[TimT]

The house in the pic isn't mine, its across the lagoon/canal from me, they added a dormer a few years ago, but what the picture shows is that the house was jacked almost 10' and supported, while a standard 8' (i think) basement was formed and poured. The people doing this are getting federal aide from Sandy relief, and I'm hearing the costs are in the 50-80,000 range,

Sort of a scam, the contractors know how much aid is forthcoming and adjust there fees accordingly....

My house is over 100+ years old and has weathered some nasty events.. so I'm rolling the dice and leaving it be..

Not sure what sort of permitting you need where you are, but in my County/Town (Nassau County/ Town of Hempstead) the process if onerous costly and time comsuming,, its like they gang up to prevent you from improving your home..

Funny, a lot of the house raising contractors here are from the midwest..