Restoration | Remodeling Tips & Resources

Sep 19

Interior Stairs and Railings: The Feature Hiding in Plain Sight

In most older Rochester homes the staircase is the best joinery in the house, and it is usually hiding under carpet or paint.

Sep 7

Attic Ventilation: The System Most Rochester Homeowners Never Think About

Ice dams, a baking second floor, and mould on the roof deck all trace back to one system most homeowners never think about.

Sep 3

Storm Damage: What Rochester Homeowners Should Do in the First 48 Hours

Tornado warnings, 70 mph winds and hail hit Western New York Wednesday night. Here is what to do first, what to document, what to look for, and who to be careful ...

Sep 3

Windows, Siding, and Roofing: How to Tell What Your Rochester Home Actually Needs

Western New York is hard on the outside of a house. Here is how to tell what yours needs, plus a free, no-obligation assessment from Ember Works.

Aug 31

Built-Ins and Fireplace Surrounds: Millwork That Makes a Room

Built-in bookcases, window seats, and a proper mantel are what make Rochester's older homes feel finished. Here is how to add them so they look original.

Aug 28

Plaster or Drywall? Repairing Walls in a Rochester Century Home

Contractors often push to gut plaster because it is faster. In a Rochester century home, that is frequently the wrong answer. Here is how to read the cracks.

Aug 26

Restoring Original Hardwood Floors in Rochester's Older Homes

The oak under that old carpet is better wood than you can buy today, and it is salvageable far more often than homeowners expect. Here is how to tell.

Aug 18

What's Behind the Walls: Wiring and Plumbing in Rochester's Older Homes

Knob-and-tube, galvanized pipe, buried splices, over-notched joists. Here is what tends to be back there and how to keep it from wrecking your budget.

Aug 10

Front Entry Doors and Porticos: Curb Appeal That Starts at the Door

Your front door is the most looked-at square footage you own, and in most Rochester homes it is leaking air. Here is how to fix both problems at once.

Aug 6

Insulating a Rochester Century Home: What Actually Works

The cold bedroom over the porch is not bad luck, it is the building envelope. Air seal first, then insulate, and know the moisture rules before you start.

Jun 23

Repairing vs. Replacing Original Woodwork in Rochester's Older Homes

Walk through almost any home in the South Wedge, Park Avenue, Maplewood, or the older streets of Webster, Fairport, and Pittsford, and you'll find something builders simply don't produce anymore: ...

Jun 7

Porch Restoration: Bringing Rochester's Classic Front Porches Back to Life

Drive through Rochester's older neighborhoods — the South Wedge, Park Avenue, Maplewood, the village streets of Pittsford and Fairport — and you'll see them everywhere: deep, generous front porches with turned columns, ...

Apr 28

Restoring a Historic Rochester Home: What to Preserve and What to Update

Rochester is one of the best cities in the country to own an old house. From the grand Victorians near East Avenue to the Arts and Crafts bungalows of the ...

Sep 22

Why Rochester Homeowners Trust Andersen Windows for Their Remodels

Why Rochester Homeowners Trust Andersen Windows for Their Remodels When it comes to remodeling homes in Rochester, NY, quality and durability matter—especially in a region known for its ...

Aug 25

Top 5 Things Rochester, NY Homeowners Should Think About When Renovating an Older House

Top 5 Things Rochester, NY Homeowners Should Think About When Renovating an Older HouseRochester is filled with historic charm—from early 20th-century colonials to mid-century builds tucked into tree-lined neighborhoods. ...

Aug 15

Preserving the Past with Modern Craftsmanship: A Seamless Masonry Restoration in Rochester

At Ember Works, we believe your home’s story deserves to be respected—and that starts with honoring the materials and character that make it unique. In our ...

Jan 9

Ember Works: Your Trusted Partner in Restoring Beauty to Your Home After Fire, Wind, and Water Damage

In the wake of a disaster, whether it be fire, wind, or water damage, the path to recovery can seem daunting. At Ember Works, we understand the emotional and ...

Jan 2

Ember Works in Rochester, NY: Your Go-To for Restoration After Water, Fire, or Wind Damage

Experiencing damage to your home or business due to water, fire, or wind can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. The aftermath of such events often leaves property owners ...

Dec 26

A Step-by-Step Guide to Handling Home Emergencies: Ember Works, Rochester, NY

When you face home emergencies like floods, fires, and wind damage, knowing what steps to take can make a significant difference. Ember Works, located in Rochester, NY, and led by ...

Dec 19

The Risks of Neglecting Home Emergencies: Why Consulting Ember Works is Crucial

In the wake of a home emergency, such as water, fire, or wind damage, the actions you take can significantly impact the safety, stability, and longevity of your property. Unfortunately, ...