Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
The Bay Head house needs to be lifted — but only four feet this time, and from the second floor structure, which requires threading steel beams through the windows and setting precise cribbing.
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The Bay Head cottage is going up—but this first lift is only four feet, and it's being done from the second-floor structure rather than the foundation. That means threading heavy steel I-beams through the second-floor window openings and setting a precise web of cribbing beneath the house. Get the cribbing wrong, and the house doesn't rise evenly. The whole operation has to be choreographed carefully with a crew that does this regularly but never casually.
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Where to find it?
House lifting: Ducky Johnson House Movers [http://www.duckyjohnsonhousemovers.com]
About This Old House TV: This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
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House Lifting | This Old House
youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse
The Bay Head house needs to be lifted — but only four feet this time, and from the second floor structure, which requires threading steel beams through the windows and setting precise cribbing.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.
The Bay Head cottage is going up—but this first lift is only four feet, and it's being done from the second-floor structure rather than the foundation. That means threading heavy steel I-beams through the second-floor window openings and setting a precise web of cribbing beneath the house. Get the cribbing wrong, and the house doesn't rise evenly. The whole operation has to be choreographed carefully with a crew that does this regularly but never casually.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
Sign up for our free newsletter here: thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app
Where to find it?
House lifting: Ducky Johnson House Movers [http://www.duckyjohnsonhousemovers.com]
About This Old House TV: This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
TikTok: tiktok.com/@thisoldhouse
House Lifting | This Old House
youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse
