Historic Church Renovation Costs Reach $400,000
Owners of older buildings should plan for major structural repairs that can exceed initial cost estimates.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Home Renovation
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In June 2024, Michigan resident Whitney Anderson began transforming a 128-year-old church into a home and bed and breakfast. The project requires extensive structural repairs, including leveling an 18-inch floor slope with custom 44-foot I-joists.
Why it matters
Renovating historic structures like churches involves complex structural challenges that can significantly inflate total costs. Anderson has already invested $194,000, with final costs projected to reach $400,000 by the planned 2028 completion.
The property was purchased for $45,000 in June 2024. Leveling the building required custom 44-foot I-joists to address an 18-inch floor slope.
The players
Whitney Anderson
A homeowner who is currently managing the renovation of a historic Michigan church property.
Home Reimagined
A television program that features residential renovation projects and architectural transformations.
The details
Structural work on the church required installing new roofs and gutters, alongside the complex process of leveling the floor. Anderson utilized custom 44-foot I-joists to correct the significant 18-inch slope. While Anderson managed demolition, drywall, and painting, projects involving major structural members like these I-joists typically require consultation with a licensed structural engineer or contractor.
Timeline
June 2024: Renovation work began on the church property.
March 2025: Whitney Anderson appeared on the program Home Reimagined.
Fall 2028: Earliest planned opening for the bed and breakfast.
Spring 2029: Latest planned opening for the bed and breakfast.
The Home Front
Historic renovations often require navigating specialized building codes for non-residential structures. Homeowners converting such properties face unique cost escalations compared to standard residential repairs.
When considering the purchase of a historic property, always hire a licensed structural engineer to assess foundational slopes and joist integrity. Ensure your budget accounts for long-term project timelines and potential costs that may double your initial renovation estimates.
The takeaway
Historic conversions are long-term commitments that demand careful structural oversight and significant financial buffer for unforeseen repairs. If you are planning a major renovation, document your floor plans and utility updates to help manage your long-term project schedule.
Further reading
For tips on managing large-scale structural improvements, visit Home Renovation.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
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Do you support converting historic buildings, like old churches, into private homes to preserve them?
