There were a few minor changes in the plans as the work progressed including one suggested by Major William B. Lewis, Jackson’s closest political friend, who expressed the view that “the stories of the house should be made higher.” Colonel Armstrong wrote: “I think it would be an improvement and add very much to the appearance of the house.” On this subject General Jackson wrote to Andrew: “I would be satisfied to see it restored to what it was before it burnt, but as I know I shall not be long on earth to enjoy its comforts in retirement, I enclose his letter on this point to you that you may exercise your own discretion.” Major Lewis carried his point; the stories were made higher. Also during the course of the work, at the suggestion of the helpful Major, some changes were made in the size and arrangement of the windows. The new windows, he wrote Jackson, “are of very pretty size and proportions, and will look much better than the old ones.” He added that in his opinion the house as rebuilt would be a great improvement over the old one, both in interior arrangement and exterior appearance. At last, on August 2, 1836, Colonel Armstrong rendered to General Jackson a final statement of the expense of rebuilding: Estimate of bills of the Hermitage House, with the amount paid and balances due 1 June: For amount of Reiff and Hume bill per agreement contract $3,950 For extra work done upon change of plan 239 For work done on west wing and new kitchen, finding 186 everything For the full-length two-story porch added, finding 750 everything $5,125 To cash paid Reiff and Hume at sundry times $2,285 ditto paid 25 April 1,000 ditto paid by A Jackson in work 513 ditto paid June 24 500 $4,298 $ 827 For Amt bill Higgins plastering $900 To cash paid Higgins in part $500 ditto ditto June 24 225 725 175 For Amt bill of painting, paints, oils, etc. $400 To cash paid Horn and Wells (Horn 100) $188 do paid Horn 50 do paid Wells 25 263 137 Do paid Horn 2nd of August 1836 pd by A. J. jr. 85 $ 52 “The house is well built and convenient and in appearance greatly improved upon the old one,” Colonel Armstrong wrote Jackson upon its completion; and so the old General found it when he returned to the Hermitage in June, 1836.