From Abandoned to Astonishing: A 30-Year-Old's $16,500 Home Makeover

A 30-year-old architectural historian purchased an abandoned house in Wheeling, West Virginia for $16,500 and embarked on a transformative renovation project. Over 18 months, the 3,075-square-foot house underwent extensive repairs, including masonry work, new windows, floors, and walls. The homeowner preserved as much of the original detail as possible and even had the house appraised at $202,000 after the initial repairs. The renovated house now features a combination of original and modern elements, including a kitchen with professional appliances. The homeowner is proud to be part of the solution in revitalizing the neighborhood and believes in the value of historic properties for affordable access to real estate.