The physical work on the Woodrow Wilson Family Home began in April 2009 with a structural investigation led by project architects John Milner Associates, Inc. and general contractor Huss, Inc.  Once the contractor removed architectural finishes to reveal the existing framing conditions, the following was noted by John Dumsick (Robert Silman Associates Structural Engineers):

“…the structure is a unique combination of heavy timer framing and light building construction.  Whereas the sill, corner braces, king studs and stairwell framing are of more traditional heavy timber construction with the incorporation of mortise and tenon connections with and without hardwood pegs; the remaining structural framing elements (common studs, joists and ribbon boards) are of balloon framed construction.  This may represent a reaction of the economic times in the south following the Civil War and the new embrace of technology and industry for rapidly produced building materials.”

The amount of rot at the sills and studs is much more significant than originally estimated.  Due to deterioration from trapped moisture and past insect infestation, close to 90% of the sill, most of which was original to the 1870s structure, is being replaced.