The Gonzales Inquirer

Home improvement coverage from around the web

7 ways to ensure your structure stands up to the elements

(BPT) - Did you know that last year alone, the U.S. saw 28 weather-related disasters exceeding $1 billion in damages, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration? While no one …

How to Prep Your Home for Cooler Weather: 4 projects that provide high ROI

(Family Features) As the leaves begin to change and temperatures start to drop, it's time to start thinking about preparing your home for the cooler months.

From molten rock to modern architecture – celebrating 90 years of Thermafiber

(BPT) - Summer is peak season for residential and commercial construction. Advances in material science and novel technologies are contributing to safety and efficiency on the jobsite as they help …

Four Ways to Transform Your Backyard into a Secluded Haven

(NewsUSA) - In today’s increasingly fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and tranquility at home is more important than ever. Here are four simple ways to turn your backyard into a serene …

6 Ways to Get Extra Enjoyment from Outdoor Spaces

(Family Features) If you enjoy spending time outdoors, fuel those adventures with clean, safe, reliable and versatile propane. Consider these ways to get a little extra enjoyment out of your outdoor spaces.

Planning to improve your home can be easier when you know you can cover the costs.

Tips for Homeowners to Make Summer Home Projects More Affordable

(NAPSI)—If you’re like most American homeowners, you are eager to enhance and update your living space. According to a 2024 U.S. Houzz & Home study, the median planned budget for most …

Former firefighter builds home with new fire sprinkler system

(BPT) - Jesse Faust originally became a firefighter and an EMT to help people. Then, in the summer of 2022, the unthinkable happened.Faust was involved in a severe car accident that left him …

Extreme heat, wildfires and weather events: Prepare for the unexpected this summer, inside and outside the home

(BPT) - Wildfires and extreme weather conditions have brought greater attention to poor air quality, and while some areas may be more affected than others, air quality and pollution are still a major …

More ideas for your home

Workin' 5-9: Make the most of your morning hours for more productive days

(Family Features) How you spend your hours from 5-9 each day can ensure you're well prepared to tackle whatever your 9-5 throws your way. Get a jumpstart on your day with these tips to make the most of your morning routine.

You can save cold cash and still keep your home cool.

Navigating the Heat to Keep Power Bills Cool

(NAPSI)—The heat of summer doesn’t just mean it’s time to drink more water or eat ice cream to keep cool. It also means an increase in air conditioning and energy to cool your home. The U.S. …

You can learn how to save money and protect the environment from a new online tool.

The EPA Can Help You Save Big On Energy Efficient Upgrades For The Home

(NAPSI)—If you’re like most homeowners, there’s probably a laundry list of major upgrades you’d like to make to improve the efficiency, performance, and functionality of your house. However, …

Here’s hot news on saving cold cash: Window film may cut your home’s cooling costs.

Cutting Summer Cooling Costs

(NAPSI)—When monthly utility bills arrive, many Americans are getting hot under the collar. In fact according to the National Energy Directors Association, this summer’s residential …

How To Update Your Deck For The Perfect Summer Outside

(BPT) - Summer is here, and that means it’s time for a home maintenance refresh. With record-high temperatures hitting across the country, it’s important to pay attention to your …

Caring for your home and family

7 home security to-dos before your summer vacation

(BPT) - As temperatures have risen and summer has arrived, the anticipation of vacation has filled the air. Whether you’re planning a local getaway or an international adventure this summer, …

Focus on these 4 areas to protect your home's exterior

(BPT) - While you probably know your deck needs waterproofing, did you know many other materials outside your home like concrete, masonry and fabrics also need protection? To help keep exterior parts …

Home ideas

10 Tips to Make Your Air Conditioner More Energy Efficient and Sustainable

(Family Features) Updating your HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system to cool your home in a smart and sustainable way involves several steps that not only improve energy efficiency but also reduce environmental impact.

Residential Refresh: Personalized touches for your home

(Family Features) Your home is an expression of you, your personality and your lifestyle. When it comes to personalizing your home's aesthetic, try leaning into your senses to inspire change within your space.

More Home Improvement News

5 Easy, Space-Saving Room Ideas

(BPT) - Looking to update a room that is short on space during this home improvement season? Converting traditional swinging doors into pocket doors is a simple, practical way to increase the amount …

Bring balance and imperfection to the kitchen through Japandi style

(BPT) - Balance and harmony. These are two important principles of design to consider during the initial phases of conceptualizing a space. This is especially true in the kitchen, the heart and soul …

Elevate your outdoor retreat with 4 innovative hardscaping designs

(BPT) - As spring and summer approach, it's time to consider how you'll use your outdoor spaces this year. Your backyard, patio, front lawn and garden aren't just for outdoor activities. They are …

7 tips for electrical safety in and around your home

(BPT) - May is Electrical Safety Month! It's a great time to remind yourself of the potential dangers associated with electricity and be proactive about electrical safety in and around your home, …

Moving Resources For Military Families

(NAPSI)—Military families and veterans know that relocating loved ones when PCS orders arrive can be stressful—but there are steps you can take to make things easier. Keeping Military …

Tips to “Yard Your Way” This Spring

(NAPSI)—Homeowners can put their own spin on their personal outdoor space this spring by adopting a “yard your way” attitude, advises the TurfMutt Foundation, which is celebrating 15 years of …

Six Perfect Pieces: American Hardwood Furniture for Today’s Home

(NewsUSA) - Solid wood has always been the gold standard when it comes to high-quality home furniture. “Whether it’s something major like a dining table and chairs or a smaller item like a …

How to DIY A Deck Drainage System

(NewsUSA) - If you plan to add an elevated deck to your home, there’s one element that will greatly increase its value and function: an under-deck drainage system. These systems, which divert …

With a little forethought and the proper equipment, you and your home or business can stand up to just about any natural disaster.

Outdoor Power Equipment Helps Weather A Storm or Power Outage

(NAPSI)—Storms are growing more powerful and frequent, so having the right outdoor power equipment on hand and using it safely is important, says the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). Home …

The future of home water heating: How heat pump technology is changing the game

(BPT) - The Department of Energy (DOE) recently released higher energy-efficiency standards for water heaters that will go into effect in 2029. Focusing on decarbonization, the new standards …

Update your window coverings to increase your safety, style and savings

(BPT) - It's time to welcome the freshness of the warmer months into our homes and embrace the new season. For many of us, this time of year is a chance to renew and re-organize. Spring and summer …