Has anyone ever converted a church to a home? What are the surprises, extra costs that are unforeseen? Taxes?
My husband and I have found a beautiful, almost century-old churc and a newer detached fellowship hall. I know it sounds like a crazy idea, but we are falling for this place. However, there’s one huge drawback. The realtor won’t even drive down to our town to show us the inside until we come up with financing, etc. That’s not really a problem for us, as I know we could be approved, but we really don’t want to go through a huge amount of trouble (getting up-front cash) to find out the inside of this place is not what we want. Outside, both buildings look structurally sound and has a great "yard". I just want to know if anyone has been through this and what kind of hurdles I might expect. I don’t know if we should move forward or give up…
I myself have not done such a conversion though in my hometown 2 rural old churches have been done. It sounds beautiful but not withine it’s drawbacks. I thought you might be interested in reading the following website as it gives yu an account of 6 sucessful conversions done throughout the US. There is also 1 personal account and 3 real estate ads selling converted churces.
You don’t say whether it’s in a rural area or has town water and sewer system because if it’s not that could present a huge expense. It might be worth hiring a home inspection company to come in to give you an accurate accounting of the building sability and structural assessment. If you decide to build it you may want to hire a designer to come in an do up some blueprints for the conversion or at the very least some ideas as to how to divide the space. Y
You haven’t mentioned if it has an old cememtry on the grounds because that in itself could pose a problem. Who is responsible for it’s upkeep and do you really want one in your back yard? I think it’s best if you get as much professional advice as possible before making a serious commitment to this kind of project. Here is the website – at least it will give you some idea of what you are up against.
http://www.soloved.org/chouse.html
This next one has links to approx 9 sites where there have been conversions but a decorator’s insight into them along with some tips.
http://interiordec.about.com/cs/remodelchurch/
If you could find an old copy of This Old House there was an article along with pictures when they did a church/house conversion.
If you are absolutely serious about a project like this the real estate agent is obligated to the seller to show you the home. IF he still refuses call and complain and maybe another agent would be willing to come out. If all else fails dig out the name of the owner and let them know you are interested but the realator won’t show it. I’m sure any seller would’t be pleased.
Hope this is of some help. Good Luck
I myself have not done such a conversion though in my hometown 2 rural old churches have been done. It sounds beautiful but not withine it’s drawbacks. I thought you might be interested in reading the following website as it gives yu an account of 6 sucessful conversions done throughout the US. There is also 1 personal account and 3 real estate ads selling converted churces.
You don’t say whether it’s in a rural area or has town water and sewer system because if it’s not that could present a huge expense. It might be worth hiring a home inspection company to come in to give you an accurate accounting of the building sability and structural assessment. If you decide to build it you may want to hire a designer to come in an do up some blueprints for the conversion or at the very least some ideas as to how to divide the space. Y
You haven’t mentioned if it has an old cememtry on the grounds because that in itself could pose a problem. Who is responsible for it’s upkeep and do you really want one in your back yard? I think it’s best if you get as much professional advice as possible before making a serious commitment to this kind of project. Here is the website – at least it will give you some idea of what you are up against.
http://www.soloved.org/chouse.html
This next one has links to approx 9 sites where there have been conversions but a decorator’s insight into them along with some tips.
http://interiordec.about.com/cs/remodelchurch/
If you could find an old copy of This Old House there was an article along with pictures when they did a church/house conversion.
If you are absolutely serious about a project like this the real estate agent is obligated to the seller to show you the home. IF he still refuses call and complain and maybe another agent would be willing to come out. If all else fails dig out the name of the owner and let them know you are interested but the realator won’t show it. I’m sure any seller would’t be pleased.
Hope this is of some help. Good Luck
References :
Find the owner’s agent and have them show the building. If it is listed, they must show it to you. Do the present owners (church trustees? want another church to buy it?)
As a church it wouldn’t have been taxed, so you would be taxed based on what you pay for it and what you do it it since it wouldn’t have had a value history.
To get an occupancy permit to live in it might involve changes to bathrooms (install a shower for example), septic systems, wells, etc. A discussion with the local building inspector would clear up those issues pretty quickly. I would guess the kitchen would meet code. Sometimes with a change in use or a major renovation, everything would need to be brought to code. I wouldn’t expect this to be true, but would involve a lot of electrical work. An outlet every 12′ and within 6′ of the door for example.
It likely doesn’t have much insulation, so you may want to close off large sections seasonally. Often churches only heat the sanctuary 1 or 2 days a week, so they don’t bother to insulate much.
I have seen churches converted into lovely homes. Also old high churches like catholic make nice restaurants/bars
References :
I maintain a 150 year old church…