We are family owned and locally owned business we thrive for your full satisfaction and we try to have fun doing it. We want to make dreams come true with all of our clients. We offer competitive pricing.
"The technician was prompt, took apart the fireplace, cleaned and put it back together. She made sure everything was laid out on a towel, so nothing was dirtied. She reviewed how to use the unit and was very helpful. All done in a reasonable amount of time."
"The crew showed up at 7am, put out tarps and got right to work strippng off the shingles. The tear off was done by noon and they got to replacing shingles and adding the ridge vent. In all our encounters with the workers they were very polite and professional and answered our questions knowledgeably. They stayed until 8pm to finish the roof and then came back at 6am the next morning to clean up. Our neighbors have all commented on how quickly they worked and how good the end result looks. We absolutely would recommend them. "
"contractor was very busy with another job but did communicate with me and completed the work when he had an opening. I did appreciate this since it was during the high 90 degree weather.n pu "
Total Builders is committed to providing the highest form of customer service and customer satisfaction in the industry. Please call for your personal consultation.
We are a complete general contractor - we can develop, build commercial, all types of residential remodeling and new construction, as well as offer great services on any smaller home improvement need.
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\nWe specialize in engineered post frame construction, horse, farm suburban and commercial buildings. We are able to do the complete contracting job for our customers from start to finish efficiently and with great customer care.
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\nWe also specialize in steel roofing on buildings and homes as well and are proud to offer NEW DECRA SHINGLES FOR RESIDENTIAL HOMES WITH A FIFTY YEAR WARRANTY THAT CAN BE LAID OVER EXISTING ASPHALT SHINGLES - ONE OF THE GREATEST ROOFING PRODUCTS WE HAVE DISCOVERED IN THE MARKET PLACE!
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\nWe consider ourselves "IOWA'S BEST!" - call us today!
We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.
"They were responsive. They showed up when they said they would be there. I am going to call them this spring. I did not get the work done because of the weather conditions."
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says that chimneys and their associated elements like fireplaces, vents, or stoves should be cleaned at least once a year before the start of seasonal use. According to the Chimney Safety Institute of America, a chimney should be cleaned when there is 1/8 inch of soot buildup. If there’s more than that, creosote—a flammable byproduct of burning wood—can form and increase the risk of a chimney fire.
Compared to certain types of firewood like pine or spruce—which burn off sticky resin contained within the wood that creates lots of smoke—elm isn’t the worst option for burning in a fireplace.
Because elm wood is dense, it burns at a moderate pace and does a pretty good job of keeping your home warm. Hardwood like maple or oak may perform slightly better, but elm isn’t a bad choice overall.
Wood-burning fireplaces typically make homeowners insurance more expensive, simply because they increase the risk for a fire in your home. Gas and electric inserts are less likely to bring up your insurance rates, but you should always speak with your agent to understand how installing any type of fireplace will affect your premiums.
Fireplace inserts are essentially wood, gas, or electric stoves designed to fit into an existing masonry fireplace. People opt to install inserts because traditional fireplaces can lose a lot of heat, require more maintenance, and may impact indoor air quality. A fireplace insert installer near you can help you decide which brand and size fit your home.
A well-constructed and regularly maintained brick chimney can last 50 to 100 years, potentially spanning multiple generations of homeowners. The exact lifespan depends on the quality of construction, materials, local environment, and maintenance. In contrast, a metal chimney typically lasts 15 to 20 years. While the main structure is durable, individual components have shorter lifespans and require more frequent replacement. For example, mortar may need repointing every 20 to 30 years, chimney crowns last 50 to 75 years, and liners can last anywhere from 15 to 50 years depending on the material (e.g., stainless steel vs. cast-in-place).
The Winthrop, IA homeowners’ guide to fireplace services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
With a gas fireplace, it’s important to stay up-to-date on your inspections. Learn more about how much gas fireplace inspections cost before you book one.
Find out if you really need a chimney to install a fireplace in your home. This guide helps you understand your options, such as a ventless fireplace, when choosing the right fireplace for your home if you don't have a chimney.