In the Gulf South, waterfront construction presents unique engineering challenges due to saltwater exposure, tidal activity, and storm surge risk. Bulkheads, docks, and piers must not only withstand daily marine conditions, but also hold up against seasonal hurricanes and long-term corrosion. With coastal infrastructure playing a key role in both commercial operations and residential property...

Living and building in Southeast Louisiana comes with a unique set of challenges. One of the biggest is water—lots of it. Between heavy rainfall, high groundwater, and rising flood zones, homes in this region are under constant pressure from moisture. Whether it’s a seasonal storm or a slow, creeping rise in the bayou, water always...

Lighting used to be simple. Flip a switch, bulb goes on. Flip it again, bulb goes off. That was it. These days, lighting has graduated. It’s no longer just a utility—it’s part of the personality of a home. Whether the goal is setting a relaxing mood after a long day or simulating sunrise to wake...

Designing commercial spaces is a balancing act. There’s the technical side: mechanicals, safety codes, workflows, and structural load. Then there’s the visual side: the look, the feel, the impression it makes on a client walking through the door for the first time. One without the other falls short. After years of building everything from government...

Living in South Louisiana means learning how to live with water. Between hurricanes, heavy rainstorms, and storm surge, flood risks are just part of life in many parishes. But while the threat might be constant, the damage doesn’t have to be. House raising has become one of the most reliable ways to protect homes, neighborhoods,...

Barndominiums continue to gain traction as a versatile option for combining living space with storage, workspace, or recreational areas. With their rising popularity, one of the most common design questions is whether to use metal or wood for the framing structure. Both materials have distinct advantages, but the right choice often depends on intended use,...

By Elwin Ordoyne, Vice President, E.C.O. Builders Inc., Slidell, Louisiana Bathrooms are some of the most demanding spaces in any structure. Whether in a residential home or a commercial building, these rooms are constantly exposed to moisture, temperature swings, and high foot traffic. That combination makes flooring choices especially important. In South Louisiana, where humidity...

Building a pole barn is a practical investment for storage, agriculture, or even residential use. But before the first post is set or the concrete is poured, success starts with something even more foundational than materials: the land itself. Site selection plays a direct role in the performance, maintenance needs, and longevity of a pole...

Outdoor living isn’t just about tossing a grill on the patio anymore. These days, it’s about creating real, functional extensions of the home—places to relax, entertain, and enjoy the Louisiana climate year-round. One of the most requested features in recent years? Fire pits and outdoor fireplaces. Fire features have evolved from luxury add-ons into practical...

One of the most underestimated changes in home improvement is also one of the simplest: paint. Interior painting is often viewed as a finishing touch, but it does far more than cover walls. It redefines how space is seen, used, and felt—without ever moving a wall, replacing flooring, or installing new fixtures. In construction and...