5 things to consider when deciding on a new roof

Posted by Total Construction Roofing Omaha on

When it’s time for a new roof, it’s also time to know a few tricks of the trade that will make your experience far easier. From enhancing the protective qualities of your roof, to lowering overall costs, you can prepare yourself with these five useful tips.

1) Alternative shingles are becoming the new trend.
While, of course, several homes still use wooden shingles, a growing 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. Ask a contractor about the non-flammable rating as well as options that are class 4 impact-resistant, which may qualify you for insurance discounts up to 30% or more. In the event of hail, a class 4 may even, in certain instances, cause insurers to waive your deductible.

2) Qualifications.
When selecting a roofing contractor, nothing outshines the competition like industry awards and local customer testimonials. Seek them both. In terms of quality, if the roofer has achieved GAF Master Elite Status, that already places them among the top 3% in North America. It’s simple: when you research a company, research its honors and distinctions as well.

3) Emergency response.
Another important factor to look for: experience. It’s always good to have a veteran roofing contractor holstered and ready in the event of emergency storm damage. Decades of regional experience show that they can work gracefully in the aftermath of a storm while being especially prepared for everything the local climate can deliver. Another sound indicator of good service? An in-house Insurance Claims Division that works directly with insurance to save you money—while saving you needless paperwork.

4) Double check your home’s insurance policy.
If you live where hail occurs more often—the Midwest being a prime example—a shorter lifespan on a roof is a common occurrence. While most insurance companies offer good comprehensive service, be proactive and educate yourself by looking for any changes in your renewal policy that may include:

  • 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
  • Not covering roofs made from obsolete shingles (thus making it different to buy replacement shingles)
  • Doing partial roof repairs instead of replacing your whole roof (possibly leaving you with a patch that’s different color than your original roof)

5) Warranty.
Of course, good roofing companies offer a long-lasting roof warranty, which is a prime indicator that they stand behind their level of quality.

Serving the Metro and beyond since 1987, Total Construction is prepared to handle all your needs—even if you just have questions.

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com

We handle insurance claims

Posted by Total Construction Roofing Omaha on

After storm, water, or fire, damages your home, you should call us at Total Construction Services. We routinely work with insurance companies to provide accurate inspections and estimates, and work tirelessly to get your home back to normal.

In 2013 we handled claims from
• Allstate
• American Family
• Farmers
• The Hartford
• Nationwide
• Travelers
• State Farm
• USAA

In 2013 Total Construction Services handled over 1,500 claims in the metro alone.
Your provider not on the list? Ask your agent about Total Construction Services.

And if you are worried about hiring the right company…

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

Who’s repairing your Roof? Look for Proof.

Posted by Total Construction Roofing Omaha on

As this storm season unfolds, it seems that wind and hail aren’t the only culprits threatening the integrity of your roof. In a story so peculiar that WOWT investigated and aired it on their evening news, a few brave scammers are cold calling residents across the Metro and posing as Total Construction.

Of course, our job is to ensure that you receive the best roof repair and never get shortchanged by imitators providing subpar work. That’s why we’re sharing the following tips to ensure your roof receives repair from our expert craftsmen—and not counterfeits.

Ignore cold calls.

Total Construction has served the Metro for more than 25 years. We’ve built our name through customer referrals and word of mouth—never solicitation by phone. If someone cold calls you with the Total Construction name, the call is phony (no pun intended).

Get their number and try calling them back.

When you dial it, does it connect to a legitimate company? A human being with a first and last name?

Check for a tangible presence.

Ask where they’re located. Does the company have a legitimate local address? What about a company website? Does the website have real employee profiles that put a real face and name behind their service? Do their trucks and uniforms say Total Construction?

Check for awards, testimonials and credentials.

Total Construction has received the 2010 Better Business Bureau Integrity Award, an abundance of real testimonials from satisfied customers, and a license from the state. It’s illegal to do roofing work in Omaha without a license, and yet another good way to expose an inadequate roofer trying to solicit your business.

Remember, when you need expert roofing, restoration, or remodeling, Total Construction is ready to put our experience to work for you. Accept no substitute!

402.572.7457 | mytotalconstruction.com