What to Ask Before Hiring a Fire Damage Cleanup Crew
Vetting Under Pressure When smoke is still hanging in the air, it’s tempting to hire the first company that answers the phone. Slow down just long enough to ask the right questions. A qualified fire-damage crew protects your health, salvageable belongings, and insurance payout; the wrong one can spread soot, void coverage, or create toxic […]
Can I Stay in My Apartment During Fire Damage Cleanup?
Making the Right Call After a Fire For older residents who value a steady routine (and predictable rent), a kitchen blaze raises a critical question: Is it safe to keep living in the unit while professionals restore it? The answer depends on smoke toxicity, structural soundness, and the controls your restoration team sets up. Let’s […]
Basement Mold vs. Water Damage: Which Comes First?
If you’ve ever walked into your basement and been hit with that musty smell — or spotted black spots creeping along the walls — you may have asked yourself:Is this mold from water damage… or was the water damage caused by the mold? It’s a common question. And it matters — because understanding the sequence […]
Are Fire-Damaged Walls Safe to Touch or Repair?
After a fire, even a small one, it’s normal to look at your walls and wonder: Is this safe? Can I touch it? Paint over it? Live with it? The truth is, not all fire damage is visible — and what looks like a stained or charred surface could be hiding something more serious underneath. […]
Is It Safe to Stay in a Home With Water Damage?
It’s a question no one wants to ask — but after a burst pipe, roof leak, or flood, it’s often the first thing on your mind: Can I still stay here? The truth is, not all water damage is dangerous right away. But what you can’t see — trapped moisture, bacteria, and mold — is […]
How Long Does Fire Damage Restoration Usually Take?
Fire damage is overwhelming — not just because of the damage itself, but because of the uncertainty that follows. One of the most common (and stressful) questions we hear is: How long will this take? The short answer? It depends. But there’s a clear process and timeline range that can help you understand what to […]
Fire Safety Tech Upgrades for Historic Brownstones
Fire Safety Tech Upgrades for Historic Brownstones Historic brownstones are beloved for their charm, craftsmanship, and timeless design. But behind the brick and woodwork often lies outdated electrical, aging materials, and little-to-no modern fire protection. For homeowners and property managers, updating fire safety systems is no longer optional — it’s essential. The challenge? Upgrading without […]
Fire-Damaged Heirlooms: Can They Be Saved? A Conservator’s Guide
Fire-Damaged Heirlooms: Can They Be Saved? A Conservator’s Guide After a fire, the first thing most homeowners ask isn’t about drywall or flooring — it’s about the items that can’t be replaced. Family photos, wedding china, passed-down furniture, or childhood keepsakes often carry more emotional weight than anything else. The good news? Many of these […]
Water Damage vs. Flood Damage: What Your Insurance Really Covers in New York
Water Damage vs. Flood Damage: What Your Insurance Really Covers in New York When disaster strikes your home, understanding your insurance policy can feel like navigating a maze. One of the most confusing — and costly — distinctions for homeowners in New York is the difference between water damage and flood damage. While the two […]
Every Minute Counts: Why Prompt Action from Upper Restoration is Crucial After Water Damage
Water damage can be a homeowner's or business owner's nightmare, turning your life upside down in an instant. Whether it’s a burst pipe, a leaking roof, a flooded basement, or the aftermath of a storm, the immediate destruction is often overwhelming. At Upper Restoration, we understand that the consequences of water damage extend far beyond […]
