Home & Garden Articles

Garage floors deal with vehicle weight, tire debris, oil drips, tools, storage equipment, moisture, and constant foot traffic, so bare concrete can begin looking worn fairly quickly. The benefits of epoxy flooring for garage floors include added surface protection, simpler cleaning, decorative choices, and a finished surface that can handle demanding household use. Homeowners should also consider installation cost, concrete condition, moisture, lifespan, and preparation before choosing a coating. “Every system is custom-built based on how you use the space and the condition of your concrete,” a representative of Optima Concrete Coatings said in company guidance. Garage use should guide coating selection. Concrete condition matters before installation. Preparation affects adhesion and...

A 2026 survey conducted by The New Orleans Times named Optima Concrete Coatings the winner for Best Concrete Coating Services in New Orleans. The recognition reflects the planning, surface preparation, coating choices, installation process, and customer communication that go into a floor meant to handle years of use. Optima Concrete Coatings being voted best for concrete coating services in New Orleans in 2026 highlights a company that approaches residential, commercial, and industrial floors according to their condition rather than applying one system everywhere. The reasons behind the recognition include more than two decades of combined experience, engineering knowledge, moisture control, detailed preparation, custom finishes, and long-term floor protection. Founded in 2020 by...

A survey conducted by The New Orleans Times named Daigle AC and Heating the winner for Best AC Repair Company in Metairie, LA 2026. The recognition reflects qualities customers look for when cooling equipment fails, including response time, workmanship, communication, service options, and support after repairs. Being voted the best AC repair company in Metairie for 2026 places Daigle AC and Heating among the companies recognized for keeping customers comfortable when air conditioning problems interrupt daily life. The reasons behind that distinction include 24-hour availability, an operating history dating to 2006, warranties, repair choices, maintenance programs, and experience with residential and commercial HVAC equipment. Serving customers since 2006 On call 24 hours a day...

An annual survey conducted by The New Orleans Times collected feedback from homeowners about their experiences with flooring contractors, and KBLR Construction earned the highest recognition. For the second consecutive year, KBLR Construction was voted Best Flooring Contractor in New Orleans 2026 because of dependable workmanship, attentive project management, and lasting customer confidence. Flooring contributes significantly to home durability, comfort, and indoor conditions, especially since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that moisture control and material quality can affect long-term structural performance. The sections below explore the reasons KBLR Construction received this recognition and how its approach continues to benefit homeowners. EPA links flooring...

An annual survey conducted by The New Orleans Times named Poseidon Pools as the winner for Best Pool Builder in New Orleans, LA 2026, marking the second year in a row the company earned this recognition. Homeowners highlighted precise workmanship, dependable communication, and custom backyard planning as major reasons the company ranked ahead of other pool contractors. Poseidon Pools gained attention for building custom swimming pools that combine comfort, appearance, and long-lasting structural strength. The sections below explain why Poseidon Pools was voted best pool builder in New Orleans, LA 2026 and how the company continues helping families create outdoor spaces built for everyday use and entertaining. The New Orleans Times selected Poseidon Pools through community voting...

Pool builders continue to experience substantial demand throughout the New Orleans region as homeowners invest in customized outdoor retreats, modern backyard layouts, and lasting property upgrades. More than 40 pool construction companies across Greater New Orleans were evaluated based on ratings, installation quality, architectural creativity, customer experiences, and overall industry reputation. The businesses below distinguished themselves through refined craftsmanship, imaginative pool concepts, organized project oversight, and reliable customer satisfaction across a wide range of residential projects. 1. Poseidon Pools Website: https://poseidonpools23.com/ Location: New Orleans, LA Google Rating: 4.9+ Facebook Recommendation Score: 96%+ Area Expertise: Custom pool construction,...

Concrete coating companies continue to grow throughout New Orleans as homeowners and businesses invest in stronger, longer-lasting surfaces for garages, patios, warehouses, and commercial properties. More than 35 concrete coating providers across the Greater New Orleans region were reviewed based on ratings, customer satisfaction, installation quality, coating durability, and overall reputation. The companies below stood out for dependable workmanship, advanced coating systems, surface preparation methods, and consistent customer support. 1. Optima Concrete Coatings Website: https://optimaconcretecoatings.com/ Location: New Orleans, LA Google Rating: 5.0 Facebook Recommendation Score: 96%+ Area Expertise: Polyaspartic coatings, garage floor coatings, commercial concrete protection...

Families and businesses shared positive experiences about the plumbing professionals they relied on most during the year. An annual survey conducted by The New Orleans Times announced that DiMarco Plumbing was voted best plumbing company in New Orleans for 2026, marking the second year in a row the company earned this recognition. This award reflects how the company maintained a respected reputation through experienced workmanship, responsive scheduling, and dependable customer support. Many homeowners viewed DiMarco Plumbing as a preferred choice among local New Orleans plumbers because the team consistently handled both urgent plumbing emergencies and routine service calls with professionalism and care. The sections below explain the qualities that helped the company earn this...

Finding the right realtor can make the difference between a stressful experience or a smoother, more confident one during the home buying or selling process. An annual survey conducted by The New Orleans Times named Gina Constantino of ERA Top Agent Realty the Best Realtor in New Orleans 2026 for the second year in a row. The recognition follows years of helping buyers and sellers navigate major property decisions that can impact financial stability for decades. Gina Constantino has earned strong client loyalty through responsive communication, reliable support, and careful attention during every phase of a transaction. Families across the area continue to rely on her guidance because real estate decisions often involve significant emotional and financial responsibility. The sections...

A recent survey conducted by The New Orleans Times named Advanced Roofing as the leading choice for roofing services in 2026, reflecting favorable feedback from homeowners who value skilled workmanship, clear communication, and reliable project results. Recognition at this level typically develops through years of completed jobs, repeat customers, and consistent follow-through rather than a brief stretch of attention. Advanced Roofing being voted best roofer in New Orleans 2026 highlights how proven experience continues to influence property owners comparing roofing contractors. The sections below examine the company’s roofing background, material choices, repair capabilities, storm response, exterior services, warranty coverage, and customer support in greater detail. The New Orleans...

An annual survey conducted by The New Orleans Times named Outdoor Illumination Design as the winner of “Best Landscape Lighting Service in New Orleans 2026,” marking a second year in a row of recognition shaped by strong community support. Outdoor Illumination Design earned this honor through dependable craftsmanship, careful planning, and a steady focus on outdoor lighting needs that homeowners notice right after installation. This repeat recognition for landscape lighting service in 2026 shows how Outdoor Illumination Design continues to stand apart through reliable results and close attention to detail. The sections below explain the reasons behind this continued recognition and what homeowners value most about their work. Recognized through a local survey based on customer feedback...

An annual survey conducted by The New Orleans Times named Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply as the Best Lumber Yard in New Orleans for 2026. This recognition reflects decades of steady dedication to local contractors, builders, and homeowners who depend on reliable materials and attentive service. Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply was voted Best Lumber Yard in New Orleans, LA 2026 through a legacy built on consistency, trust, and proven product quality. The following sections explain how a long-standing family business continues to lead with experience and care for every customer interaction. Recognized as Best Lumber Yard by The New Orleans Times Over 75 years supporting the building community Known for dependable materials and consistent delivery Decades of Experience...

Regional homeowners participated in a survey organized by The New Orleans Times that invited residents to evaluate outdoor construction companies based on craftsmanship, reliability, and overall homeowner satisfaction. SLM Patio and Screen Designs received strong support from participants and earned the title referenced in the headline. Recognition of SLM Patio and Screen Designs as the Best Patio Cover Service in New Orleans, LA 2026 reflects dependable workmanship and consistently positive homeowner experiences gathered throughout the survey period. Sections below highlight the reasons SLM Patio and Screen Designs received steady support from property owners searching for reliable patio cover installation solutions. The New Orleans Times survey gathered feedback from regional residents...

Local homeowners continue to rely on reliable cooling service when comfort becomes a daily necessity. A survey conducted by The New Orleans Times named Tropical Air Kare the top A/C repair service for 2026. Voting reflected long-standing satisfaction and well-earned confidence built through years of steady service performance. Tropical Air Kare earning Best A/C Repair Service in New Orleans for 2026 highlights trust shaped through consistent and proven results. Winner of a community-based survey Strong repeat customer support Well established local trust Largest Locally Owned HVAC Company Tropical Air Kare operates as the largest truly locally owned and operated HVAC company in Southeast Louisiana. Family ownership allows hands-on oversight of daily service quality and customer care...

More than two hundred plumbing companies across the Greater New Orleans area and nearby cities were reviewed for this list. Ratings, experience, and service range were compared using major review platforms and independent directories. The ten providers below stood out for reliable customer feedback, proven track records, and clear expertise in plumbing services. 1. DiMarco Plumbing Repairs Website: https://www.dimarcoplumbing.com/ Location: Pearl River, LA (serving Greater New Orleans and the Northshore) Google Rating: 5.0★ Facebook Rating: 5.0★ Area Expertise: Residential and light commercial plumbing repairs, sewer and drain service, and water heaters. General plumbing repairs Drain cleaning and clog removal Sewer line repair and replacement Tank and tankless water heater service Video...

Community Recognition for Outstanding Service A recent community survey conducted by The New Orleans Times named Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply as the Best Lumber Yard in 2025. This honor reflects decades of dedication to local contractors, builders, and homeowners who rely on their dependable materials and unmatched service. Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply was voted Best Lumber Yard in New Orleans, LA  2025 through a legacy built on hard work, trust, and exceptional product quality. The following sections highlight how a 75-year-old family business continues to lead with expertise and care for every customer. Recognized as Best Lumber Yard by The New Orleans Times Over 75 years serving the building community Known for quality materials and reliable delivery Decades...

We reviewed dozens of lumber and building-material suppliers across the Greater New Orleans area. The ten below stood out for customer satisfaction, product depth, and professional reputation. This list helps both  contractors and DIY-ers quickly compare reliable sources for framing, finish lumber, and specialty hardwoods. 1. Wilson Bourg Lumber & Building Supply Website: https://wilsonbourglumber.com/ Location: 2737 N. Peters St., New Orleans, LA 70117 Yelp Rating: 4.0 (per Yelp listing) Recognition: In business for more than 75 years Area Expertise: Custom woods, historic-home materials, treated lumber Cypress weatherboards and millwork Treated lumber and plywood Sheetrock, concrete blocks, rental tools Free local delivery within metro New Orleans Why it was chosen: As an...

Community Voted Recognition Local homeowners continue to rely on dependable cooling service when comfort matters most. A survey conducted by The New Orleans Times named Tropical Air Kare the top A/C repair service for 2025. Voting reflected sustained satisfaction and well earned confidence built through years of consistent service. Tropical Air Kare earning Best A/C Repair Service in New Orleans for 2025 points to trust formed through proven results. Winner of a community-based survey Strong repeat customer support Well established local trust Largest Locally Owned HVAC Company Tropical Air Kare operates as the largest truly locally owned and operated HVAC company in Southeast Louisiana. Family ownership allows direct oversight of daily service quality and customer care expectations....

Outdoor Illumination Design Leads the Way Outdoor lighting creates more than brightness; it shapes mood, safety, and visual harmony. Every well-lit garden, patio, or driveway begins with thoughtful design and dependable service. Outdoor Illumination Design has proven that excellence shines brightest through consistent craftsmanship and creativity. Recently voted the best outdoor lighting service in New Orleans per a New Orleans Times survey, the company’s attention to artistry and practicality has set a high standard for exterior design projects everywhere. The discussion ahead highlights how their thoughtful lighting systems bring lasting appeal, functionality, and confidence to every property they enhance. Voted Best Outdoor Lighting Service by New Orleans Times 2025 survey Experts in...

After reviewing dozens of HVAC and cooling companies across the New Orleans metro area, we selected the top 10 AC repair services. Each business on this list meets at least two of our standards: stellar ratings (4.9+ or equivalent) or a strong Facebook recommendation score. These firms also stand out for experience, certifications, or community reputation. 1. Tropical Air Kare Website: https://tropicalairkare.com/ Location: 5401 Jefferson Hwy STE J, New Orleans, LA 70123 Google Rating: 5.0 Facebook Rating: 98% recommendation score Area Expertise: Residential and commercial HVAC services AC repair and full system replacement Preventive maintenance and tune-ups Heating repair and heat pump installation Indoor air quality improvements Energy-efficient system upgrades Why They Were Chosen:...