing industry.

As winter recedes and gives way to the storm and hail season, it’s also important to be aware of some other changes that could affect your roof. From insurance changes, to emergent roofing scams, to valuable information on securing a better roof for your home, the following tips will help you protect your finances while protecting the longevity of your home.

It’s time to double-check your home’s insurance policy.

If you live where hail happens most often—the Midwest being a prime example—a shorter lifespan on a roof is more likely. Insurance companies are aware of this and while most offer good comprehensive service, some are looking to cut their losses by limiting your roof coverage. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, hail-related claims increased 84% between 2010 and 2012.

Look for these changes in your renewal policy:

  • Refusal to cover roofs over a certain age (like 10 years)
  • Adding a separate hail deductible that’s subtracted from what you’re paid on a hail claim
  • Excluding cosmetic damage like dents in metal roofs, siding, or copper trim
  • Roof inspections that note the condition and age of your roof before issuing a policy
  • Not covering roofs made from obsolete shingles (thus making it difficult to buy replacement shingles)
  • Doing partial roof repairs instead of replacing your whole roof (possibly leaving you with a patch that’s a different color than your original roof)

Also, as another note of caution, be weary of insurers paying actual cash value rather than replacement value for roof damage. This means insurance will discount your roof claim based on how old your roof is—leaving you with a lower claims payment and a higher-dollar roof replacement bill. A great way to find out if this applies to you? Read the declaration page of your policy—or simply call your insurance agent.

Get wise to reduce vulnerability to hail—and scammers.

If you live in areas prone to hail, your roof will likely need to be replaced every seven to 10 years compared with every 20 years in less stormy areas. That’s why it’s good to educate yourself with a few tips when you choose materials to upgrade, repair, or replace your home’s exterior components. For example, look for roofing materials rated by UL 2218 or FM 4473 as class 3 or 4. It’s like a code that says they’re proven to withstand hailstorms. Choose materials rated for the wind speed in your area. You can even ask your insurance agent if you qualify for a homeowners insurance discount for using storm-resistant building materials. But above all, use an experienced contractor (ideally one who has an insurance claims division to make the process smoother) who can properly install a roof to withstand high winds.

But it’s not just hail that can damage your roof; it’s also fraud. Be skeptical of any roofers who show up after a hailstorm offering to check your roof for damage. Once they’re up there, they may further damage your roof, or worsen what the storm did, then offer to make repairs. The best way to protect yourself? Only allow reliable, experienced, licensed contractors to examine your roof—who are even more credible if they’ve won local awards. Don’t respond to offers claiming you can get a “free” roof (the scammers are assuming your insurance will pay for it), and make sure anyone you hire to repair your roof uses proper storm-resistant materials.

Have more questions or just need some simple answers? Call the roofing experts serving the Midwest since 1987.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com