The cottage is lifted using 2x12s nailed to the sides of the house, which sits atop steel I-beams. The I-beams are then placed on piers of staggered 6x6 lumber.

The entire structure was lifted approximately 3 feet to allow masons to build up the existing foundation an additional 24 inches.

A one-story addition will be added to the back of the cottage, which will include a first-floor bedroom and bath.

The block is plaster-coated before the house is lowered onto its new, higher foundation.

Stone is placed in the foundation to prepare for the pouring of the slab while the structure is still raised.

Engineers Jason Fischer and Michael Guglielmo visit the site in early June 2003 to strategize the next steps for installation of the energy-creating systems to be used in the project.

A modular floor joist system is created and placed atop the foundation. The house will be lowered over and around the custom floor joist system. Once the house is placed back on its foundation, the plywood subfloor will be installed from inside the structure.

Interior door trim detail shows corner blocks and heavy Colonial moldings.

The original closet will be preserved. Additional paneling detail has been added to match the existing paneling on the wall. The faux graining in the lobby gives the appearance of quarter-sawn oak.

The front porch's railings are now a maintenance-free, heavy-duty vinyl system.

Several of the original porch columns were restored and used to support the back porch's roof.

Decorative trim was added around the porch ceiling to add a more Victorian feel.

Lattice was added to the front and side porches for aesthetic reasons, as well as to keep leaves from collecting under the porches.

Stone walls were built surrounding the basement entry. Stone was reused from the former pier footings. This wall and elevating the adjoining windows will help with flood control.

The cottage is lowered back onto its foundation and awaits new siding and window replacement.

The additional block foundation has been completed, as well as the custom floor joist system, and the house is lowered back onto its new, higher foundation.

The exterior of the main house is nearly ready for painting.