I Bought an Abandoned Church!

Make hay when the sun shines! I bought an abandoned church, and I'm turning it into a design studio to make videos for KZbin. In the long run, I'm going to renovate the whole property into a luxury air BNB rental. So follow along for the journey and learn how to turn an old 1980's property into something awesome!
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Series: Jeff's 1880s Church Remodel
Episode 1 "I Bought an Abandoned Church! " (2021)
Master Episode 54
Produced by Jeff and Michelle Thorman
Written & Directed by: Maximilian Moskal
Hosted by: Jeff Thorman
Renovation Design & Staging by Jeff and Michelle Thorman
Cinematography by: Maximilian Moskal
Aerial Photography and Additional Camera: Ian Holmes
Editing by: Maximilian Moskal
Produced by: Home Renovision DIY 2021
Video & Editing Services Provided by:
Subdivision Films LTD.
www.Subdivisio...
Disclaimer:
Videos produced by Reality Renovision are provided for informational purposes only. All material provided within this website is for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. The DIY instructions used here are used to simply breakdown projects to their simplest steps. Please use a clear mind and use all safety precautions while following the tutorials provided by this site. Reality Renovision does not make any claims of the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources listed on this site and will not take responsibility of what you do with the information provided by this site. Viewers must be aware by doing projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Reality Renovision cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. With different codes around the world and constantly changing standards, regulations and rules, it is the sole responsibility of the viewer to educate themselves on their local requirements before undertaking any sort of project. That being said Reality Renovision cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project. Be safe, have fun renovating and ALWAYS stay informed with your local building code.

[@xXbakacoconutXx]

I'm so excited to see the entire process for this! A quick word of caution regarding pools and farming fields though! My grandmother had an in-ground pool, and it was absolutely wonderful for many years. However, after a couple hurricanes like Sandy hit (I'm in New Jersey), the field down the road had lost a lot of soil, so the water runoff was no longer properly managed and it was flooding into the surrounding area. My grandmother's beautiful pool kept getting flooded with muddy water from the field every time there were heavy rains - it was one of the key factors that led to her moving. I wanted to share this in the hopes that it'll be something you bear in mind as you begin the expensive process of getting that pool in! I'm sure you'll be able to think of something to protect it!

[@ajx1994]

You are nuts... and that's exactly why I can't stop watching. Good Luck! :)

[@REALITYRENOVISION]

😂

[@Havanah2006]

This is soo exciting 😍

[@jasongoodwin5945]

Sheeesh. Sound like a whole lot of work.

[@EDBailley]

It will be so exciting to see how you renovate this old church into a beautiful home! It was exciting seeing you renovate the farm house too!

[@SubdivisionAuto]

We are filming like mad dogs before Jeff leaves for Florida. So at the moment we are filming new footage for each channel. Should be fun to share with the folks

[@EDBailley]

Hey I live in Florida! Yeah I bet you are, I have learned so much from Jeff's videos! I appreciate all you do!

[@natuhajennifer3385]

Where are you ?

[@RealGood10]

Judging by the vegetation you bought the church in the spring. If you sell it now you will get 500k, without any renos, lol

[@henryaldrich7726]

i could swear i already saw a video where the building already painted?

[@millieh.-nyc6537]

Wow, church has great bones. Congrats on your new purchase. I can't wait for the start of this journey. Wishing you, your family & your crew (& their family) a wonderful Thanksgiving. Be well.

[@REALITYRENOVISION]

Thank you! Same to you. Cheers

[@peteryeung111]

That's a bargain Jeff! You can't even get a 400sqf condo at this price in DT Toronto. This will be an awesome series. Just finished watching EC spec house. Now, this will be exciting to follow.

[@_Mikekkk]

Hmmm, I watched this video like 6 months ago. 1 million is not a big price. There is a piece of land near me - about 10 acres, far from city. There is no house, no well, no electricity, forest. Can you guess the price?? 1.5 millions... One advantage - it is on the lake shore, that's it. House market is crazy in Canada.

[@tatianacrowl9600]

Jeff, we have been watching you for the last 6-7 months. We binged on many of your episodes, sometimes 2-3 hours in a row. It was a bitter sweet to see you saying “goodbye” to your “retirement palace”, and very touching last few days at the house. You fooled us all, you were creating someone’s else “retirement palace”, and they will enjoy it very much. Just like all of us enjoyed watching you creating it. So, happy and excited for your new adventure. It looks like a great place to create new memories with friends, family and fans. Good luck! We will be watching you :)

[@richardbenson4750]

The Church of Jeff? Is this like the remodeling cult? Jk and I look forward to seeing this series.

[@simonlarose7352]

It would be super interesting to have you discuss the financial aspects of the project. How you searched for and found the deal, the financial projections, estimated reno budget, negotiation, inspection, closing, financing. Then what you plan to do in terms of renos, the costs you are projecting, timeline and after reno value. (You already gave some of that info) It would give insight into your decision process leading to decide to go with the project and we would get to see how your plan evolves and pans out in real life. Super gutsy and original project.

[@amac9245]

This is going to be spectacular! I don't know if I am more excited to see the final product or to watch and learn along this exciting the journey. Pitter patter let's get at'er!

[@REALITYRENOVISION]

working on it! Cheers

[@ChristinaLehn]

Hello up north. We are buying a church! Built 1870! With 5600 sq foot and another 2800 sq ft available. I'll be watching your videos!

[@starlightmckennah5241]

Price?

[@Emmilythecat]

Hey Jeff, I need to see how to widen a narrow door to allow wheelchair access.

[@TyZo]

Please get started ASAP! I cannot wait to watch this transformation. Long time fan of the channel. Really loving this direction in the channel!

[@SubdivisionAuto]

We have already started. Keep watching this channel to see what the plan and progress is and watch the main channel for the how to videos. Cheers

[@anneriboldi9057]

I cannot wait to watch every single one of your videos for this new project. My husband and I swear by Jeff now. We just bought a house and we’re turning the basement into an apartment and updating the upper two floors. The best part is that every time we have a question on something, we check your channel and find a video on it. Anyway, can’t wait to watch this new journey! Can I get an amen?!

[@REALITYRENOVISION]

That is awesome!

[@mfjl3253]

Wow Creative as ever... I expect your new magazine, will start publication soon . Titled "This Old Church'' lol

[@REALITYRENOVISION]

Noice!

[@deanawright9652]

Hi Mr. Jeff Thorman i live woodbridge Va

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

GEish! Jeff! This is going to be a lot of fun! I am so impressed at your drive for vision and mindfulness to keep viewers focused and interested! We are going to learn a lot from this church project, and marvel at the skills to get it done. Yes, as a DIY'er, there will be "drama" with getting all the moving parts coordinated. But, HEY! Isn't that somewhat part of the challenge and satisfaction after the project is completed with success! I look so forward to watching your future video's...and....I review your older ones that are applicable to what project I have on the go and that you have already completed. Subscribed and notification bell is "on!" Awesome! Nice to feel we are not alone with self home renovations. Your support is a diamond in the ruff.....and growing! Your other channel has over 2 million subscribers!!!! Congrats!

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Your awesome Meg thanks for following the journey. Lots ahead in this one its a big project. THanks for the comment

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

@@SubdivisionAuto Absolutely my pleasure😉 And with this new coronavirus mutant in South Africa, this Winter will feel a bit more cozy watching your church project develop into a marvel of ingenuity, patience and ..... yes.....a bit of drama! (wink wink!)🇨🇦

[@Finite-Tuning]

You changed your zoning? I wish I had a church just for the tax break. I'd worship/practice the religion of Michael (that's me) and never pay taxes again! I would gladly open my storage shed doors on Sunday for others that would like to practice my religion. And of coarse I'll gladly take those tax free donations from all of my loyal followers. And you went and changed your zoning??? Ya missed a real golden opportunity there. Cheers man 🍻.

[@thamontgomeryz]

This is exciting. A family friend turned an old church into a beautiful family home

[@gtgodbear6320]

If I had the money I would build a Christian chapel room into my house. A room dedicated to worshiping God and read/study the Word. Repentance is required before entering. Keep that room as pure as possible. Maybe give it baptism capabilities. To be able to baptize any visitor. I'd gift a KJV Bible to any visitor who would want one.

[@sapphirexwind]

I found a church that was already converted. It was ca. 1920 or so. It had TIN fleur-de-lis patterned walls and ceiling, vaulted ceiling, was painted periwinkle(actually liked), steeple windows, and a working bell...along with a historical cemetery on the property....but the smell was unbearable, and some windows were missing window panes and filled in with Plexi. I can't afford the renovations and couldn't breathe in there. Was my dream church. *Sadness* I know I will find something eventually... but between this and the last house I almost bought..i'm getting discouraged. This looks like a great project, especially the Tiny Home idea. That was my other goal as well.

[@dangfangled7045]

wow you will be my neighbour whoop whoop

[@thomasfeldman3613]

Hey Jeff, really hope you answer my question because I'm thinking about buying a church too. It's a really big place but would need a lot of interior work (which I'd feel comfortable doing) but my concern is how much it'd cost to possibly replace the roof (steep grade) or HVAC system. I know in the video you recommend people go for something like a church but would you recommend one that needs lots of reno?

[@mattcraztex9940]

Clearly this did not turn out because it was for sale for a little over 400K and it did not sell. I think the plan for this was far over budget for the area considering this is in the middle of the country away from any city setting. Making money off renovating or building is definitely profitable. But not everything needs/ makes sense to renovate.

[@elpolloloco6939]

Isn’t this the one that got painted grey a while back?

[@HorseInTheHospital]

I feel like this is a glitch in the matrix, I was scrolling comments like why am I the only one that that’s seen this already

[@SubdivisionAuto]

It is and you will see that in a few weeks along with some other footage you havent seen before yet.

[@aalamo5901]

This is genius! I been watching so many of your vids. Cant wait to be able to afford materials so i can renovate my own house. Ty for all your work.

[@REALITYRENOVISION]

You can do it!

[@randypaul5427]

I bought a historic 1876 Church in Georgia that purchased in 2018 for storage, I am about to covert to a loft living space. I have purchased and restored antebellum period and Victorian homes for the last 16 years but this is the first building I don’t want to sell. It’s the most peaceful building I have ever owned.

[@fredphilippi8388]

My first question is: who would want to spend a million dollars to live in that solitary area? And .. an outdoor pool in Canada? Maybe you can ice skate on it for 6-8 months of the year?

[@arofibook]

I am a Professional Archaeologist and one thing you should consider is the fact that there is a good possibility of dead people buried in your backyard. Even though it's probably not a registered cemetery, people tend to bury 'Old Uncle Bob' near his church when nobody is looking. Also, because it's an old church, people might have been buried there in the 19th Century.

[@vitocapozza2622]

How about an organic swimming pond make believe you’re living in nature among the forest and dandelion fields in the summer. But if it gets cold, in winter, you should skate if this pond becomes a rink.

[@michelegrigg4952]

I am in the process of buying a church built in 1889 on .9 acre. We can't wait to move in.

[@lorivezina7913]

You tube needs a “love” option like just doesn’t do it! I’m about to retire and start renovating a 1981 Northern Michigan (boring) and can’t wait to work along with you!

[@darkmagna9004]

"You can make more money than a heart surgeon". That only works when you can find a nice chunk of property with a ready-to-roll place that doesn't require a major rebuild first....and it's gotta be priced low. Not a bunch of those laying around my area.

[@markk3504]

I used to like you a LOT -- now I don't. Oh don't get me wrong Jeff, it's not because you are who you are. Oh no. It's simply because you found a super cool old church and get to fix it up and I don't. Ha ha.

[@royceholmes3686]

Didn't you post this video a while back???

[@SubdivisionAuto]

On the main channel yes but not this one. We have a lot of new content being filmed as we speak for this channel not seen on the main channel

[@jasonervoes1326]

Congratulations. That's so awesome. I don't blame you. I would've done the same thing. You've got great 💡 ideas. You're a great role model and You're an inspiration to us all. Keep up the great videos.

[@Nhfilz]

750k profit not including Cost of materials… You can tell you’re not from the US, heart surgeons make twice that a year here.

[@c31979839]

Any cemetery on the property? I know some of these old churches used to burry some of the congregation in patches of their property.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Not on this one thank God haha

[@fliporhold]

@@SubdivisionAuto don't talk so fast.. let's see when you dig the pool.

[@tammyprewitt271]

My husband and I sold our home and bought a church to renovate and live in. It was built in the 1960’s and it’s a modern mid century architecture. It’s been a slow process for us since we are living in it as we renovate.

[@MrJohnweez]

I am so excited for this!

[@gbltheolechurch5acrehomestead]

My wife and I bought a church and land and we are restoring and renovating it into our retirement home and homestead!

[@sachadoucet9126]

Can you visit me in Calgary and help with a kitchen and/or bathroom remodel?! I make great homemade whateveryouliketoeat 😁

[@HeatherRose_]

I've looked at a few churches but they were so run down they weren't worth it. I'm going to see another one outside Owen Sound, Ontario, wish me luck.

[@skizilla]

Theres not a person alive that hasn't thought about doing something like this. Im totally looking forward to seeing this come to life.

[@REALITYRENOVISION]

right now we are working hard filming in the studio space. next year we renovate

[@skizilla]

@@REALITYRENOVISION (Cartman Voice): Sweeet.

[@Themalvar56]

Dejavu🤨

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Don't worry Mike lots of new stuff coming just filling I'm the gaps for the folks not apart both channels. Cheers

[@Coras-Treats]

A little late 😅 Just catching up on you guys. So excited to follow you on your journey. Keep up the good work 👏

[@stelyankaragyozov6990]

Hi Jeff, can you show us or talk about stair case remodel and noise/squeak fix 😉

[@jamiebeith1875]

When do you expect to start the tiny house? I'm actually interested in making one in my own backyard

[@aswilliamson]

This is amazing, we also bought a church in a small town in south western Ontario, this looks like south western Ontario too?

[@nicheavener5215]

I love the idea a lot! Not sure you’ll get a million for it and the only reason I say that is the location but I hope you prove me wrong!

[@abletochangeone]

Looking forward to all of the new content from your new studio...

[@joshuam7957]

I'm looking forward to this. You think you'll keep it or sell it?

[@Chipanddale999]

Please make the building look beautiful in your own style

[@hiris1903]

Have you considered geothermal heat pump installation?

[@CHRISTINE162004]

Aww I would love to live there where there are next to no neighbors.. This is a dream!🤩

[@nellermann]

figure out how to get that power line moved around your property instead of cutting right through the middle of it.

[@bethdurbin3279]

Oh I can’t wait. Jeff your NUTS LOL. This is going to be so fun to watch and go on the journey with. Thank you for taking us along with you.

[@nappyscribe1987]

For some reason I want to buy a small church to turn into a salon.

[@c31979839]

Amazing! Looking forward to watching your journey with this place. Looks like it's going to be a whole ton of fun. And I'm sure you'll find a few interesting things along the way. 😉

[@SubdivisionAuto]

For sure Walker. On top of filming weekly videos for the main channel we are filming segments for this channel that are not seen on the big Channel. Lots of filming being done here at the moment so don't worry it'll be a fun ride

[@kmckoloa808]

This is freaking amazing! I've been renovating my home for the last year, learning a ton from your channel and applying all the knowledge to my own build. Excited to learn more! I'm happy that we will be getting into the finances, permitting, and zoning; would you ever do a video going through different options of financing projects like this? Meaning, for someone who wants to go for it but maybe doesn't have the capital initially or someone wanting to rezone a single family to a multifamily and build a duplex! Idk haha just curious.

[@jcmhanel1]

I am buckled up and ready for the ride! Can’t wait!

[@sweetdiablo777]

wooow Congrats how can i see the private videos? do i have to become a memeber?

[@albertoquezada5242]

Excellent property

[@angelagreen4751]

Fab Jeff I'm really looking forward to it x

[@torontopianotuning]

What did you do with the player piano in the basement?

[@Mogipbob]

I will watch this series religiously :)

[@robmcneill2967]

I wanted to install some flooring, they said watch this Reno Guy on KZbin 😃😃😃 Now I want to buy a dog gone church somewhere and flip it... Best of luck, we will be along for the whole ride Cheers🍻🍻 Rob & Wendy!

[@REALITYRENOVISION]

Cheers Rob and Wendy!

[@ilija7979]

If I was there I would ask for all that stuff in the church

[@GenX_Brian]

Congrats. Can’t wait to follow the progress

[@kevingentry7519]

Sounds like a phenomenal project - just sad to see the church abandoned. 140 years old - I'm sure there's tons of history.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Its sad but i think it sadder if its just lies abandoned. Turing it into a home and giving it a second life sounds like a positive idea. I think a lot of these tpyes of properties are going to come on the market in the next couple years

[@Jlaudiomustangs10]

Umm you said Hell of a lot of fun in a church at the altar 😂

[@lizardman1303]

Subscribed because their was a cost breakdown .

[@prunaadrian-nicusor6509]

How many tiny houses can fit in there? :))

[@thedivide3688]

So exciting!!!!

[@BeeegDuck]

Winter travel? Visiting? Free labor? haha

[@latinguyok]

Live stream 🔴 the reno-reveal party!🎉

[@bluebuilding]

This will exciting to follow! Good luck

[@whydoihavetohaveaname-]

Howling’ boo-yah! Jeff bought a church! And you did it for “me”? Awesome 👏 🤩, I will be your first member of the House of Jeff, Where renovation is close to Jeff-ryness… Ok, that sounds silly… But I will bet it would make a decently righteous “sect” compared with some of the loopy cult-ures amongst us… Cheers!

[@REALITYRENOVISION]

Love it!!

[@jinksy31337]

I'm so excited for this jurney

[@PretyEccentricAnimal]

Jeff, I am so pleased to hear about the new project. I have followed the previous Farm House and it was fantastic. You and your team work hard and deserve all the blessings God provides you with. People who work with their hands and are so generous with their time like you will always be blessed. I wish you much blessings and luck and I am sure you will finish this project in less time than you have anticipated. God Bless and I am looking forward to viewing the progress.

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Thank you for the nice comment Marie, Jeff and his family appreciate it. Have a great weekend

[@ilija7979]

Mostly the preaching materials

[@Averyanderson]

I’ll be here for the ride! Can’t wait to start

[@ger3dine]

Jeff love your videos. I thought you were coming to United States. Church is in Canada?

[@REALITYRENOVISION]

coming in a few days!

[@starlightmckennah5241]

What price did you buy it for?

[@REDCLAYHOMESTEAD]

The church of Jeff

[@SubdivisionAuto]

That's right writing the book of renovision

[@Bewefau]

some of us have no money to fix the house /sigh

[@kharrell8356]

good for you, but what about the wife?

[@nedderfu]

Brilliant. This is really exciting.

[@dinosaursneverexisted8985]

bless you Reverend Thorman

[@murphyrp01]

Looks good Jeff. Can’t wait

[@Kushari]

Amazing! I want to learn more about the tedious things like permits that you don’t know about until you know about them.

[@REALITYRENOVISION]

will get into this. Cheers

[@billm.8220]

This is going to be an awesome project. Can’t wait to see the transformations to come alive. Looking forward to seeing how this turns out. I’m sure it will give me ideas for my place. Let the show begin !!

[@SubdivisionAuto]

Right on Bill trust me Jeff has some big plans for this place should be really cool. Thanks for the support

[@antonykao]

You heard him boys and girls, he bought it for us. When do we get to move in?

[@REALITYRENOVISION]

cheers! so I can make videos for you!

[@Jlaudiomustangs10]

This is going to be an epic Reno

[@NA-su3jk]

Go get em ... awesome project.