L-I-F-T (And: "How much does a house weigh?")

Bert got right to work. Once he had inserted some cross-beams, the house was soon lifted a couple of inches off its foundation. This is accomplished with four hydraulic jacks.

The cross beams are in place. Bert had to notch a few joists because they were a little larger than the rest.

 That light is the gap between the house above and the foundation below.

 That hydraulic jack in the center will lift 1/4 of the weight of this house. About 15 tons.

Lifted a little more.

Oh, and how much DOES a house weigh?

Bert figures that 511 N. Main weighs in at about 55 to 60 tons. (Our house weighed in at 80 tons. We have a full second story, had all of our "stuff" in it, and he lifted most of the chimney--which could not have stayed in if we'd actually moved our house.)