Latest news with #CheapOldHouses
USA Today
a day ago
- Business
- USA Today
Bless this house: are empty churches ripe for residential conversion?
When Cristiana Peña and Nick Porter began house-hunting in New York State in 2021, they were open-minded about their prospects. Peña has a background in historic preservation, and both expected to be able to work from home. 'But at every turn we were just getting priced out,' explained Peña, the director of social media for CIRCA Old Houses, the media company affiliated with Cheap Old Houses, which is a popular newsletter and HGTV show, among other things. Finally, they had an epiphany. 'Well, if we're taking the 'handcuffs off' geographically speaking, if I'm going to live in the middle of nowhere, I want it to be my dream house,' Peña said. 'And I'd always dreamed of living in a non-traditional something, whether it used to be a schoolhouse or a general store or a fire station or a church. So I was like, if we're gonna really go for it, I'm all in.' Four years later, the couple are the proud owners of 'Welsh Hall,' a former church that dates back to the 1790s and which had been vacant for a few decades. It's been a 'learning curve,' Peña told USA TODAY, and an expensive one – but the beauty of the building and its historical significance have been worth it. As church attendance declines and the housing market gets tighter, Peña and Porter's path may seem increasingly promising. There are plenty of vacant houses of worship around the country, but there's also a lot to consider before taking the leap (of faith). A 'tipping point' for vacant churches As recently as 1999, 70% of Americans responding to a Gallup poll said they belonged to a church, synagogue, or mosque. But by 2020, that number had fallen to just 47%. One estimate suggests that as many as 100,000 houses of worship could be closed over the next several years. Stephen Ferrandi is the founder and broker of PraiseBuildings, a Maryland-based religious building brokerage. '20 years ago when we first started, I said there's going to be a tipping point and you're going to see a lot of churches hit the market, but I didn't know what it was going to be,' Ferrandi said in an interview. 'Turns out it was COVID.' The majority of the houses of worship PraiseBuildings brokers are sold by one congregation to another, primarily newer immigrant groups. Ferrandi describes what may be a long path before congregations get to that point: 'It's just not sustainable," he said. "Honestly, they probably should have closed 30 years ago when they first started having the problems. The problem that everybody ran into was nobody wanted to make the decision to close the church.' Despite the opportunity these vacant churches represent, there are plenty of potential pitfalls, as anyone familiar with fixer-uppers may expect. 'All the pieces have to come together,' said Bill Skubik, founder of Michigan-based Religious Real Estate. Can churches and other religious buildings be residences? Most older churches for sale have one extremely wide-open space and exceptionally tall ceilings. In many cases, houses of worship have few bathrooms – and perhaps none of them full – and either a small, rudimentary kitchen, or a giant commercial-scale one. There can be some charm in that: Glen Jackson, who owns two churches in the metropolitan Pittsburgh area, likens the blank slate of a historic church to the industrial loft buildings made into cool residences a few decades ago. And as Elizabeth Finkelstein, co-founder of CIRCA Old Houses, puts it, 'you will have the coolest house in town.' Still, many of them may require drastic overhauls to make them feel more like homes, and many will need expensive updates to plumbing, heating and electrical work, and perhaps a new roof. Financing a church renovation No matter the specific circumstances, buying a church that needs to be renovated to serve as a home will likely require nontraditional financing, according to people who spoke to USA TODAY. Peña and Porter got a traditional mortgage for the purchase of the church, and are taking out construction loans for renovations as they go. Churches can often be bought for far less than houses: Jackson is currently selling one of his for only $60,000. So other owners have paid cash for the building, as it can be challenging to take out small mortgages, and then borrowed funds for the rehab work. In many cases, church buildings may have a separate building on the grounds, such as a minister's home, which can be occupied while the construction work is ongoing, and may also be rented for income later on, once the main building is habitable. Notably, sources caution that it may take work to get appraisals and homeowners insurance because of the lack of comparable properties. Skubik offers another consideration: if the church is in an area of lower property values, you may want to consider how much work you put into the renovations so the completed property doesn't have a drastically higher value that's completely out of place in its neighborhood. Finally, if you're counting on financial assistance from the community or a nonprofit or the government, make sure you have it nailed down – a lesson Glen Jackson, who believed local government officials had the same goals he did, learned the hard way. Buying a home with spirit In some suburban or rural areas, churches may sit on land that's surrounded by cemeteries. Consider how you'll feel if people come to visit, but more importantly make sure you have a plan for construction projects or infrastructure that has to enter the building through that land. On a more positive note, you may find that your neighbors and others in the community can share stories about the history of your home. It may even be an anchor of the community. "You kind of become a local hero because you've preserved an anchor of the town," Finkelstein said. "A building like that, really (is) kind of the centerpiece of the community.' Embrace the challenge of converting a church Perhaps the best advice comes from Peña, who says anyone buying a 'non-traditional building' for a home should embrace its essence. 'I get it that changes need to happen to make it livable,' she said. 'But the way that we're making our mark is as minimal as possible, so that hopefully it will forever be the thing that attracted us to it in the first place. So I would encourage people, if they're going to look for a church, be prepared to keep it churchy.'
USA Today
a day ago
- Business
- USA Today
Too many empty churches, not enough homes. Is it a match made in heaven?
When Cristiana Perez and Nick Porter began house-hunting in New York State in 2021, they were open-minded about their prospects. Perez has a background in historic preservation, and both expected to be able to work from home. 'But at every turn we were just getting priced out,' explained Perez, the director of social media for CIRCA Old Houses, the media company affiliated with Cheap Old Houses, which is a popular newsletter and HGTV show, among other things. Finally, they had an epiphany. 'Well, if we're taking the 'handcuffs off' geographically speaking, if I'm going to live in the middle of nowhere, I want it to be my dream house,' Perez said. 'And I'd always dreamed of living in a non-traditional something, whether it used to be a schoolhouse or a general store or a fire station or a church. So I was like, if we're gonna really go for it, I'm all in.' Four years later, the couple are the proud owners of 'Welsh Hall,' a former church that dates back to the 1790s and which had been vacant for a few decades. It's been a 'learning curve,' Perez told USA TODAY, and an expensive one – but the beauty of the building and its historical significance have been worth it. As church attendance declines and the housing market gets tighter, Perez and Porter's path may seem increasingly promising. There are plenty of vacant houses of worship around the country, but there's also a lot to consider before taking the leap (of faith). A 'tipping point' for vacant churches As recently as 1999, 70% of Americans responding to a Gallup poll said they belonged to a church, synagogue, or mosque. But by 2020, that number had fallen to just 47%. One estimate suggests that as many as 100,000 houses of worship could be closed over the next several years. Stephen Ferrandi is the founder and broker of PraiseBuildings, a Maryland-based religious building brokerage. '20 years ago when we first started, I said there's going to be a tipping point and you're going to see a lot of churches hit the market, but I didn't know what it was going to be,' Ferrandi said in an interview. 'Turns out it was COVID.' The majority of the houses of worship PraiseBuildings brokers are sold by one congregation to another, primarily newer immigrant groups. Ferrandi describes what may be a long path before congregations get to that point: 'It's just not sustainable," he said. "Honestly, they probably should have closed 30 years ago when they first started having the problems. The problem that everybody ran into was nobody wanted to make the decision to close the church.' Despite the opportunity these vacant churches represent, there are plenty of potential pitfalls, as anyone familiar with fixer-uppers may expect. 'All the pieces have to come together,' said Bill Skubik, founder of Michigan-based Religious Real Estate. Can churches and other religious buildings be residences? Most older churches for sale have one extremely wide-open space and exceptionally tall ceilings. In many cases, houses of worship have few bathrooms – and perhaps none of them full – and either a small, rudimentary kitchen, or a giant commercial-scale one. There can be some charm in that: Glen Jackson, who owns two churches in the metropolitan Pittsburgh area, likens the blank slate of a historic church to the industrial loft buildings made into cool residences a few decades ago. And as Elizabeth Finkelstein, co-founder of CIRCA Old Houses, puts it, 'you will have the coolest house in town.' Still, many of them may require drastic overhauls to make them feel more like homes, and many will need expensive updates to plumbing, heating and electrical work, and perhaps a new roof. Financing a church renovation No matter the specific circumstances, buying a church that needs to be renovated to serve as a home will likely require nontraditional financing, according to people who spoke to USA TODAY. Perez and Porter got a traditional mortgage for the purchase of the church, and are taking out construction loans for renovations as they go. Churches can often be bought for far less than houses: Jackson is currently selling one of his for only $60,000. So other owners have paid cash for the building, as it can be challenging to take out small mortgages, and then borrowed funds for the rehab work. In many cases, church buildings may have a separate building on the grounds, such as a minister's home, which can be occupied while the construction work is ongoing, and may also be rented for income later on, once the main building is habitable. Notably, sources caution that it may take work to get appraisals and homeowners insurance because of the lack of comparable properties. Skubik offers another consideration: if the church is in an area of lower property values, you may want to consider how much work you put into the renovations so the completed property doesn't have a drastically higher value that's completely out of place in its neighborhood. Finally, if you're counting on financial assistance from the community or a nonprofit or the government, make sure you have it nailed down – a lesson Glen Jackson, who believed local government officials had the same goals he did, learned the hard way. Buying a home with spirit In some suburban or rural areas, churches may sit on land that's surrounded by cemeteries. Consider how you'll feel if people come to visit, but more importantly make sure you have a plan for construction projects or infrastructure that has to enter the building through that land. On a more positive note, you may find that your neighbors and others in the community can share stories about the history of your home. It may even be an anchor of the community. "You kind of become a local hero because you've preserved an anchor of the town," Finkelstein said. "A building like that, really (is) kind of the centerpiece of the community.' Embrace the challenge of converting a church Perhaps the best advice comes from Perez, who says anyone buying a 'non-traditional building' for a home should embrace its essence. 'I get it that changes need to happen to make it livable,' she said. 'But the way that we're making our mark is as minimal as possible, so that hopefully it will forever be the thing that attracted us to it in the first place. So I would encourage people, if they're going to look for a church, be prepared to keep it churchy.'
Buzz Feed
29-01-2025
- Climate
- Buzz Feed
10 Expert-Recommended Products For Keeping Drafts Out
You love the original hardwood floors and charming pocket doors in your gorgeous older home, but boy, does it get cold in the winter. Though you may think that this is just a part of living in a vintage abode, Elizabeth Finkelstein, co-founder of Cheap Old Houses and author of ' Cheap Old Houses: An Unconventional Guide to Loving and Restoring a Forgotten Home,' said older properties don't have to be freezing. Amazon 'There is nothing inherently drafty about old houses; in fact, many of them are built with stronger, old-growth wood, brick, and plaster that are far better insulators than cheaper modern materials,' Finkelstein told us. 'However, deferred maintenance may mean that spaces are no longer airtight, which can lead to drafts.' If air is coming into your space, it makes sense that during the cooler months, you feel extra chilly. Steve Cymbalsky, founder of Brownstone Home Inspection and The Tinker's Wagon wood door restoration and repair in Brooklyn, New York, added that because of atmospheric pressure (specifically the stack effect), warmer air is pushed up inside homes, ultimately escaping through the roof. 'This system is at work all year long but intensifies in the winter as cooler air enters the house and is warmed,' Cymbalsky told us. 'To minimize stack effect, it is not only important to reduce openings for air to enter at the bottom of the house, but also on higher floors in the house.' To increase the heat in your home this winter, both Finkelstein and Cymbalsky emphasized the importance of blocking out places where cold air can creep in and increasing insulation to contain the warmth within your home. If you're looking to up your heat retention for the next few months, read on for these expert's guidance and suggestions. 1. Seal up those windows Indow Windows Per Elizabeth Finkelstein, co-founder of Cheap Old Houses, your windows are a key opportunity for drafts to come in. "For both old and new houses, I'd recommend interior storm windows," she says. "If you're waiting on the chance to have your old windows restored or re-glazed, interior storms can be a great way to retain heat in the meantime." Finkelstein shouted out Oregon-based Indow Windows, which makes customized insulated window inserts with patented compression tubing that help regulate your home's temperature without disrupting your windows. They have an easy sample kit available on Amazon to help you get your exact measurements and specifications right, and then can be delivered right to your door. Get a sample kit from Amazon for $30. 2. Or try insulating shrink film Amazon This window kit is a budget-friendly editor's pick that you can install pretty quickly. It comes with clear film that shrinks over windows to keep out the cold. Reviewer Catalin Day wrote, "I can't afford to put new windows, so I bought this in hopes that it will keep the house warmer in the [winter], and it did. The annoying little breeze that would enter is gone, and the heating bill went down." Other reviews mention being able to turn the thermostat in their house down 5 degrees, because the film works so well and even using the film in warmer seasons to help the cool air stay in. Find this set in options of 5 or 10 for windows measuring 3 by 5 feet. Get it from Amazon for $18.94+. 3. Seal the bottom of your door Amazon Of course, the bottom of your door can also be sealed. Cymbalsky makes his own bottom seals with thin wood and a vinyl door sweep, but if you're looking for a pre-made one, he recommends the wood-capped sweeps from M-D Building Products of Oklahoma. These attach to the inner bottom of your door to help keep cold air out and warm air in. Amazon Steve Cymbalsky, founder of New York-based Brownstone Home Inspection, said that your front door is likely the biggest spot for cold air to get into your place. Cymbalsky said it's incredibly difficult to seal the outside of older doors, especially larger double doors, which he often works with in Brooklyn. "Instead, we tell customers to focus on the inner vestibule door. The single inner door with its wide wooden frame all around it makes a great place to install an insulated wooden door stop," he said. If you're super handy (as Cymbalsky is), he said you can make your own insulated doorstop by buying a stain-grade doorstop f rom a lumber shop then rabbeting out the back and adding a weather strip. If you want something a little easier, Cymbalsky suggested grabbing a pre-made doorstop from New-Jersey based manufacturer Randall. "These kinds of wood-covered products are more suited for older homes because the insulation strips can be had in darker colors (black or brown) and the wood can be stained or painted to match the wood work in the house," he said. Get it from Amazon for $49.99. 5. Amazon Another editor's pick for a pretty effortless heating hack, this weighted door-stopper helps block wind and keep warm in your space. Amazon reviewer Jazz and Blues wrote: "Bought one of these draft stoppers and am incredibly impressed. Night and day difference in drafty areas. I will be coming back to order more!" Find it in four colors in a variety of sizes, all including installation hooks and tape. It also can work to keep cool air in during the summer, to help soundproof your home, and can go in the washing machine when it starts to get dirty. Get it from Amazon for $21.88+. 6. Opt for thick, insulated drapes Target Another great way to keep in the heat around your windows? Finkelstein says to go for heavy curtains to increase insulation. This two-panel set is thermal insulated with a linen blend texture that's super chic. They help keep out light and sound and can regulate the temperature all year. Get them from Target for $69.99+ (originally $119.99+; available in two sizes and three colors). 7. Amazon You may be cozy around a burning fire all winter long. Yet, when the fireplace is not in use, Cymbalsky said it's a big opening for cold air to get into your house. He recommends closing off or covering your fireplace, only when it is not in use, to try to block that airflow. We love this magnetic fireplace blanket that can easily be placed on your fireplace to keep cold air from coming in. It comes in 14 sizes and reviewers say it has saved them money on their heating and electric bills. 8. Ensure your dryer vent cover is working Amazon Another sneaky spot cold air can get in is your dryer vent cover. Cymbalsky said to ensure it is working properly, and not allowing cold air inside. We found this highly-rated dryer vent seal that lets hot air escape from the bottom and doesn't let outdoor air in. It has a 4.7-star overall rating with reviewers saying it's easy to install. 9. Ensure AC units are covered Amazon Cymbalsky suggests removing any window AC units as the weather turns. Yet, if you're not able to take them out, or you have a through-wall unit, he recommends covering it to limit potential drafts. For covering AC units or vents, we found two highly rated options, both of which come in a variety of sizes to fit your specific appliance. Get the AC unit cover from Amazon for $16.99+ (available in two colors) or the vent cover for $19.95+. 10. Pump the humidity Amazon When the cold air makes you feel dry and brittle, Finkelstein suggests getting a humidifier that can give off a warm mist. "Humidifying a house that is dry due to winter heating can also help the space feel warm," she said. We love this highly-rated smart humidifier that you can control with your phone. It has warm and cool mist features with reviewers saying it helps keep their space warm and cozy in the winter.
