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

Rochester is filled with historic charm—from early 20th-century colonials to mid-century builds tucked into tree-lined neighborhoods. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these older homes, you know that with the beauty and character comes a unique set of renovation challenges. At Ember Works, we’ve helped homeowners across the Rochester area breathe new life into these spaces—while preserving the soul that made them special in the first place.

If you're planning a renovation, here are the top five things to keep in mind to ensure your project is done right, from foundation to finish.

→ Thinking about renovating? Let’s talk today.

1. Start with the Bones: Foundation, Framing, and Structure

Older homes can hide a lot beneath the surface. Before you get caught up in choosing fixtures or paint colors, it’s critical to understand the condition of the home’s foundation, framing, and structural elements. Over time, homes may settle, shift, or suffer from water damage and rot—all of which can affect the integrity of your remodel.

At Ember Works, we always begin with a thorough inspection and structural assessment. This ensures we’re not just making the home look good—we’re making sure it’s solid, safe, and built to last another hundred years.

→ Book a structural consult with our team

2. Blend the Old with the New—Thoughtfully

One of the biggest joys of renovating a Rochester-area home is preserving its original character. Whether it’s leaded glass windows, solid wood trim, or original hardwood floors, those features are irreplaceable—and should be protected when possible.

That said, updates are often needed to modernize functionality and comfort. The key is blending old and new in a way that feels natural. We often use custom carpentry and carefully sourced materials to match existing elements, like we did with a recent masonry project where we tied in a 90-year-old stone façade with new structural supports.

When done well, these updates feel like they were always part of the home.

→ Get expert help balancing history and modern convenience

3. Know When to Upgrade the Systems

Many older homes in the Rochester area still have original plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems—sometimes dating back decades. These components might have “worked fine” for years, but they often can’t handle the demands of modern living. Worse yet, they can be safety hazards or even out of code.

Electrical panels may need to be upgraded to support modern appliances and devices. Plumbing lines could be made of outdated or unsafe materials. Heating and cooling systems may be inefficient or uneven. These are the types of issues that can quickly derail a renovation budget if not accounted for upfront.

Our team works with trusted local tradespeople to ensure all systems are reviewed, upgraded as needed, and seamlessly integrated into your remodel.

→ Ask us about whole-home system assessments

4. Don’t Skip Insulation and Windows

Comfort and energy efficiency are often an afterthought in older homes, but they shouldn’t be. Rochester winters are no joke—and if you’re planning a full remodel, it’s the perfect opportunity to address insulation and windows.

We recommend upgrading insulation in key areas like walls, attics, and crawl spaces where possible. For windows, we often recommend Andersen E-Series or 400 Series for their high performance, durability, and beautiful design. New windows can reduce energy bills and dramatically improve the comfort of your space without sacrificing the home’s charm.

Proper insulation and window upgrades will make your renovated home not only beautiful, but livable—year-round.

→ Let’s discuss Andersen window options for your renovation

5. Be Realistic with Your Budget—and Plan for Surprises

One of the most important things we tell homeowners is to build in a buffer. Renovating older homes can uncover unexpected challenges: hidden rot, outdated wiring, or settling issues behind walls. These surprises aren’t the end of the world—but they do need to be addressed properly.

Working with an experienced contractor like Ember Works means you’re not left scrambling. We’ve seen it all, and we know how to navigate changes without derailing your project. We help set clear expectations, transparent timelines, and honest budgets from day one.

Renovating should be exciting—not stressful. And with the right planning and partnership, it can be.

→ Schedule a renovation consultation now

Bonus Tip: Work with a Team That Understands Rochester Homes

At Ember Works, we don’t just work in Rochester—we live here. We’ve worked on homes from the South Wedge to Irondequoit, Brighton to Chili. We understand the craftsmanship that went into these historic builds, and we know how to honor it while creating something fresh and functional.

Whether you're restoring a century-old home or updating a 1960s ranch, we approach every renovation with care, respect, and pride. Because in the end, our work is part of your home’s legacy.

Thinking about renovating an older house in Rochester? We’d love to talk. Reach out to us today and let’s create something incredible together.

→ Contact Ember Works to start your renovation journey