One Long Islander’s House Lifting Journey Since SuperStorm Sandy
It’s hard to believe that SuperStorm Sandy was nearly five years ago and that the effects can still be seen and felt. The devastation of SuperStorm Sandy affected homes on Long Island, but more importantly, the families. For many affected people on Long Island, the memories of that fateful evening of October 29,
Haydee T. from Babylon was one of the families whose home was affected by the wrath of storm surge. Over 4 years after SuperStorm Sandy, Haydee was able to begin the process of rebuilding her home and her life. The initial process was wrought with many obstacles and
According to Haydee, Gary made her feel comfortable, answered all her questions, and explained the process clearly. Haydee’s goal was to be back in her home by July 1, 2017, the one year anniversary of her husband’s death. Gary assured her that they would do everything in their power to make that happen. During the nearly
Below is Haydee’s meticulous Facebook documentation of her entire house lifting process with Progressive Construction of Long Island.
March 27, 2017
“Day One of House Lifting!”
March 28, 2017
“And She’s Up!”
April 1, 2017
“Yesterday’s wind storm sheared all the insulation from under my house and made a big mess on the block.”
April 4, 2017
“Next step is to get rid of all these concrete boulders they dug out from the house foundation & drill in a bunch of helical piles before pouring a new foundation. That’s the hardware you see on the lawn. Getting another strong storm Thursday with coastal flooding. Hope it fizzles out.”
April 7, 2017
“Today they started to work on the grade beam. It’s part of the foundation that transmits the load from the bearing walls into the piles.”
April 13, 2017
“Today they poured the grade beam. Soon they will start building the walls of the foundation.”
April 14, 2017
“Today they started placing the wall casing so cement can be poured for the foundation walls. It should be as high as the 2×4 across Kris’ head.”
April 20, 2017
“Today they poured the side walls. I’m so pleased with the progress. Dennis has a hand in it all. This was his joy.“
April 24, 2017
“Today they removed the wood casings & added a few posts for the center. They have to square things off & grind the cement surface but that happens at the end. Later in the week they are going to work the foundation plates then it’s just a matter of time for the house to be lowered.“
May 1, 2017
“Today they started working on the foundation plates. Tomorrow the house will start being lowered & should be completely lowered by Wednesday.“
May 2, 2017
“Just 1 1/2 more feet until she’s completely lowered. Came home for lunch hoping to videotape it but I missed it.“
May 4, 2017
“Our friend Geri under the house tonight. They started roughing out the plumbing & electric underneath today.“
May 12, 2017
“Plumbing started today. Contractor let me inside the house this morning. Took this picture from the back upstairs deck. It’s definitely a much higher & breath taking view. I’m so happy.”
May 18, 2017
“I now have as much access as I want to the inside of my house with the temporary steps. Lots going on inside with fixing the walls & painting. Still need all the outside finishing touches as well. It was all worth it.”
May 24, 2017
“Today they started prepping the base of my driveway & preparing under the house to pour the concrete floor. Plumber is on site as well to continue with the water & gas connections.”
May 27, 2017
“And they keep at it even on a holiday weekend. I’m so happy.”
June 5, 2017
“Half the shingles are up. That takes a long time to do and it’s boring to hang it. Painting inside started upstairs. Keeping my fingers crossed for a good amount of progress this week. Stay tuned….”
June 20, 2017
“I’m so excited how the front of the house is coming together. I’ll be home in 4 more days!!!”
June 23, 2017
“This is how the back steps are taking shape. Going to make the move back home smoother tomorrow.”
June 24, 2017
“We’re home!!!!”
Haydee was so pleased to move back into her Babylon home a few days ahead of schedule. Progressive Construction of Long Island is proud to have been able to help Haydee with her house lifting project and wish her happiness in her newly lifted home!
Raising my home was quite a journey and one I dreaded having to experience. After years of going through the endless cycle of paperwork, emails, case workers, life’s tribulations and multiple contractor interviews, I met Gary Onorato of Progressive Construction of Long Island. We met at least 3 times before making my decision. Each time he demonstrated qualities such as intelligence, honesty, compassion and he was very enthusiastic about his vision for the company. His referrals all had similar things to say not only about him but his entire team.
I decided to go with my gut instinct and hired his company. My house lift started on Monday and by Tuesday it was up. I was kept informed and educated about every step in the process. My neighbors were treated with the utmost respect and they gave compliments rather than complaints. Getting back home in under 3 months happened because they do not subcontract the work. They work hard as a team even if it’s pouring rain outside, they don’t quit. They go the extra mile & get the job done.
I couldn’t be happier with my decision & the quality of their work. You can put your trust in the entire team.